The Rat Terrier is an American breed that originated in the 19th century. This breed was developed from a mix of breeds, including the Smooth Fox Terrier and Whippet. The Rat Terrier was primarily bred to eradicate rats and other rodents on farms, hence their name.
Physical Appearance
Rat Terriers are small dogs with a height ranging between 8-18 inches at the shoulder. They weigh between 10-25 pounds, with short coats that come in several different colors such as black, white, brown or tri-color patterns (black/brown/white). Their ears may be erect or folded over; they have almond-shaped eyes which can range from shades of brown to blue.
Temperament
Rat terriers are loyal companions who exhibit high energy levels and enjoy physical activity like running alongside bikes/joggers/hiking with their owners. Although some people believe Rat terriers are aggressive due to their hunting instincts this usually isn’t true but it’s important for young children to not leave them unsupervised as occasional snapping could occur if provoked. Early socialization training helps Rat terriers become well-behaved around kids by learning how gentle play is necessary while also introducing them properly through positive reinforcement methods towards strangers and unfamiliar animals alike.
Health Problems
Like many purebred dogs, rat terriers can suffer from some genetic health issues like deafness especially among those who have all-white fur coloration , luxating patellas (knee caps slipping out of place), allergies affecting skin irritations/infections coupled urinary stones making urination difficult causing painful bladder inflammation increasing infections although proper preventative care recommended if caught early enough giving great outcomes.
Exercise Needs
A healthy adult Rat Terrier needs about thirty minutes of vigorous exercise each day such as long walks brisk jogs or playtime consisting fetch ball games periodically throughout day allowing indoors time independent routine breather breaks outside occasionally going potty/too much crate confinement can cause bladder infections.
Grooming
Rat Terriers’ short coats need minimal grooming with weekly brushing, baths when dirty/dusty, nail clipping depending on length inside the house or wear from outside life. Those who have multiple fur colors may require extra bathing due to dirt buildup especially behind ears and paw pads being monitored closely for infections.
Training
Terriers enjoy mental challenges apart from physical exercise so training regimens should include obedience training, advanced obedience and breed-specific commands alongside potty training/ crate management using positive reinforcement techniques rewarding behaviors given in tone of praise rather than harsh words scolding negative actions, treats as a form of rewards builds trust gradually over time make sure all food-based rewards are healthy and not processed snacks leading towards obesity since Rat terriers like other breeds may have tendency towards weight gain if proper diet isn’t followed.
Compatibility with children/pets
Due to their strong hunting instincts Rat Terriers sometimes cannot be trusted around small animals such as cats/birds which could trigger chases however they’re good companionships given that early socialization is applied helping them develop patience around young children while remaining loyal protective of family units deeply bonded overtime
Personality Quirks:
Rat Terriers are intelligent playful dogs who love human interaction; though some may exhibit shyness/fearfulness it usually doesn’t last long before they warm up to strangers returning back to their friendly self once feeling safe again. They tend to remain active indoors as well requiring attention from owners otherwise destructive chewing barking digging behavior occurs.
Famous Examples:
Notable examples in media include “Deputy Dawg” an animated TV series aired between 1959-1972 showcasing adventures created by Terrytoons production company using Deputy Dawg character alongside Muskie Muskrat featuring main storyline centered around deputy trying stopping varmints causing chaos throughout town community.
Another example is a rat terrier named Milo who starred in the 1995 movie “The Mask” alongside actor Jim Carrey who played Stanley Ipkiss/Mask with Milo helping uncover clues during climax of the plot.