Members
01/Overview
The Rat Terrier is a small to medium-sized American breed known for its athletic build, alert expression, and lively personality. Developed as a versatile farm dog, this terrier was used to control rats and other vermin, hunt small game, watch over property, and work closely with rural families.
Highlights
02/History
The Rat Terrier was developed in the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Its ancestors were brought by European immigrants and included several terrier types valued for their speed, courage, and ability to control vermin.
Early breeders crossed these terriers with other dogs to suit local needs and conditions. Smooth Fox Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Bull Terriers, and Old English White Terriers are commonly associated with the breed’s foundation. Beagles were sometimes introduced to improve scenting ability and pack cooperation, while Whippets and Italian Greyhounds contributed additional speed in certain regional lines.
Rat Terriers became especially valuable on American farms, where rats and other pests threatened stored grain, livestock feed, and household supplies. The dogs also hunted rabbits, squirrels, and other small game, guarded the property, and served as companions to farm families.
The breed’s name reflects its reputation as an effective ratting dog. Rat Terriers were known for quickly locating and killing large numbers of rodents in barns, fields, and storage areas. Their compact size, quick reactions, and strong prey drive made them well suited to this work.
Rat Terriers have varied in size and appearance because they were bred primarily for usefulness rather than a uniform show ring type. Regional preferences produced both smaller and larger dogs, as well as differences in leg length, body shape, and ear carriage.
The breed was particularly popular during the early twentieth century, when it became one of the most common farm dogs in the United States. Its numbers later declined as chemical pest control and changes in farming reduced the need for working ratters.
Dedicated breeders preserved the Rat Terrier and gradually established a more consistent type. The Rat Terrier Club of America was founded to promote the breed, maintain health and temperament, and support recognition by major kennel organizations.
The United Kennel Club recognized the Rat Terrier in 1999. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2013 and placed it in the Terrier Group. The Rat Terrier Club of America serves as the breed’s American Kennel Club parent club.
03/Appearance
The Rat Terrier is recognized in two size varieties. A Miniature Rat Terrier stands between 10 and 13 inches at the withers, while a Standard stands over 13 inches, up to and including 18 inches.
Weight should remain proportionate to the dog’s height and overall build. Rat Terriers generally weigh from 10 to 25 pounds.
Skull: The Rat Terrier has a moderately broad, slightly rounded skull that narrows gradually toward the muzzle, creating a smooth, blunt wedge when viewed from the front or side. The stop is moderate and clearly defined.
Expression: The expression is alert, intelligent, and keen, reflecting the breed’s lively and curious character.
Eyes: The eyes are small to medium-sized, oval, and set somewhat obliquely. Eye color generally corresponds with the coat and contributes to an attentive expression.
Ears: The ears are V-shaped and set at the outer edges of the skull. They may be erect, button, or tipped, but both ears should be carried in the same manner when the dog is alert.
Muzzle: The muzzle is strong and well filled beneath the eyes, tapering gradually toward the nose without appearing narrow or pointed.
Nose: The nose is fully pigmented, with color corresponding to the dog’s coat.
Bite: The Rat Terrier has strong teeth that meet in a scissor bite, with the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors. A level bite is also acceptable.
The Rat Terrier has a compact, balanced outline, with the body slightly longer than the height at the withers. The breed should appear athletic, agile, and capable of working efficiently without looking heavy or coarse.
The chest is moderately broad and deep, with well-sprung ribs, a firm back, and a strong loin. Bone is proportionate to the dog’s size, providing enough substance for demanding farm work while preserving speed, flexibility, and freedom of movement.
Texture: The Rat Terrier has a short, smooth, close-lying coat with a firm texture and natural sheen. The coat should be dense enough to provide protection without appearing long, woolly, or overly soft.
Standard Colors
04/Consider
The Rat Terrier is energetic, intelligent, alert, and strongly influenced by its working farm-dog background. Anyone considering the breed should be prepared for consistent training, daily exercise, early socialization, and a dog that may dig, chase small animals, or become vocal when bored.
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Amount Of Shedding
How much hair a breed typically leaves behind on clothes, furniture and floors.
Frequency Of Grooming
How often a breed needs brushing, bathing or a professional trim to stay in condition.
