Can Rat Terriers Be Guard Dogs?

Wanting to adopt a Rat Terrier puppy and want to know whether a Rat Terrier can be a good watch dog or if Rat Terrier Dogs are protective of their owners?

According to dog trainers, Rat Terrier Dogs score 3 star out of 5 in the scale of breeds that are considered the best guard dogs.


Can Rat Terriers Be Guard Dogs?

Can Rat Terriers Be A Watch Dog?

    This dog is not recommended to be a watchdog.

    Training a Rat Terrier To Be a Watch Dog

    Many people get a dog because they want additional safety and security around their properties. A guard dog, or a canine that will actually stop an intruder, generally takes unique breeding and training, but there are many dogs that are exceptional watch dogs.

    A watch dog basically informs their owner to somebody coming close to their home. Even when your dog isn't a police dog, most barking dogs will deter an intruder even if they aren't big. Most guard dogs also make fantastic watch dogs, but not all watch dogs make good guard dogs.

    Top 5 Best Guard Dogs

    1. Doberman Pinscher - The Doberman Pinscher is German breed initially used for guarding, police and military work. They are big, strong dogs that will notify their owners to questionable activity and can make very good guard dogs as well.

    2. Cairn Terrier - Although little, the Cairn Terrier is intense. They are strong-willed, fiery little terriers that are very watchful of their surroundings and will alert their owners to any novel activity in no time. Because of this, they make outstanding watch dogs.

    3. Rottweiler - The Rottweiler is a big German guard dog breed that is greatly loyal to its family but wary of strangers. Although, they are not a great choice for amateur pet dog owners.

    4. German Shepherd - They are superb guard dogs that will notify their owners of any strangers just a little too close to their homes.

    5. Akita - They will quickly signal their owners to any unusual activity. They are strong dogs that are not well-suited for the newbie owner, but are almost unparalleled in their loyalty to their owners.

Can Rat Terriers Be Guard Dogs

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. List the lost pet on the Local Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Phone the nearby vet clinics to see if anyone has brought in your lost pet.

4. Contact 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. Report the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

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

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Pound assigned to your suburb.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet Clinic who can scan the animal’s microchip and call 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.