Rat Terrier Life Span

Rat terriers or 'Ratters' are known as the true terrier dog breeds. Rat Terriers are originally from England and were bred and developed in the US. The settlers cross-bred the Fox Terriers with European Terriers, Manchester Terrier and the long extinct White English Terrier. They were also crossbred with Whippet and Greyhound dogs to build stamina and speed and the beagle to improve their hunting skills. In the 1800's, the English miners used the Rat Terrier dogs to hunt and kill the rats found in the mine shafts and shacks. They also used these little energy cells in dog fights as a popular pastime. The Rat Terrier became even more popular, as Teddy Roosevelt had them as pets. He went hunting with these dogs and thus, they were called Teddy Roosevelt Terriers.

Types of Rat Terriers
Rat Terriers are basically of two types. The short-legged Rat Terrier and the long-legged Rat Terrier. The short-legged Rat Terrier may have been a cross between Welsh Corgi dogs or Dachshunds. The long-legged are taught to be cross between the whippet or the greyhounds. This has helped giving the long-legged Rat Terriers the speed and stamina that is very useful for hunting and sports. The Rat Terriers also differ in their average height. The standard height of the Rat Terriers is 14 to 23 inches, the medium-sized Rat Terriers are 8 to 14 inches and the Toy Rat Terriers are about 8 inches in height. Let us now get into the details of life expectancy of Rat Terriers.

How Long does a Rat Terrier Live?
Rat Terriers are one of the best canine breeds one can get as a family pet. They are well-muscled dogs that have a deep chest, strong shoulders, powerful neck and solid neck. They have a meaty yet compact body. They have coat colors that range from chocolates, red, white, pearls, sables, solid red, black and tan, blue and white and red brindle.

The Rat Terrier life expectancy is about 25 years. Well, the long life span of Rat Terrier will never make you feel lonely and keep your house lively. The average Rat Terrier life span is about 15 - 18 years. With good dog care you can extend the life span of Rat Terrier to over 25 years. Many experts even say the Rat Terrier life expectancy is just 13 to 16 years. But it is all about the genetic make up of an individual dog and the amount of pet care he receives in case of any dog health problems makes a huge difference in increasing the average Rat Terrier life span.

Rat Terrier Personality Traits
The Rat Terrier personality traits show that the dog is an active and 'feisty' breed. If you have any idea about the liveliness of Jack Russell Terrier, then just imagine the Rat Terrier as a double of the former. The Rat Terrier personality traits are very positive and these good-natured dogs have a real nose for scenting and show grace when speeding or chasing.

The Rat Terrier personality traits also include an inquisitive and intelligent mind. Rat Terrier puppies that are raised along with children can get along with them like a house on fire. Even if you do not bring home Rat Terrier puppies, the adult Rat Terrier will prove to be a faithful and playful companion for children. These dogs are great watchdogs and very quick. They do not yap a lot and have a fearless temperament. They love to please people around them and are very fast learners, thus, making dog training a joy and not a difficult routine. Rat Terriers are also very well-mannered dogs and good swimmers. As an owner, you need to show yourself as a confident pack leader who is consistent. This will help avoiding the small dog syndrome or other territorial issues.

If you live in an apartment, they need to be taken outdoors for daily exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes. They are very active dogs and should have a small or medium-sized yard to release their energy. They love being indoors as well as outdoors. They enjoy challenging games and outdoor pumps. They also do not require much of dog grooming and a weekly combing and brushing will help remove the dead hair.

These little energetic dogs are very hardworking canines and will prove to be great mice and rat catchers. If you are searching for a pet dog that will bring smiles and spirit to your life, then Rat Terriers is the answer. These aren't high maintenance dogs, but you need to take good dog care. These are high-spirited dogs, therefore do everything you can, to keep their spirits high and not break a good dog into a sad canine. Rat terriers will prove to be faithful, sincere and dedicated pets and you will enjoy all the years of the Rat Terrier life expectancy with delight.