This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, May 2013 issue.
At Home With the Rat Terrier
When most people think of Rat Terriers, they see the familiar tableau of the rugged little feist going barn to barn with his master, ridding the farm of vermin. A great deal of this vision is true. A hundred years ago, you would be hard pressed to find a farm in America that didn’t have a Rat Terrier. They were the ideal dogs for rural life: a compact, hardy dog that would rid the farm of rodents, help hunt squirrels, and play with the kids. To the turn of the century farmer, the Rat Terrier was an indispensable part of family life.
Today, the Rat Terrier remains a favorite of rural people everywhere, but it is also an ideal family dog that is just as much at home in the house as on the farm. Their size makes them economical to feed and kennel, and their short hair makes them less messy than many shedding breeds. They are among the friendliest of terriers, making them excellent pets for children. A growing child couldn’t ask for a better, more loyal friend than a Rat Terrier. And while they may be tenacious while on the trail of a rat, at home they are just as comfortable snuggling next to you on the couch for a long winter nap.
Outside the home, we get to see another side of the Rat Terrier. Those unfamiliar with the breed are quick to notice its keen intelligence and eye-popping athleticism. These two traits—along with exceptional bravery—are indispensable for a dog that makes its living dispatching ground quarry. The athleticism and intelligence of the Rat Terrier can also be found on display in a simple game of fetch. There are few things more enjoyable than watching a “rattie” race across an open field, leap high in the air after a ball, and then return it with a huge grin on its face.
Aesthetically, the Rat Terrier is among the most pleasing dogs in the world. Rat Terriers are structurally balanced with a well-defined, expressive face. They are sturdy, but not bulky or cumbersome. In many ways, the Rat Terrier is a study in artistic balance, a combination of chiseled musculature and effortless grace. Such traits lend themselves naturally to the show ring where they have been a fixture in the UKC ring for some time and this June will complete the crossover to the AKC.
With a storied past and a bright future, the Rat Terrier has solidified itself as a quintessential American success story.
