Rat Terriers - Puppies

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Rat Terriers - Puppies - General Information

Rat Terriers are wonderful companion dogs even though their original function was hunting. The breed is the descendant of the Manchester Terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier, and some other breeds. It was bred as a vermin dog and was often seen on farms, especially at the beginning of the 20th century. By the 1950s, their numbers decreased significantly. Yet, interest in the breed was revived in the 1990s and the UKC accepted the Rat Terrier. It approved of the official breed standard coined by the Rat Terrier Club of America in 1994.

Rat Terriers - Puppies - Breed Diversity

Photo source:
Double Diamond Standard Rat Terriers

According to the standard, the Rat Terrier can come in two varieties, a coated Rat Terrier and a hairless Rat Terrier that is often referred to as the American Hairless Rat Terrier. American Hairless Rat Terrier puppies are born with some fluff on them that is gradually reduced by the age of 6-8 weeks old. When full-grown, hairless Rat Terriers should be bare except small areas on whiskers.

Coated Rat Terriers may come in solid white, bi-color and tri-color patterns. Rat Terriers in black, chocolate, tan, blue and similar hues are also accepted. Patterns that are not accepted in the standard include brindle, merle, and solid colors other than white.

The Hairless Rat Terrier can be of any color. Dogs usually are parti-colored with some freckles contrasting the basic coat color. Whatever the color pattern in a Hairless Rat Terrier puppy, it is usually lighter than a full-grown dog. Freckles also tend to extend as the dog ages.

Besides the classification according by coat type, there is a difference in size within the breed. The official breed standard approves of Standard and Miniature Rat Terriers. The Standard Rat Terrier should reach the height of about 13-18 inches as adult dogs. Miniature Rat Terriers do not exceed 13 inches.

When choosing a puppy, one always has a choice to make. Those who are attracted by the breed's characteristics but give preference to large dogs should consider getting a Decker Giant Rat Terrier. This variety displays all the best qualities attributed to the Rat Terrier and stands about 16-19 inches at the shoulder.

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers can also be a good choice. This type of the Rat Terrier has shorter legs and stands about 8-15 inches at the shoulder. A dog should not show any aggressiveness or shyness. In fact, this holds true for any variety of the Rat Terrier.

Rat Terriers - Puppies - Choosing a Puppy

Once the decision to buy a Rat Terrier puppy has been taken, one has to find a reputable breeder and try to choose a puppy that is best suited. The average size of a litter in Rat Terriers is 5-7 puppies. Though the breed is considered rare, Rat Terrier puppies are readily available. Yet, it is advised to buy puppies from experienced breeders who have been dealing with Rat Terriers for a long time and are ready to supply future owners with a piece of advice when necessary.