--- title: "Rat Terrier" id: "191540" type: "breeds" slug: "rat-terrier" published_at: "2022-07-02T04:19:11+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-17T04:30:01+00:00" url: "https://jaxpetland.com/breed/rat-terrier/" markdown_url: "https://jaxpetland.com/breed/rat-terrier.md" excerpt: "The Rat Terrier is a delightful and energetic breed that traces its roots back to the working farms of the United States, where they were bred for hunting and companionship. Their lively spirit and friendly demeanor make them a fantastic..." taxonomy_breed_group: - "Terrier Group" taxonomy_breed_size: - "Small" --- [Back to Breeds](https://jaxpetland.com/breed/) Small breed # Rat Terrier Puppies The Rat Terrier is a rare and beloved dog breed in the United States. Due to their active nature and intelligence, Rat Terriers are widely sought after by numerous families in the US. Discover more about our **Rat Terrier**puppies for sale below! - Great with kids - Active breed - Alert watchdog [Ask about Rat Terrier puppies](#pb-ask) We do not have Rat Terrier puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well. - Exercise 60 min a day ![Rat-Terrier](https://jaxpetland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rat-terrier-600x600.jpg) Share[https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fjaxpetland.com%2Fbreed%2Frat-terrier%2F](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fjaxpetland.com%2Fbreed%2Frat-terrier%2F) [https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjaxpetland.com%2Fbreed%2Frat-terrier%2F&description=Rat%20Terrier%20puppies](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjaxpetland.com%2Fbreed%2Frat-terrier%2F&description=Rat%20Terrier%20puppies) ## About the Rat Terrier [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=jaxpetland.com) The Rat Terrier is a delightful and energetic breed that traces its roots back to the working farms of the United States, where they were bred for hunting and companionship. Their lively spirit and friendly demeanor make them a fantastic addition to many households, particularly those with young children. Known for their affectionate nature, these lovable companions thrive on human interaction and form strong bonds with their families. With a playful disposition, they can be great playmates, bringing joy and laughter to your home. Read more about the Rat Terrier Show less This breed is a moderate-sized dog with a healthy level of energy, making them well-suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities as well as cozy nights on the couch. Regular exercise is important to keep them happy and healthy, but they can adapt well to apartment living if they receive sufficient daily walks and playtime. While Rat Terriers do exhibit some barking tendencies, they are generally good at forming friendships with other dogs, although their relationship with cats may require some extra care and supervision. When it comes to grooming, you’ll find that maintaining a Rat Terrier is quite manageable. Their coat requires weekly brushing to minimize shedding and keep them looking their best. These dogs are known for their intelligence and trainability, which means with consistent guidance, they can learn commands and tricks quickly. If you are considering bringing a Rat Terrier into your home, you will find a loyal and loving companion who will enrich your life with their energy and affection. If you’re looking for a Rat Terrier in Petland Jacksonville, Florida, you’ll be delighted to discover this charming breed waiting to meet you. [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=jaxpetland.com) ## Rat Terrier breed profile Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse. ### Temperament - Affection Very affectionate - Playfulness Very playful - With strangers Warms up - Territorial Somewhat - Prey drive High ### Family & other pets - Young children Good - Older children Good - Other dogs Usually fine - Cats Needs care ### Energy & exercise - Energy High - Mental stimulation High ### Training - Trainability Quick to learn - Intelligence Very bright - Stubbornness A stubborn streak ### Care & upkeep - Shedding Moderate - Drooling None to speak of - Barking Moderate ### Home life - Apartment living Adaptable - Time alone A few hours - Cold weather Average - Warm weather Comfortable ### A good match for - First-time owners Manageable - Senior owners Suitable - Running partner Good - Hiking Excellent - Therapy work Unlikely - Guarding Low ## Living with a Rat Terrier ### History The Rat Terrier is a breed with origins from the Bull Terrier, Fox Terrier, and English White Terrier. Because of its function as a hunter and farm dog, in the 1910s breeders added new strains to the breed to improve their ability to catch pests. Later in the 1920s, big Fox Terriers were also introduced to Rat Terrier programs to enable Rat Terriers breed small offspring. It was said that President Roosevelt coined the breeds named after his own Rat Terrier solved the vermin problem in the white house. Although Rat Terriers were common farm dogs from the 1910s to 1940s, their popularity on the farms lessened when farmers started using pesticides instead. They later became more popular as family dogs. ### Temperament Rat Terriers are social dogs and this makes them easy to reside with. Due to their eager-to-please nature, they are easily trainable and can learn to take instructions from an early age. Just like it is with most breeds, proper socialization is essential from a young age. Due to their intelligent mind, Rat Terriers love mental exercises. They are also loyal dogs that love attention and praise from owners. ### Environment As puppies, they should be trained to get used to staying in crates. This is because, with their curious nature, they can cause some destruction to the home or run into things that may harm them. Though a crate keeps them in check, they shouldn’t be kept in it all day. Save for night time when they are asleep, they should only be left in a crate a few hours at a time. They are people dogs and should be allowed to be around people frequently. ### Exercise Rat terriers need about 40 minutes of exercise