about rat terriers

Feisty terriers

If you want a lively little dog that can be a hunting companion, a sight hound, and a family friend all rolled into one, then you might want to consider owning a rat terrier. It is aptly nicknamed “feists” for its energetic disposition, although less so than a Jack Russell terrier, to which it is usually compared. An interesting fact about rat terriers is that it is also called a Teddy Roosevelt terrier, after President Roosevelt’s dog Skip, considered to be the most famous rat terrier and who got rid of rats in the White House. Feists are popular with families especially those living in small houses or apartments. This is due to their adaptability with children and their ease of handling.

Grooming is fairly easy for this breed since it has a short coat. Just remember to brush it regularly and give it the occasional bath. They might require more training especially when housebreaking, because rat terriers have a lot of energy and like to play around often. An important thing to remember about rat terriers is to socialize them with people and other animals early on, so that they grow up to be loving and well-mannered adults. When trained well, they are great as lovable family pets and get along well with children. A rat terrier may live for about 12 to 15 years, with only minor health problems such as allergies and underbite or overbite.

This breed has increased popularity in the latter years, for those wanting a dog similar to a Jack Russell terrier but also want a pet that is more mellow and less active. Rat terriers have come a long way since its humble roots in the 1920s and 30s as a pet for the American family in the countryside. The best thing about rat terriers which has also made it popular is its intelligence and loving nature, which will surely endear enthusiasts for years to come.