Rat Terrier
Overview
What Is a Rat Terrier?
Last updated
Quick Answer: The Rat Terrier is a small terrier, weighing 10–25 lbs and living 12–18 years. Plan on 45–60 min of exercise a day. Grooming is low; training is easy. It is good with kids. First-time owners can manage one with research and commitment.
The Rat Terrier is an American breed with its job description built into the name. The AKC puts it plainly: these are terriers bred to kill rats. On family farms, a good ratter protected the grain that had to last the winter, and the same dog was expected to hunt, watch the yard and play with the kids. The parent club says that during the 1910s and 1920s most farmers owned one.
The breed was assembled from Smooth Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier and old white English terrier crosses. Later, Chihuahua, Toy Fox Terrier and feist blood went into some lines, and Whippet and Italian Greyhound were added for speed and Beagle for nose. It stayed a working farm dog long before it became a show dog: the United Kennel Club recognized it on January 1, 1999, and the AKC admitted it to the Terrier Group in 2013. The parent club is the Rat Terrier Club of America (RTCA). The name is often credited to Teddy Roosevelt, but the AKC only says it was "said to be" coined by him, so treat that as a good story rather than a documented fact.
This guide covers the two size varieties, what the prey drive means day to day, the four health tests the parent club requires of breeding dogs, and what a Rat Terrier costs to keep.
| 📏Size | Small | ⚖️Weight | 10–25 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📅Lifespan | 12–18 yrs | 🏃Exercise | 45–60 min |
| ✂️Grooming | Low | 🎓Training | Easy |
| 👨👩👧With Kids | Very good | 🌱Beginners | Yes, if active |
Physical
What does a Rat Terrier look like?
Compact, muscular and smooth-coated. The AKC standard has two size varieties: Miniature, at least 10 inches and not over 13 inches at the shoulder, and Standard, over 13 inches and up to 18 inches. A dog six months or older that measures under 10 inches or over 18 inches is disqualified. The AKC gives a weight range of 10–25 lbs across both varieties.
The coat is short, close-lying, smooth and shiny, and the color is pied: white combined with patches of black, chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan or lemon, often with tan points (an all-white dog is also allowed). Brindle, merle and any blue in the eye are disqualifications. Ears can be upright, button or tipped, and tails are left natural or docked.
Two related breeds grew out of Rat Terrier lines. In 1972 a hairless puppy was born into a litter of Rat Terriers in Trout, Louisiana, and her descendants became the American Hairless Terrier, which the AKC recognized as a separate breed in January 2016. Total genetic hairlessness is now a disqualification in the Rat Terrier standard. The UKC also registers a shorter-legged type as its own breed, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. If you're looking for something under 10 inches, the breed you probably want is the Toy Fox Terrier, not a "toy" Rat Terrier.
Personality
What is the temperament of a Rat Terrier?
The AKC standard describes the Rat Terrier as "keenly observant, devoted, full of energy, yet easily trained and obedient to command." The AKC adds that Rat Terriers are sensitive, love to please and respond quickly to positive training methods. It calls them one of the calmest of the terrier breeds, but still high-energy dogs that need exercise and company.
With other dogs, the standard calls the breed "non-sparring" and generally friendly, and the AKC notes they tend to do well with dogs their own size or larger. With people, the AKC says most are patient and tolerant with children but may be reserved with strangers. The parent club describes them as good watchdogs that are "not yappers." Early socialization and a puppy class are worth the effort.
The prey drive is the trait to plan around. The AKC's advice is blunt: Rat Terriers should never be allowed off lead, because most can't resist chasing a strange cat or squirrel. Given what the breed was made for, treat pet rodents, rabbits and birds as off-limits unless you can keep them completely separate. A cat the dog grew up with is a different situation from a strange cat outdoors, but introductions should still be supervised.
A Realistic Take
What I'd Tell a Friend Thinking About a Rat Terrier
I think the Rat Terrier is one of the most underrated small breeds for active people. You get a sturdy, trainable, long-lived dog in a 10–25 lb package, without the grooming bills of a doodle, and sturdier than most toy breeds. It's a good match for someone who wants a small dog that can actually hike, train and play dog sports.