Amount Of Drooling
How prone a breed is to drool — worth knowing before you keep a towel by the door.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The Rat Terrier is generally considered a healthy and hardy breed with a typical lifespan of 12 to 18 years. Preventive veterinary care, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, good dental hygiene, and maintenance of a healthy weight can help support long-term health.
The Rat Terrier is lively, intelligent, alert, and deeply connected to its family. It often combines the confidence of a terrier with the adaptability of a traditional farm dog, making it both an energetic companion and an attentive watchdog.
The breed is usually curious and eager to investigate its surroundings. Strong hunting instincts may lead a Rat Terrier to chase small animals, dig, or follow interesting scents, so early socialization and consistent boundaries are important.
Rat Terriers can live successfully with respectful children, especially when raised with them. Their playful nature can suit active families, although interactions with young children should always be supervised.
Exercise Expectations
A healthy adult generally benefits from at least 45 to 60 minutes of activity each day, although highly energetic individuals may need more. Scent games, retrieving, puzzle toys, and dog sports can provide additional mental engagement. Because of the breed’s strong prey drive and tendency to follow scents, off-leash exercise should take place only in a securely enclosed area.
Grooming Expectations
The Rat Terrier can adapt well to apartment living when given enough exercise, training, and mental activity. Its alert nature and tendency to bark may require additional management in homes with close neighbors.
A securely fenced yard can provide space for play, but fencing should be checked carefully because the breed may dig beneath barriers, climb, or chase animals beyond the property. Outdoor time should not replace daily walks, thoughtful training, and interaction with the family.
The Rat Terrier usually does best in an active household that appreciates its intelligence, confidence, and energetic personality. Regular companionship, consistent routines, and structured activity will allow the breed to thrive.
05/Puppies
Rat Terrier puppies are energetic, curious, and quick to explore their surroundings. Early routines, positive socialization, patient training, and appropriate outlets for their natural hunting instincts help the pups develop into confident and manageable adults.
A Rat Terrier puppy benefits from a predictable daily schedule that includes regular meals, potty breaks, sleep, play, training, and quiet time. A crate or secure puppy area can provide a safe place to rest and support housetraining when direct supervision is not possible.
Early socialization should introduce the puppy to different people, well-mannered dogs, household sounds, surfaces, vehicles, and unfamiliar environments. These experiences should remain positive and appropriate for the puppy’s age.
Training can begin as soon as the puppy arrives home. Short sessions can introduce name response, recall, leash walking, basic manners, impulse control, and calm behavior around visitors. Because the breed may react quickly to movement or scent, recall and focus exercises are especially valuable.
A Rat Terrier puppy should receive a complete and balanced diet formulated for growth and appropriate for its expected adult size. Exercise should focus on supervised play, short walks, and gentle exploration rather than forced running or repetitive jumping while the puppy is still developing.
Regular veterinary visits are important during the first year. Grooming should also begin early so that the puppy becomes comfortable with brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, tooth brushing, and general handling.
06/Activities
Rat Terriers are energetic, athletic, and highly intelligent dogs that often enjoy activities involving speed, scent, problem-solving, and close work with a handler. Here are some of the dog sports and activities in which Rat Terriers may participate:
Barn Hunt: Rat Terriers can use their natural vermin-hunting instincts to locate safely enclosed rats hidden among bales of straw.
Earthdog: Earthdog allows the breed to search for quarry underground in a controlled setting.
Agility: The Rat Terrier’s speed, balance, and quick reactions can make Agility an excellent outlet for physical and mental energy.
Obedience: Obedience Trials test the breed’s ability to perform exercises accurately while working closely with a handler.
Rally: Rally Obedience combines movement through a course with varied obedience exercises that can help maintain the breed’s interest.
Scent Work: Rat Terriers can search for specific odors hidden in containers, indoor spaces, outdoor areas, or vehicles.
Tracking: Tracking allows the breed to follow a scent trail across different types of terrain using concentration and persistence.
Fast CAT: This timed 100-yard dash gives the Rat Terrier an opportunity to use its speed and chasing instinct in a controlled setting.
Conformation Shows: Rat Terriers compete in Conformation Shows, where judges evaluate each dog according to the Breed Standard, including structure, movement, coat, expression, temperament, and overall type.
Trick Dog: Trick training provides mental stimulation and gives the Rat Terrier a productive way to use its intelligence and enthusiasm.
