Rat Terrier

Characteristics

About the Rat Terrier

Developed in America from a mix of Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Bull Terriers, and later Whippets and Beagles for farm ratting.. As of 2026, they hold the #81 position in the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings.

Standing 10 to 18 inches tall and weighing 10 to 25 pounds, the Rat Terrier is a small-sized dog. Their versatile size range spanning miniature to standard and their remarkably diverse color patterns make them one of the most variable terrier breeds in appearance. They are well-suited to owners who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed thrives on.

Versatile companions excelling as family pets, farm dogs, and competitive athletes in agility, barn hunt, and lure coursing events..

History

Developed in America from a mix of Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Bull Terriers, and later Whippets and Beagles for farm ratting.. President Theodore Roosevelt kept Rat Terriers in the White House to control a rat infestation, allegedly giving the breed its name through his advocacy..

Versatile companions excelling as family pets, farm dogs, and competitive athletes in agility, barn hunt, and lure coursing events..

Common Health Issues

Complete health guide →

Similar Breeds

Compare Rat Terrier

Is the Rat Terrier Right for You?

Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Rat Terrier is a small-sized breed belonging to the Terrier group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.

Energy and exercise: The Rat Terrier has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.

Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 4/5, the Rat Terrier adapts well to smaller living spaces. They can thrive in apartments or condos as long as their basic exercise needs are met and they receive enough mental stimulation throughout the day.

Children and family: Scoring 4/5 with children, the Rat Terrier is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.

Grooming commitment: The Rat Terrier is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $64–86/month.

Ownership Cost Summary

Before bringing a Rat Terrier home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–18 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $600–$1200 is only the beginning.

The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $3,207. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.

Ongoing monthly costs average $117, broken down as follows: food ($42–67/mo), grooming ($64–86/mo), insurance ($47–72/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($394–786/yr) and supplies ($247–406/yr). As a small breed, the Rat Terrier is relatively economical on food and supplies, though veterinary and dental costs remain consistent regardless of size.

Over a full 12–18 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $47–72/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.

Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Rat Terrier owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Rat Terrier fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.

Breed Traits Explained

The Rat Terrier belongs to the Terrier group, which historically means these dogs were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin. Terrier breeds are feisty, energetic, and determined. They can be stubborn during training but are loyal and entertaining companions. Many terriers have a high prey drive and may not coexist well with small animals.

With a family friendliness score of 4/5, intelligence at 5/5, and shedding rated 3/5, the Rat Terrier presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (3/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.

Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 5/5, the Rat Terrier is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Rat Terrier may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.

Shedding and home cleanliness: Moderate shedding (3/5) means some hair around the home but nothing unmanageable. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and minimizes excess shedding. Seasonal increases in shedding are normal and can be managed with more frequent grooming during transition periods.

Rat Terrier Quick Decision Guide

Making an informed decision about the Rat Terrier requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.

You will love the Rat Terrier if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, live in any housing situation including apartments, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Rat Terrier's terrier heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.

Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a small breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.

Next steps: If the Rat Terrier seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Rat Terrier owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Rat Terriers before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.