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The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed, one of many terrier varieties. It is a small, active terrier. Although the breed has been around in similar form since the early 1900s, it has remained more of a type than a breed.
Appearance: The Rat Terrier comes in a variety of coat
colors and patterns. It is often white with either black and
tan, apricot, blue, or brown spots. The most common color is
the tricolor: black, tan, and white. Many have ticking on the
white part of the coat; most have freckles on their bellies.
Ear carriage can be upright, tipped, or button, and the tail
is traditionally docked to about 1/3 of its original length.
The Rat Terrier ranges from about 5 to 40 pounds, although
the larger sizes are sometimes called Deckers or Decker
Giants, after a breeder named Milton Decker who has been
developing a larger version of the Rat Terrier. The Toy size
(10 pounds and under) is becoming increasingly popular as a
house pet & companion dog. Despite their diminutive size,
many Toy Rat Terriers display the same prey drive &
hunting instincts as their larger cousins.
Temperament: Although often mistaken for a Jack
Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier has a very different
temperament. It is less aggressive and comparatively calm
(although still exhibiting terrier personality). They are
normally cheerful dogs, but there are occasional dogs who are
extremely sensitive to changes in their environment or to
unexpected noises, people, or activity. They can be, however,
extremely bonded to and protective of their owners.
When searching for a Rat Terrier be sure to find a breeder
who does temperment testing to determine if the individual dog
will suit your home and family. If looking for a rescue Rat
Terrier be sure to ask lots of questions about the dog you are
looking at. Answer all questions that the rescue organization
asks you so that they can determine the right fit for you.
History: The Rat Terrier type originated in England;
like all terriers of this type, it most likely developed from
crosses among Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, and
Whippets. After the 1890s, as the breed type became popular in
America, other breeds were added to the mix. Beagles and
Italian Greyhounds may have been used.
Breed recognition: Rat Terrier organizations rank
among those in the dog world among which there is dispute over
the best course of action to be taken for the promotion and
preservation of the dog breed. Points of departure are, as
usual, which dog type best represents the breed, and, as is
common among working breeds, whether the dog's working
qualities will be sacrificed to show conformation. Perhaps
because the Rat Terrier has existed for decades with several
different evident types being upheld by different clubs,
disagreements can be highly charged.
The Rat Terrier has been recognized by the United Kennel
Club. The Rat Terrier Club of America is actively working
towards recognition by the AKC and the breed was accepted into
the AKC's Foundation Stock Service in 2005. The first Rat
Terrier to earn a title under AKC Sanctioning was in Agility
on January 14, 2006 in Van Nuys CA.
Miscellaneous: The RCA trademark dog, Nipper
("His Master's Voice") might have been a Rat
Terrier. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed a Rat
Terrier variation that has more recently become known as a
Type-B Rat Terrier. Type-B's are now recognized as a separate
breed, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, named after President
Roosevelt. The Rat Terrier was a common farm dog in the early
1900s, bred for catching barn rats in haystacks.
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