The Rat Terrier breed is more of a type than a breed. As of this writing there are still disagreements as to what would be the best representation of the breed since there are so many types available.
The Rat Terrier's Behavior
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Source: Wikipedia.
Recommended for: pet dog
The Rat Terrier dog breed has been described as the opposite of the breed it closely resembles, the Jack Terrier breed. Rat Terriers are less agressive and are relatively calm, for a terrier breed. Normally they are cheerful dogs but there are cases where an occasional dog is sensitive to new environments, unexpected noises, people, or sudden activity.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Rat Terrier's Physical Characteristics
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Here are some of the characteristics of the Rat Terrier breed as determined by the Rat Terrier Club of America's published breed standard.
- Size: small to medium terrier size
- Coat: short, dense, smooth, soft to medium hardness
- Color: hound colors, tri-colors, bi-colors, chocolate, red, orange, lemon, blue
- Eyes: set well apart, mid-size, slightly prominent, rounded to slightly almond shape, dark brown to light hazel
- Ears: V-shaped, slightly set off skull
- Muzzle: medium length, straight, tapered
- Nose: black
- Tail: tapering, set to follow line of croup
The Rat Terrier's Origins and History
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Source: Wikipedia, Rat Terrier Club of America
Country/Region of Origin: United States
Original purpose: hunting
Name: Named because of the way they went after rats and kept down their numbers in the White House
Historical notes: The predecessors of the Rat Terriers came from England. The Rat Terrier was most probably bred from Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, and Whippets. Later in the US, Beagles and Italian Greyhounds were added to the mix.