Rat Terrier Dog Breed

Thinking of getting a Rat Terrier Dog and want to know if a Rat Terrier is suitable for your household?

Use the Rat Terrier information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Rat Terrier and more.


Rat Terrier Breed Facts

Rat Terrier Facts

  • Name: Rat Terrier
  • Other Names: American Rat Terrier, Ratting Terrier, Decker Giant, RT, Rat, Rattie
  • Origin: United States
  • Breed Group: Terrier (AKC:2013)(UKC)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Rat Terrier Dog Facts

Rat Terrier Information

The Rat Terrier is a multipurpose companion dog that is capable of hunting rodents and vermin above and below ground as well as coursing small game. He is a sturdy, compact, small-to-medium sized parti-colored dog giving the appearance of elegance and athleticism. His short, smooth coat may come in any variation of pied patterning. Pied is described as comparatively large patches of one or more colors in combination with white. Acceptable colors, with or without "tan points", include the predominate black, or chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, or lemon.

The Rat Terrier has sometimes been described as having a dual personality. He is a fearless, tenacious hunter with seemingly unlimited energy. When he is not hunting, however, the Rat Terrier is an exceptionally friendly companion, getting along well with children, other dogs, and even cats.

What to do if you lose your Rat Terrier

If your Rat Terrier Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Call the local vet clinics to see if someone has brought in your lost pet.

4. Call the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Shelters.

What to do if you find a lost Rat Terrier

If you find a Rat Terrier Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Call the Local Authority to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Shelter assigned to your area.

5. Take the pet to the local Vet who normally scan the animal’s microchip and contact the registered pet owner.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.