Rat Terrier: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Rat Terrier temperament and personality

VCA describes the Rat Terrier as loyal and energetic, playful and very good with children, somewhat reserved with strangers and possibly cocky or scrappy with other dogs.

Developed on American farms to control rats and other vermin, the breed keeps a sharp, busy terrier mind. Most Rat Terriers are affectionate with their families and love to be included, but they need jobs to do and space to burn energy.

Most bond closely with their family.

How big do Rat Terriers get?

The AKC's breed weight chart lists Rat Terriers at 10 to 25 pounds. VCA's page does not give a height or weight figure, and neither source splits the range by sex.

That wide weight range reflects real variety in the breed, from small to medium-small dogs. VCA notes Rat Terriers can gain weight if overfed or given too many snacks, so ask your vet what a healthy weight is for your dog's frame.

Rat Terrier lifespan and common health issues

VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Its page names no hereditary diseases but notes that tiny puppies are prone to low blood sugar and need frequent small meals, and that the thin coat makes the breed vulnerable to chilling, so a dog sweater is worth having for cold walks.

Ask a breeder about knee, hip, eye and heart checks on the parents and which screenings the national breed club recommends. Ask your vet about dental care. Trembling or weakness in a puppy, or a sudden limp, needs a vet promptly.

Exercise needs

VCA calls the Rat Terrier very active and says a daily walk plus several play sessions meets its needs, with games and tricks for mental exercise. It notes the breed may not do well at dog parks unless large and small dogs are separated.

Barn hunt, earthdog, agility and fetch all suit the breed. Keep it leashed or in a secure, dig-proof yard, since a terrier on a scent may ignore recall. Add a dog winter coat in cold weather.

Earthdog trials and barn hunt let a Rat Terrier use its natural hunting instincts safely, and they are a fun way to meet other owners of active small dogs.

Grooming and shedding

VCA says the short, smooth coat needs brushing once a week to remove dead hair and rates shedding as average. A soft bristle dog brush or a rubber grooming mitt is enough.

Keep the nails short, check the ears and brush the teeth several times a week. Baths are needed only occasionally, and a sweater helps a thin-coated dog on cold days.

Use grooming time to check the skin and paws for scratches after outdoor play.

Training a Rat Terrier

VCA says Rat Terriers are eager to please and learn quickly but get bored and distracted easily, and respond best to reward-based training using food or games.

Keep sessions short and varied. Teach a reliable recall on a long line, a quiet cue and calm greetings. Trick training and dog sports give a clever terrier a positive outlet.

Practice in different places so the dog learns to listen away from home, not just in the kitchen.

Are Rat Terriers good with kids and other pets?

VCA says Rat Terriers are very good with children. Their sturdiness and playfulness make them good companions for active kids who play gently.

VCA warns the breed may not be good with small pets and is especially ill-advised around rodents, as the name suggests. Supervise meetings with other dogs, since some are scrappy.

Give the dog a quiet bed of its own, and teach children not to grab or chase it.

What a Rat Terrier needs at home

A secure, dig-proof fence, a crate, a warm bed with blankets, a small-dog harness and leash, and a sweater for cold walks are the basics. Puzzle feeders, a digging box and durable toys keep a terrier busy.

For care, keep a soft brush, nail clippers, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush. Ask your vet about a healthy weight and dental routine early.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.