The Rat Terrier is a muscular, active, small-to-medium hunting terrier. The
preferred ratio of length of body (prosternum to point of buttocks) to height
(withers to ground) to is 10:9. The head is broad, slightly domed,
wedge-shaped, and proportionate to the size of the body. Ears are V-shaped,
set at the outside edges of the skull, and may be erect or button. Both
varieties may have a natural tail carried in an upward curve. The Coated
variety may have a docked or natural bob tail. The Rat Terrier comes in solid
white, other solid colors with markings, and white with a variety of colored
patches. The Rat Terrier should be evaluated as a working terrier, and
exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they
interfere with the dog's ability to work. Honorable scars resulting from field
work are not to be penalized.
Characteristics
The Rat Terrier is an energetic, alert dog whose curiosity and intelligence
make him easy to train. The Rat Terrier has sometimes been described as
having a dual personality. He is a fearless, tenacious hunter with seemingly
unlimited energy. When he is not hunting, however, the Rat Terrier is an
exceptionally friendly companion, getting along well with children, other dogs,
and even cats. Rat Terriers enjoy human companionship immensely and will
enthusiastically share any activity with their owners. Rat Terriers should not
be sparred during conformation judging.
Temperament
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History
The Rat Terrier is an American breed descended from the terriers brought
over by English miners and other working class immigrants. These terriers
probably included crosses between the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester
Terrier and the now extinct white English Terrier. These dogs were used as
ratters, and gambling on their prowess in killing rats was a favorite hobby of
their owners. Some of these dogs were crossed with Whippets or Italian
Greyhounds (for speed) and Beagles (for hunting ability). Eventually, these
tough little terriers evolved into today's Rat Terrier. The breed was
popularized by President Teddy Roosevelt, who frequently hunted with his Rat
Terriers. Many are still used as ratters and squirrel hunters, particularly in the
South, where they are sometimes known as "Feists." The hairless variety
appeared for the first time in a litter in 1972.
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