The thing people underestimate is that the "rat" in the name isn't decoration. This dog was built to find, chase and kill small animals, and the AKC says it should never be off leash. If your picture of dog ownership includes off-leash trail runs, or a dog that ignores squirrels, choose a different breed. A fence only works if it holds: the parent club notes that Rat Terriers love to dig and can get out of a fenced yard relatively easily. Walk your fence line, block gaps at the base, and don't leave the dog alone in the yard for long stretches.
Size variety doesn't change the personality much, but it does change daily life. A 10 lb miniature and a 25 lb standard are different dogs to carry, fit in an apartment, travel with and feed. Ask which variety both parents are, and meet at least one of them.
Finally, a 12–18 year lifespan is a gift, but it is also a commitment that can run into your dog's late teens. Budget for senior vet care from the start.
Daily Life
How much exercise and grooming does a Rat Terrier need?
Exercise
The AKC says most Rat Terriers thrive on daily walks plus ball-chasing and play in a fenced area, although some get enough from indoor play. The parent club suggests at least 30 minutes a day. Plan on 45–60 minutes of walks and play for most adults, split into two or three sessions, with short training and scent games on top. Rat Terriers do well in agility, obedience, rally and other dog sports, which are a good outlet for a dog bred to work.
Grooming
- Brushing: A weekly once-over with a soft brush or hound glove keeps the short coat in good shape (AKC)
- Shedding: Seasonal; a rubber curry brush or shedding tool helps during heavy shedding. Not a hypoallergenic breed
- Bathing: About once a month, depending on how dirty the dog gets
- Nails: Trim at least monthly
- Ears and teeth: Check ears weekly and remove excess wax; brush teeth daily if you can (AKC)
Training
Rat Terriers are quick learners, and the AKC notes they are sensitive dogs that thrive on praise. Reward-based training works; harsh corrections tend to backfire. Some individuals are stubborn, so keep sessions short and fun. Focus on a reliable recall (as a safety backup, not permission to go off leash), "leave it" for the squirrel moments, loose-leash walking and crate or settle time. Supervised yard time is part of training too, because digging is a natural hobby for this breed.
Wellness
What health problems are common in the Rat Terrier?
The parent club describes Rat Terriers as generally hardy dogs that can live long, healthy lives, and the AKC puts life expectancy at 12–18 years. The RTCA takes part in the CHIC health database and, in its June 2025 health statement, requires four tests of breeding dogs: a cardiac evaluation, hips, patellas and a DNA test for primary lens luxation (PLL). Optional tests are Legg-Calvé-Perthes, an eye exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, a BAER hearing test, elbows, and a PRA-prcd DNA test.
| Condition | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) | The lens of the eye slips out of place because the ligaments holding it weaken. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center says it most often appears between 3 and 8 years of age. If the lens moves forward it can raise pressure in the eye quickly (glaucoma), which is painful and can cause blindness. A red, cloudy or squinting eye needs a vet the same day. A DNA test shows whether a dog has no copies, one copy (slight risk; a carrier) or two copies (affected or at risk) of the PLL variant (UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory). Required by the RTCA. |
| Heart disease | The RTCA requires a cardiac evaluation and says a cardiologist is generally preferred "as there have been heart issues in the breed." Ask whether the parents' heart exams were done by a veterinary cardiologist or a general-practice vet. |
| Patellar Luxation | The kneecap slides out of its groove. It mainly affects small dogs; a classic sign is a dog that suddenly skips or carries a hind leg for a few steps (American College of Veterinary Surgeons). An OFA patella evaluation of both parents is required by the RTCA. |
| Hip Dysplasia | Abnormal development of the hip joint. The RTCA requires hip evaluations of breeding dogs and says dogs must be at least 2 years old for final hip and elbow results. |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease | The blood supply to the top of the thigh bone is disrupted in a young, growing small-breed dog, and the bone breaks down. Cornell says signs usually appear between 4 and 11 months: limping, not wanting to bear weight on a hind leg, or pain when the hip is handled. Surgery gives the best chance of a comfortable leg. The AKC lists it among the breed's health concerns; testing is optional on the RTCA list. |
| Other conditions to monitor | The RTCA lists seizure disorders, intervertebral disc disease risk (the CDDY DNA test), Cushing's disease and Addison's disease as uncommon but worth watching. Eye disease and congenital deafness are covered by the club's optional tests. |
Ask breeders for (both parents): OFA results for the four RTCA-required tests: cardiac (ideally by a cardiologist), hips, patellas and a PLL DNA result. Bonus points for an ACVO eye exam, BAER hearing test, elbows, Legg-Calvé-Perthes and PRA-prcd. You can look up results by the dog's registered name on the OFA website.