daily. They require basic physical stimulation such as walking, jogging, fetching, farm work and so on. Playtime can also keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Due to their ability to hunt and do farm work, rat terriers can spend a lot of time running around and playing. They are too active for people who work too many hours and have very little time for their dogs. ### Grooming Rat Terriers are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They require brushing once a week and require baths occasionally. Brush their teeth twice a week to prevent dental diseases. Their nails should be trimmed at least once a month to protect yourself from scratches. Also, check and clean their ears weekly to ensure there is no infection. Our **Rat Terrier**puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering **Rat Terrier**puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. ## Caring for a Rat Terrier GroomingWeekly brushing Grooming costLow Monthly foodAverage Outdoor spaceA yard is recommended Allergy friendlyNot considered hypoallergenic ## Rat Terrier Video ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How can I take proper care of Rat Terriers? Brush them weekly, bath them monthly, brush their teeth once a week and trim their nails once a month. Also, engage them in exercise to keep them mentally and physically fit. ### Do Rat Terriers shed often? Yes, Rat Terriers shed often. Their shedding is heavier in the fall and spring. They also shed heavily during heat cycles. Weekly brushing can help rid them of excess hair. ### How should Rat Terriers be fed? How a Rat Terrier should be fed depends largely on its size, metabolism, age and activity level. If your dog is less than 10 pounds, half a cup of dry dog food a day is sufficient. If it’s about 10 to 15 pounds, it should be fed a cup of dog food daily. If it weighs from 20 to 10 pounds, one and a half cup of dog food a day will be sufficient. ### Are Rat Terriers accommodating to visitors? Yes. Although Rat Terriers are protective of their families, they are accommodating to visitors. ### Do Rat Terriers dig? Rat Terriers are farm dogs with a knack for hunting prey. This makes them fierce diggers. They will try to dig under any fence they can’t jump over so be prepared to check your fences for holes. ### How much exercise do they require? At least 40 minutes of exercise daily. This dog breed requires lots of activities and if they don’t get enough exercise, they will become destructive. ### Can Rat Terriers cohabit with other animals? Yes. Rat Terriers are very open to living with other dogs. They might chase after other smaller animals though. ### What is Rat Terriers life expectancy? Rat Terriers tend to live longer than most dogs. The average lifespan of a Rat Terrier is 16 to 19 years. ### What is the size of an average Rat Terrier? The average Rat Terrier stands at about 10-18 inches tall and weighs from 10-25 pounds. ### Are Rat Terriers children friendly? Yes, they love children. If you want an active, little companion dog, the Rat Terrier is the perfect choice for you! ## Similar Breeds ![Airedale-Terrier](https://jaxpetland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/airedale-terrier-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Airedale Terrier](https://jaxpetland.com/breed/airedale-terrier/) ![Australian-Terrier](https://jaxpetland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/australian-terrier-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Australian Terrier](https://jaxpetland.com/breed/australian-terrier/) ![Border-Terrier](https://jaxpetland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/border-terrier-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Border Terrier](https://jaxpetland.com/breed/border-terrier/) ![Bull-Terrier](https://jaxpetland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bull-terrier-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Bull Terrier](https://jaxpetland.com/breed/bull-terrier/) ## Ready to Meet Them? Call us to check current availability or to arrange a visit with a Rat Terrier. - [Jacksonville, FL 904-330-0152](tel:9043300152) ## Ask About Rat Terrier Puppies Our pet counselors are ready to help you find your new best friend. "*" indicates required fields ``` Petland Jacksonville 841 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Dakota Gunnoe Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved this place, TJ was awesome and helped me find what I needed, and he even recommended a good dog food for my new puppy. I can't thank him enough. Posted on Google Kisha Briscoe Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. TJ was great! Very informative and knew his stuff when it came to those puppies! I will definitely be back soon to take home a fur baby!!!!! Posted on Google Sydnie Xo Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sweetest golden boy ever, veryyyy playful and has plenty of puppy energy to go around! Posted on Google Milton Thompkins Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. TJMax ...Great!!! Posted on Google ella perez Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. so cute and very socialized puppies!!! this is a great place to look or if you want to just play with the little puppies Posted on Google Edward Leonard Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. TJ and his whole crew (Jeanette, Kaitlyn, Shannon) are amazing. They have amazingly bred animals. There is a wide variety of puppies and bunnies. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. Posted on Google Elsie Zaragoza Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Katelyn at Petland was excellent in providing information on a particular AKC puppy. She is professional, pleasant and thorough explaining all protective services, warranties, health and training benefits. We are very happy with our bundle of energy purchased. Posted on Google Deanna Henry Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great customer service and we love our new preppy Posted on Google Shawn Greene Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have a ouch of special dog a lot of options great puppy sanctuary ```