Origin

In 1820 the rat terrier Evolved in England and it was created by mixing the fox terrier and the Manchester terrier. In the 19th century the breed reached America and gained a great popularity there. In USA they were mixed with other breeds like the beagles, Chihuahua and whippets.

General Description

They are small in size. They have a small flat head and small pointed muzzle with a black nose at the tip. they have a long muscular neck and a level back side slightly sloping towards the tail. They have a fatless body structure and straight boned small limbs and legs. The Rat terrier has black eyes and sharp teeth enough for a scissor bite. Some of them may have a docked tail and some of them may not. They have a small coat mainly found in black and white, tan and white or they are also found in black, tan and white colour.

Character

This is a very well built and athletic breed and also have a lot of stamina. They are very good hunters just as scent hounds. They are highly socialized, very much active in their work and have high tolerance power. Rat terriers are extremely hard workers and at the same time they are very close and loving to their families. Some are protective but most of them are good to strangers. Their bark is not at all famous.

Temperament

The Rat terriers behave very gently, they are very good to their families and at the same time they are very courageous as they are good hunters. Not at all protective to their families, very good to children and a very sweet breed. They are extremely good to children and other dogs but you cannot trust them with non canine pets. They have such melodious barks that the tones have been used in many songs. They are so sharp in nature that many of them learn how to open gates. As they are great warriors if they get a scent once they will follow it by neglecting all commands. They are not at all apartment dogs and should not be left alone for a long time. The Rat terriers are not good watchdogs but they are good hunters.

Training

The Rat terriers are very difficult to housebreak. They should be socialized properly in order to prevent them from being timid and aloof. They should be trained properly with firmness. As they are the hunter dogs they should be trained like that.

Health

The Rat terriers does not have any health problems due to fine breeding. They should be brushed with a bristle often to remove dead hair. Their average life span is 14 years.