Sources & Further Reading
- AKC: Rat Terrier — official breed standard, history and health
- AKC: Hip Dysplasia in Dogs — symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
- AKC: Progressive Retinal Atrophy — inherited eye disease and genetic testing
- AKC: Luxating Patella in Dogs — grades, surgery and outlook
- OFA CHIC — breed-specific health tests a responsible breeder should show
- Merck Veterinary Manual — dog owner reference for the conditions above
Budget
How much does a Rat Terrier cost?
The RTCA publishes no puppy price guidance. Everything below is an estimated range. The adoption fees are New Rattitude's published fees. The other lines come from Rover's 2026 cost-of-dog-ownership data, which covers all breeds and sizes. Rover notes that small-breed adults can cost up to 63% less per year than large and giant breeds, so a 10–25 lb Rat Terrier will usually land in the lower part of the food, supplies and insurance ranges.
| Expense | First Year (est.) | Annual, ongoing (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee (New Rattitude) | $250 adult / $300 puppy under 6 months, plus $75 if the rescue arranges transport | — |
| Puppy from a breeder (Rover all-breed range) | $675–$4,440 | — |
| Spay/neuter, microchip, first exam, vaccines | $590–$1,360 | — |
| Supplies and gear (crate, bed, leash, grooming tools) | $260–$1,125 | $75–$175 |
| Food and treats | $685–$5,305 | $840–$2,995 |
| Routine vet visits and preventatives | $440–$660 | $375–$495 |
| Training | $235–$385 | $40–$290 |
| Pet insurance | $175–$880 | $520–$1,230 |
| Rover all-breed totals | $1,145–$4,150 up-front (before any adoption fee or puppy price), plus $1,460–$6,745 for the puppy year | $1,930–$5,305 |
Rover estimates lifetime care at about $19,840 for a small breed, compared with $58,875 for a large breed. With a lifespan that can reach the late teens, that lifetime figure matters more than the purchase price. For insurance context, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association reports that the average U.S. accident-and-illness premium for a dog was $836 in 2025; your quote will depend on age, location and plan. Budget for fence repairs too, if your dog turns out to be a digger.
Fit Assessment
Is a Rat Terrier Right for You?
| Great fit if you... | Not the best fit if you... |
|---|---|
| Active owners who want a small, sturdy dog for walks, hikes and dog sports | You want a dog you can walk off leash — the AKC says Rat Terriers should never be off lead |
| A securely fenced yard that you check for digging, or a commitment to leashed outings | You keep pet rodents, rabbits or birds the dog could treat as prey |
| You enjoy training: Rat Terriers learn fast and respond well to rewards | The dog would be alone most of the day without exercise or company |
| Families with considerate kids — the AKC says most are patient and tolerant with children | You need a hypoallergenic dog — they shed, especially seasonally |
| You want an easy-care coat and a long-lived companion (AKC: 12–18 years) | You want a dog that ignores squirrels, cats and gaps under the fence |
Next Steps
Where can you find a Rat Terrier puppy or rescue?
Buying from a Breeder
Start with the RTCA breeder list. Listed breeders must be RTCA members and agree to follow the RTCA and AKC codes of ethics, which is a useful baseline but not a guarantee. Before paying anything, ask for OFA results on both parents for the four required tests (cardiac, hips, patellas and PLL DNA), then look them up yourself. Final hip and elbow results need the dog to be at least 2 years old. Ask which size variety the parents are, and meet them if you can. Be wary of anyone selling "teacup," "toy" or "hairless" Rat Terriers: none of those is an AKC Rat Terrier variety. Our guides to finding a responsible breeder and spotting puppy scams cover the checks in detail.
