Rat Terrier
Complete Breed Guide
"I like to be active, affectionate, and always by your side!"
Quick Facts About Rat Terriers
Terrier
8–25 lbs
10–18"
No
Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.
Overview
Rat Terriers, also known as “Ratties,” can barely contain their huge hearts in their tiny bodies. Unlike the name suggests, these dogs are social, affectionate pups who love being around people. They crave your companionship and will be happy in any situation as long as you’re together.
Rat Terriers, or “Ratties,” are little bundles of love that are far sweeter than their name suggests. These happy, family-friendly dogs are very social and love being around people 24/7. Ratties are outgoing even with strangers and are known to snuggle up to visitors without hesitation. However, their affinity for human companionship leads to unhappiness (and potentially destructiveness) if they’re left alone for too long. In addition to boredom, Ratties hate change, whether it’s a new house or even a new toy. Keep their days active, structured, and filled with love, and they’ll be your best friend for life.
Temperament and Behavior
Rat Terriers are smart dogs that have happy and social personalities. These dogs are content doing just about anything as long as they’re around people. They enjoy a nice hike during the day but are equally happy to snuggle with you and watch a movie at night. Don’t leave them alone for too long, or you may come home to a mess. Ratties also thrive on routine, so your best bet is to keep their lives structured and familiar.
Coat & Grooming
Rat Terriers have short coats with a “pied” pattern (large patches of one or more colors with white). You may find Ratties with black, brown, tan, red, apricot, fawn, blue, white, or lemon coloring. Their coats tend to be low maintenance. They shed a bit all year long, with heavier shedding in the spring and fall. All they need is a weekly brushing and occasional bath to stay cute and clean. When grooming them, make sure not to trim their whiskers, as they help Ratties sense the size and shape of objects in front of them.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Ratties need to live indoors and be surrounded by people. They befriend just about anyone who’s willing to give them attention or throw a ball. This breed is small, so they make the perfect travel buddy or bedtime snuggler. In fact, Rat Terriers love sleeping with people, especially kids. This breed is pack-oriented, so they enjoy the companionship of kids, adults, and other pets as long as they’re raised together. The only exception is rodents, which they may see as dinner instead of a playmate.
Exercise & Activity
Rat Terriers thrive on activity and will be destructive if they get bored. Keep your Rattie busy with walks, runs, playtime, training, food puzzles, or sports. These dogs are particularly good at agility, rally, flyball, and tracking. Rat Terriers are smart and learn quickly, so they will easily adapt to training or any activity you throw at them.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Rat Terrier FAQs
Common questions about the Rat Terrier breed, answered by our editorial team.
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