Rat Terrier
Modified: 30-11--0001 00:00:00
The Rat Terrier is an American dog breed, one of many terrier varieties. It is a small, active terrier. Although the breed has been around in similar form since the early 1900s, it has remained more of a type than a breed.
Appearance
The Rat Terrier comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns. It is often white with either black and tan, apricot, blue, or brown spots. The original snazzy most common color is the tricolor: black, tan, and white. Many have ticking on the white part of the coat; most have freckles on their bellies. Ear carriage can be upright, tipped, or button, and the tail is traditionally docked to about 1/3 of its original length.
The Rat Terrier ranges from about 5 to 40 pounds, although the larger sizes are sometimes called Deckers or Decker Giants, after a breeder named Milton Decker who has been developing a larger version of the Rat Terrier. The Toy size (10 pounds and under) is becoming increasingly popular as a house pet & companion dog. Despite their diminutive size, many Toy Rat Terriers display the same prey drive & hunting instincts as their larger cousins.
Temperament
Although often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier has a very different temperament. It is less aggressive and comparatively calm (although still exhibiting terrier personality). They are normally cheerful dogs, but there are occasional dogs who are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment or to unexpected noises, people, or activity. They can be, however, extremely bonded to and protective of their owners.
History
The Rat Terrier type originated in England; like all terriers of this type, it most likely developed from crosses among Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, and Whippets. After the 1890s, as the breed type became popular in America, other breeds were added to the mix. Beagles and Italian Greyhounds may have been used.
Breed recognition
Rat Terrier organizations rank among those in the dog world among which there is dispute over the best course of action to be taken for the promotion and preservation of the dog breed. Points of departure are, as usual, which dog type best represents the breed, and, as is common among working breeds, whether the dog's working qualities will be sacrificed to show conformation. Perhaps because the Rat Terrier has existed for decades with several different evident types being upheld by different clubs, disagreements can be highly charged.
The Rat Terrier has been recognized by the United Kennel Club. The Rat Terrier Club of America is actively working towards recognition by the AKC and the breed was accepted into the AKC's Foundation Stock Service in 2005.
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