Canine Good Citizen: Rat Terriers may participate in programs that evaluate everyday manners, social behavior, and reliability around people and other dogs.
Gallery
07/Standards
The Rat Terrier is recognized by the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Rat Terrier is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
Rat Terrier clubs support breed education, responsible breeding, health initiatives, rescue work, and participation in Conformation shows and Performance events.
Rat Terrier Club of America: Formed in 1993, this is the national breed club for the Rat Terrier in the United States and the breed’s AKC parent club.
Rat Terrier Club of Canada: Created in 2011, Canada’s national organization for the breed welcomes Rat Terrier breeders, exhibitors, companion dog families, and other breed enthusiasts.
Rat Terrier Club of Great Britain: A United Kingdom club that promotes the Rat Terrier through dog shows, educational initiatives. and preservation of the breed’s working character.
09/Rescue
Breed-specific rescue organizations help Rat Terriers that have been surrendered, abandoned, or found in shelters. These groups may provide foster care, veterinary treatment, behavioral evaluation, and placement with an appropriate adoptive family.
Rat Terrier Club of America Rescue Resources: The breed’s American Kennel Club parent club may provide rescue contacts and information for Rat Terriers needing placement in the United States.
New Rattitude: A volunteer-based rescue organization that helps Rat Terriers and Rat Terrier mixes through foster care, rehabilitation, and adoption across several regions of the United States.
Ratbone Rescues: A national rescue network that assists Rat Terriers and related mixes through foster homes, veterinary care, and adoption services.
Rat Terrier Club of Canada: Canada’s national breed club may provide guidance about Rat Terriers needing rescue, welfare support, or rehoming.
Local shelters and general animal rescue organizations may also receive a Rat Terrier or Rat Terrier mix. Adoption databases, breed clubs, and nearby shelters can provide additional information about dogs currently needing homes.
10/Facts
An American-Bred Terrier
The Rat Terrier was developed in the United States as a versatile farm dog and vermin hunter.
Named for Its Ratting Ability
The breed earned its name through its skill at locating and killing rats in barns, fields, and storage areas.
More Than a Vermin Hunter
Rat Terriers also hunted rabbits and squirrels, patrolled property, and served as close companions to rural families.
Recognized in Two Sizes
The American Kennel Club recognizes Rat Terriers in both Miniature and Standard sizes.
11/FAQ
Rat Terriers can make excellent pets for active people who appreciate an intelligent, energetic, and affectionate companion. They need consistent training, daily exercise, mental stimulation, and regular involvement in family life.
Official Standard of the Rat Terrier
General Appearance: The Rat Terrier was originally bred for ratting and farm work. A multipurpose companion dog that is capable of hunting rodents and vermin above and below ground, and to course small game. He is a sturdy, compact, small-to-medium sized parti-colored dog giving the appearance of elegance and fitness, denoting speed, power and balance. Honorable scars or a couple of broken or missing canines or incisors teeth are not to be faulted. The following is a description of the ideal Rat Terrier. Variations are penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Size - There are two separate size divisions. Miniature - At least 10 inches, not to exceed 13 inches. Standard - over 13 inches, and up to and including 18 inches in height measured at the withers. Any dog six months of age or older measuring less than 10 inches, or any dog over 18 inches are to be disqualified. Proportion - The Rat Terrier is just slightly longer than tall. The height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, is slightly less than the length, measured horizontally from the point of the shoulders to the point of the buttocks. Shortness in leg is a serious fault. Substance - Moderate bone in proportion to size. A well-balanced, hard-muscled dog with smooth lines under taut skin. This dog should not be rangy nor fine boned and toyish, and never bulky or coarse. They are shown in good, hard physical working condition.
