Rat Terrier Personality

The first time I was introduced to the breed, its curious name left me wondering, for I definitely did not see a resemblance between this sharp little dog and a rodent. However, I later learned that the breed gets its name from one of its early occupations in rat pit gambling. It is believed that the breed was developed from the crossing of breeds like the English White Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, and Whippet. Initially bred for speed, this agility was put to use to hunt down vermin, squirrels, hare, and other small game. These abilities made them excellent farm dogs. Later, other breeds like the Beagle, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers and Chihuahuas might have been added to the mix to include qualities of scenting ability, speed and smaller size. The advantage of this kind of great genetic diversity that the rat terrier possess is good overall health, intelligence and soundness.

Personality of a Rat Terrier

There are numerous wonderful qualities that this dog breed possesses. A feisty, fearless terrier at heart, they are alert and active. For this reason, most owners must include a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and exercise in their dogs daily activity list. However, a surprising personality trait is that they also know how to take it easy and enjoys periods of lounging around. They are good family dogs, for they get along well with children. In fact, if brought up along with them, they will form strong bonds and attachments. Rat terriers are fairly perceptive to small changes, and they can detect changes in their environment, owner's moods, or an out-of-the-ordinary happenings. Their intelligence makes them easier to train than many other dog breeds. Even though the classic traits of their personality are those of friendliness and affection, they can still be trained to be good guard dogs. However, they also need to be socialized early in their childhood. Ideally, expose the dog to different kinds of people and places, particularly during the first three months of life. They are also excellent swimmers, and love to splash around in water, so you can be assured that bath time will not be a problem. They also make good farm and hunting dogs.

Rat Terrier Care

These dogs need at least 20-30 minutes of exercise a day, including play time. As they need mental stimulation, ensure you play a game or catch or any other game with them. Remember their origins as hunters, and find appropriate activities. The ideal living quarters for a such dogs is a home that has a small to medium-sized yard. However, there is a warning for those who put a lot of work into, and love their yards. Rat terriers love to dig (once again their instinct to hunt down rats at play here), and are sure to burrow into the lawn. One is advised to ensure their safety, and at the same time allow them to spend a significant amount of time playing outdoors.

Like all other dogs, rat terriers need regular baths and grooming. Baths can be given when your dog gets smelly. Part of the dog care includes checking them every alternate day for any kind of infestations and brushing them about once in three days to keep their coat in good shape. They don't shed much on a regular basis, except when shedding their winter coat. They are considered to be non-shedding dogs, but not quite hypoallergenic. A good diet and regular visits to the vet are a must.

Also essential for your and your dogs sanity is to firmly establish pack leader status. Since rat terrier personality includes many wonderful qualities, but also those of independence, stubbornness and persistence, you must let him/her know that you are the master. If not, issues such as Small Dog Syndrome may crop up. And know that being firm and loving aren't exclusive qualities, for the love you give your dog will be returned manifold.