Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier does well on a high-quality food formulated for its age and size, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared under your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Ratties tend to be good eaters, so keep clean, fresh water available at all times and learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not.

Feed a measured amount appropriate to the life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior, twice a day. Free-feeding (leaving food out all the time) is not recommended, since it can easily lead to overweight or obesity. Your dog food package will list portion guidance, and your vet can answer feeding questions.

Though small and active, Rat Terriers are prone to obesity. Watch how much your dog eats, cut portions if your pup gains weight, and remember that too many treats on top of regular meals add up. Because the breed can be prone to joint issues, ask your vet about joint-friendly supplements that contain chondroitin and glucosamine.

The Rat Terrier's short, dense coat needs very little to stay in good shape. A weekly once-over with a soft brush or hound glove keeps the coat healthy and glossy and helps remove dead hair. Ratties shed, more heavily on a seasonal basis, when a shedding tool or rubber curry brush helps clear loose hair.

Bathe about once a month, no more often, since frequent baths strip the natural oils that keep the skin healthy. Trim the nails at least monthly so they stay short and neat, since overly long nails can hurt. Brush the teeth daily if possible, using a toothpaste made for dogs.

Rat Terrier skin can be sensitive, especially around the belly, and the breed can be prone to itching and environmental allergies. If your Rattie scratches or licks more than usual, or you see red bumps or hair loss, talk to your vet. Check the ears weekly and remove excess wax and debris. The breed can also be prone to certain eye issues, so take a good look during each grooming session and note any changes. Ratties do not have long fur around the eyes and ears like some breeds, so keep water and shampoo out of both when bathing.

Some Rat Terriers get enough exercise through indoor play, but most do best with daily walks plus ball-chasing and other play in a fenced enclosure. Rat Terriers need regular exercise and daily family contact.

The breed has a strong prey drive and a tendency to chase, so keep your dog on a leash or in a secure, fenced area when outside. Most cannot resist chasing a strange cat or squirrel. As terriers, they can dig, especially when they are not getting enough attention, and that, paired with their curiosity and athletic build, makes them talented escape artists. This is not a dog to leave alone in the backyard.

A bright, social breed, Ratties want a role in everything and need plenty of mental stimulation alongside physical activity. Before you add one, be ready to meet those needs with firm boundaries, regular exercise, and plenty of love and attention. They are adaptable and smart enough to fit most situations, but if you prefer to let your dog set the rules, or do not have a lifestyle you can fold a dog into now and for the next 15 years, this is not the breed for you.

The Rat Terrier is intelligent and trainable, though some can be stubborn and determined. Unusually sensitive and intuitive, Ratties love to please, thrive on praise, and respond quickly to positive reinforcement. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and rally. Keep sessions short, fun, and full of rewards, and start crate training early so the dog (and anything they might chew) stays safe when you need to leave.

These dogs are persistent and tenacious when solving a problem or finishing a job, a trait that can be tough for inexperienced owners who are not ready to set and stick to clear, consistent rules. They will test boundaries, so firm, consistent correction and early socialization matter.

Socialization is essential and starts with the breeder, but the breeder handles only the first eight weeks. The rest is your job for at least the next year. Introduced early to new people, children, other dogs, and cats, a Rat Terrier will likely get along with everyone. Most are patient and tolerant with children, though you should always supervise time together, since not every dog likes kids. Ratties usually get along with other pets, including cats, if raised with them, but they may view pocket pets like hamsters as snacks rather than siblings.