Head: The head resembles a smooth, blunt wedge from a front or profile view. When seen from the front, the head widens gradually towards the base of the ears in an unbroken line and is well filled up under the eyes. The expression is intelligent, alert and full of interest. The eyes are not large. They are obliquely set wide apart and are oval in shape. Eye color varies with coat color from darkest brown to hazel. Eye rim pigmentation corresponds with nose color and facial markings. Gray eyes are acceptable in blue or blue-fawn dogs only, being a serious fault in other colorations. Any blue in the eye(s) is a disqualification. Ears - Set on the top outer edge of the skull, V-shaped, with the length in proportion to the head moderately pointed at the tip. When viewed from the side, the base of the ear is on line with the outer corner of the eye. Ears should match in shape and carriage when alert, and can be carried erect, semi-erect and tipped, or button without preference. When alert, a rose ear is a fault. Cropped ears are a disqualification. Skull -When viewed from the front the skull is moderate in width, relatively flat on top, and rounded at crown and the sides as it widens smoothly from the corner of the eyes to the base of the ears. The occiput is not prominent. The cheeks are flat and well-muscled, but never bulging. The stop is moderate but distinct. The muzzle is strong, just slightly shorter in length than the skull and tapers smoothly along the sides to the nose. The nose color corresponds with the body color and is entirely pigmented. Flesh-colored noses are considered a fault in lemon or light apricot colorations while being a serious fault in other colorations. Seasonal fading is permitted. The lips are clean and tight, and correspond in color with the nose leather or may be pink; either solid or spotted is acceptable. The lower jaw and teeth are strong and well developed with no sign of being snipey or weak. Bite- A scissor bite is preferred. A level bite is acceptable.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck - Length of neck is in proportion to the head. Strong, arched along the crest and dry, the neck blends smoothly into the flat shoulder blades. Topline - Smooth and blending from the back through the loin and set of the tail. Body - The body is compact, strong and flexible with well sprung ribs. The brisket extends to the elbow. When viewed from the front, the ribs appear to be oval. The Rat Terrier, while muscled and fit, has flat muscles that blend into the body. The chest is moderately wide and well filled with a discernible forechest. The underline ascends gradually with the ribs extending well back to a moderate tuck-up. Back - The back is level and firm from the withers to the loin. The short loin has a slight muscular arch blending into the gently rounded croup. Tail - The tail set is a continuation of the spine. Tails are customarily docked between the second and third joint, or can be a natural bobtail or left naturally long and tapering to the hock joint. Length is unimportant. The carriage is variable depending on attitude, carried from slightly below horizontal to almost erect, but not over the back or a ring tail.
Forequarters: The shoulder blades are well laid back with flat muscles providing enough space between the shoulder blades to allow for free movement. The shoulder blades and the upper arms are nearly equal in length and well set back so that the elbows fall directly under the highest point of the shoulder blade. The depth of the body at the elbow is the same distance as from the elbow to the ground. The forelegs stand straight and parallel with elbows turning neither in nor out. The pasterns are slightly sloping when viewed from the side. The feet are oval in shape. The toes turn neither in nor out, are compact, moderately arched, with thick pads and strong nails. The front dewclaws may be removed.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters are muscular but smooth and in balance with the forequarters. They should not be bulging or coarse. Stifles are well-bent with short hocks that are parallel and perpendicular to the ground. The hind feet although slightly smaller are similar to the front feet. Rear dewclaws are removed.
Coat: Short, close lying, smooth and shiny coat. Texture varies; a very slight ruff or wave along the back is allowed, but undesirable. Any suggestion of kink or curl is cause for disqualification. Whiskers must not be removed. Absence of coat (total genetic hairlessness) is a disqualification.
Color: Any variation of pied patterning is acceptable. Pied is described as comparatively large patches of one or more colors in combination with white. Except for the "solid white" extreme piebald dog with only mottled/spotted skin. Disqualification - Rat Terriers are never a solid ground color without white markings, or bi-colored without one color being white. Acceptable colors with or without "tan points", include the predominate black, or chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, lemon, or white. Intense, dark shades of color with clearly defined and delineated coloration is preferred. White on the body is preferred to be between 10 percent and 90 percent, but all patterns; spotted, patched or splashed with white in conjunction with (or without) any combination of white on the face, head or ears are equally acceptable without prejudice. "Tan points" are common and vary in shades of cream to rust. Badger markings are acceptable. Speckling, ticking and mottling is common, but heavy ticking is undesirable. Sabling is permitted in the coat or as shading on the head or penciling on the toes. A "black mask/black muzzle", on a dog not having black as coloration is to be seriously faulted. A few white hairs do not constitute an acceptable marking. A minimum white marking consists of a patch or strip of white with underlying white/pink skin on the forechest or body that exceeds one inch. Less than one inch of white at its widest dimension is a disqualification. Brindle or merle color patterns are disqualifications.
Gait: A ground-covering efficient trot with good reach and drive suggesting agility, speed and power. The legs are parallel at a trot, but as speed increases, the legs converge toward a center line. There should be no elbowing out, weaving or rolling action while in motion.
