The Rat Terrier, also known as the American Rat Terrier, the Decker Giant, the Squirrel Terrier and the Feist, was developed in England to control vermin. Rat Terriers became so adept at killing rats both above and below ground that breed enthusiasts in England entered them in rat-baiting contests, where bets were wagered on how many rats a particular dog could kill. One Rat Terrier reportedly killed 2,501 rats in a seven-hour period. Today’s Rat Terriers retain their strong hunting instinct and also make terrific family companions.
The Rat Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1999, and the parent club of the breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Rat Terrier was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2004 and for competition in performance disciplines in 2006. It will become eligible for competition in the Miscellaneous Class effective July 1, 2010. The UKC and the AKC recognize two varieties of Rat Terriers based on height at the withers: the standard is over 13 up to and including 18 inches in height, and the miniature is to be at least 10 inches but not over 13 inches in height. The miniature typically weighs 8 to 15 pounds and the standard usually is between 15 and 30 pounds.
Despite its name, the American Rat Terrier actually originated in England in the 1820s, as a result of crossing the Smooth-haired Fox Terrier with the Manchester Terrier. It was bred to be a fiercely effective rodent-exterminator, which was enormously helpful in rat-infested rural British barns during the 19th century. The breed was brought to the United States by English immigrants in the 1890s, where it carried on its rat-killing work. The breed gained popularity in
According to legend, the Rat Terrier got his name from Theodore Roosevelt. These dogs were brought into the White House to help control a rat infestation, and they made quick work of the rodents, eliminating them completely from the executive mansion. They are high energy dogs who love to be “at work,” chasing, digging for and killing pests. They are independent dogs who may not listen very well, but the families who love them say
Rat Terriers are lively, muscular dogs that are often described by fanciers as “compact but meaty.” They have strong shoulders, deep chests and muscular legs. The ears of the Rat Terrier are carried erect when alert and can be either tipped or upright when the dog is in repose. The head is wedge shaped and muzzle is strong and slightly shorter than the skull. The nose color should correspond with the color of the coat.
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