Rescue
The RTCA rescue page points adopters to two rescues. New Rattitude is a nationwide nonprofit that screens and matches adopters. Its fee is $250 for adults and $300 for puppies under six months, plus a $75 transport fee when it coordinates transport. Ratbone Rat Terrier Rescue works mainly in Florida and the South. Adult rescues are a good option if you want to know a dog's size, energy level and history before you commit. Not sure which route fits? See adopt or buy a dog.
Sources
Sources & Further Reading
- American Kennel Club — Rat Terrier breed profile (size, lifespan, history, care, health)
- AKC / Rat Terrier Club of America — Official breed standard and judges' education presentation (history and founding breeds; standard ratified May 22, 2009)
- Rat Terrier Club of America — Health Statement, June 2025 (required and optional tests)
- Rat Terrier Club of America — Find a Rat Terrier (health testing ages, cardiologist exams)
- Rat Terrier Club of America — Breeder list and listing requirements
- Rat Terrier Club of America — Rescue contacts
- United Kennel Club — Rat Terrier breed standard and history (recognized January 1, 1999)
- United Kennel Club — Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed standard
- American Kennel Club — American Hairless Terrier history (Trout, Louisiana; AKC 2016)
- American Kennel Club — Breeds by year recognized
- Cornell Riney Canine Health Center — Primary lens luxation
- Cornell Riney Canine Health Center — Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in dogs
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory — Primary lens luxation DNA test: explanation of results
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons — Patellar luxations
- New Rattitude — Adoption process and fees
- Ratbone Rat Terrier Rescue — Florida-based Rat Terrier rescue
- Rover — How much does a dog cost? (2026 data)
- NAPHIA — State of the Industry 2026 highlights (average premiums)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Rat Terriers get? +
The AKC recognizes two varieties. Miniatures are at least 10 and no more than 13 inches at the shoulder; Standards are over 13 and up to 18 inches. The AKC gives a weight range of 10–25 lbs across both. Dogs six months or older that measure under 10 or over 18 inches are disqualified, so a true "teacup" Rat Terrier doesn't exist under the standard.
How long do Rat Terriers live? +
The AKC puts life expectancy at 12–18 years, and the Rat Terrier Club of America tells puppy buyers to expect about 13–16 years. Either way, it's one of the longer-lived breeds, so plan for a commitment well into the dog's teens.
Do Rat Terriers shed? Are they hypoallergenic? +
They shed, mostly seasonally, and they are not hypoallergenic. The upside is that the short, smooth coat is easy to care for: the AKC recommends a weekly once-over with a soft brush or hound glove, plus a shedding tool during heavy shedding.
Are Rat Terriers good with kids and cats? +
With kids, usually yes: the AKC says most are patient and tolerant with children, and early socialization helps. Cats are harder. Rat Terriers have a strong prey drive and the AKC warns that most will chase a strange cat. A cat the dog grows up with may be fine, but introductions should be slow and supervised, and small pets like rodents should be kept completely separate.
Can Rat Terriers be trusted off leash? +
The AKC says no: Rat Terriers should never be allowed off lead, because most can't resist chasing a squirrel or cat. Train a solid recall as a safety net, but exercise off-leash only in a securely fenced area, and check that fence for gaps and digging.
What's the difference between a Rat Terrier and a Jack Russell? +
They're separate breeds with separate standards. The Rat Terrier is an American farm dog built from Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, Whippet, Italian Greyhound, Beagle and other crosses, and the parent club notes it was bred to control vermin on the farm rather than as an earth dog that goes underground. It has a smooth coat only and comes in two AKC size varieties. If you're weighing the two, compare our Parson Russell Terrier and Russell Terrier guides.
Explore More
Similar Breeds
- Toy Fox Terrier — A smaller American terrier with a similar pied coat and lively temperament
- Parson Russell Terrier — A fox-hunting terrier with even higher exercise needs and a smooth or broken coat
- Russell Terrier — A shorter-legged hunting terrier of similar size, with a strong prey drive and high energy
- Whippet — One of the breeds crossed in for speed; a gentler, lower-key housemate with a sighthound's urge to chase
