Live Life Team
The Rat Terrier goes by many alternative names. This rare breed has also been known as the American Rat Terrier, the Decker Giant, and the Ratting Terrier. While this breed is from the United States, it is often confused with other similar breeds. The Rat Terrier is both a dog type and a breed on its own, which is the main cause for the confusion. The Rat Terrier is so-called because of its hunting capabilities. These dogs were used on farms mainly to help keep the pest population under control. The Rat Terrier would patrol barns, silos and farmhouses, attacking any mice or rats it saw. Common in the 1920s and 1930s, this dog is now considered a rare breed.
Although Rat Terriers are very good at hunting small animals, they are most often kept as pets these days. They make great companions and are very loyal to their owners. They can be cheerful and social. They aren’t as afraid of strangers as many other dog breeds. This natural friendliness can be further enhanced when the Rat Terrier is socialised as a puppy.
Rat Terriers are a small to medium sized dog breed, similar in appearance to Jack Russell Terriers although they have distinct temperaments and bone structures. They reach an average height of between 13 and 18 inches and an average weight of between 10 and 25 pounds. They can be carried easily because of their weight, but they don’t like to be handled in this way. Rat Terriers are usually white with spots of black, tan or brown. This spotting is usually on their face, but can also be present on their back.