Temperament: Keenly observant, devoted, full of energy, yet easily trained and obedient to command. The Rat Terrier is a non-sparring breed and generally friendly with other dogs, but may be reserved with strangers. Submissiveness is not a fault. Overt aggression and excessive shyness should be penalized.
Disqualifications: Any dog over six months of age measuring less than 10 inches, or over 18 inches. Any blue color in the eye(s). Cropped ears. An absence of coat (genetic hairlessness). Any suggestion of kink or curl, or coat type other than described. Solid colorations (other than white). Bi-colors without white, or dogs with a patch or strip of white measuring less than one inch at its widest dimension. Brindle or merle color patterns.
Approved November 11, 2009
Effective July 1, 2010
Rat Terriers: Loyal, intelligent, and athletic dogs, perfect for families and farm life with a bright future ahead.
Meet the Breeders
Jennifer Wilburn is the breeder behind Indigo Rat Terriers. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, puppies, and much more!
Discover the Rat Terrier: An American original bred for farm work, companionship, and more. Learn about their history, traits, and care.
Meet the Judges
Interview with Kerry Lee 2023 MCKC Dog Show Breed Judge. Read about his experience with judging at the prestigious dog show.
Meet the Breeders
Stacy McWilliams is the breeder behind River Ridge Rat Terriers. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, Rat Terrier puppies, and much more!
Meet the Breeders
Tracey A. Kallas is the breeder behind K2 Rat Terriers. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, Rat Terrier puppies, and much more!
Meet the Breeders
Kim Frazier is the breeder behind the Walkabout Australian Kelpies and Rat Terriers. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, the dogs, and more!
While it is very easy to admire a beautiful expression, a nice front, please don’t forget about the rear of the Rat Terrier.
Meet the Breeders
Lindsay Halbach is the breeder behind Riverdale Farm Rat Terriers. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, dogs, puppies, photos and more!
The tail is set at the end of the croup and may be naturally short, naturally long, or traditionally docked in countries where the practice is permitted. A full-length tail is carried in an upward curve when the Rat Terrier is alert, but should not curl tightly over the back.
Standard Markings
A Note About Color: The Rat Terrier appears in a wide variety of colors and markings; however, the breed is never a solid ground color without white markings, or bi-colored without one color being white. Intense, dark shades of color with clearly defined and delineated coloration is preferred. White on the body is preferred to be between 10 percent and 90 percent, but all patterns; spotted, patched or splashed with white in conjunction with (or without) any combination of white on the face, head, or ears are equally acceptable without prejudice. A few white hairs do not constitute an acceptable marking. A minimum white marking consists of a patch or strip of white with underlying white/pink skin on the forechest or body that exceeds one inch. Less than one inch of white at its widest dimension is a disqualification in the show ring. Brindle or merle color patterns are disqualifications.
Coat Type
Smooth
The structure of the coat this breed carries.
Coat Length
Short
How long the breed's coat grows when kept in condition.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
A Rat Terrier should receive a complete and balanced diet suited to the dog’s age, size, activity level, and body condition. Portions should be measured carefully because even a small amount of excess weight can place unnecessary strain on the joints.
A puppy generally needs three or four small meals each day before gradually moving to two meals. Most adults are fed twice daily, with the amount adjusted according to the food’s caloric density and the dog’s level of activity.
Treats can be useful during training but should remain limited. Fresh water should always be available.
The Rat Terrier is highly intelligent and usually learns quickly, but it can also be independent, persistent, and easily distracted. Training is most effective when sessions are short, varied, and supported by praise, food rewards, toys, or play.
Early socialization should introduce the puppy to different people, well-mannered dogs, environments, sounds, and surfaces. Recall, leash manners, impulse control, and calm greetings are especially important because the breed may react quickly to movement or scent.
Clear and consistent expectations help prevent unwanted habits such as digging, excessive barking, or ignoring commands. Harsh methods may create resistance, while patient and engaging training usually encourages better cooperation.
The breed sheds moderately throughout the year, with shedding sometimes becoming more noticeable during seasonal changes. Bathing is needed only occasionally unless the dog becomes particularly dirty. Nails should be trimmed regularly, ears should be checked for irritation or debris, and teeth should be brushed routinely.
