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Rat Terrier

Official Cynology Profile & Standard Data.

Origin: United States of America
AKC Group: Terrier
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History & Overview

Origin and historical development

Few breeds say what they are for as plainly as this one. Rat Terriers were bred to kill rats, and the American Kennel Club is blunt about why that mattered: on an old-time farm a rodent infestation could be the difference between having enough grain to last the winter and going hungry.

Practical farmers expected more than one skill from a dog, so the breed also earned its keep as an all-purpose hunting partner, a watchdog, a guardian of the henhouse and a sturdy playmate for children.

The AKC recognises it in two sizes, miniature at 10 to 13 inches and standard at 13 to 18 inches, and places it in the Terrier Group.

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Breed Standard

How the breed is described and measured

The breed is registered by the American Kennel Club.

Size, standard by standard

  • American Kennel Club — height 25.4-33 cm

Full standards: American Kennel Club.

Country of origin: United States of America

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Breed Trivia

Unique facts and fascinating details

  • A good ratter was standard equipment on an old American farm.
  • The AKC recognises the breed in two sizes.
  • It doubled as a watchdog and a children's companion.
  • It guarded the henhouse as well as the grain store.
  • It is placed in the AKC Terrier Group.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common inquiries about the breed

How many sizes are there?

Two. The AKC standard covers miniature at 10 to 13 inches and standard at 13 to 18 inches.

Is it the same as the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

No, though the two share ancestry. They are registered by the AKC as separate breeds.

What was it bred for?

Killing rats on farms, and general farm work as a hunting dog and watchdog.

Is it recognised by the FCI?

No. It is an AKC breed.

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