Lily’s Second Chance

Rat Terrier: Size, Temperament, History and Adoption Guide

Rat Terrier history: where the breed comes from

The Rat Terrier is an American breed descended from terriers brought over by English miners and other working class immigrants. Those early dogs were used as ratters, and some were crossed with Whippets or Italian Greyhounds for speed and with Beagles for hunting ability. Theodore Roosevelt hunted with these dogs and is credited with naming them rat terriers. The American Kennel Club places the breed in the Terrier Group.

Rat Terrier breed history: recognition

The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1999. The American Kennel Club lists 2013 as the year it recognized the Rat Terrier.

How big do Rat Terrier dogs get?

The American Kennel Club lists a Rat Terrier weight of 10-25 pounds and calls it a small dog. For height, the American Kennel Club gives 10-13 inches for the miniature variety, while the United Kennel Club says miniatures do not exceed 13 inches at the withers. Both publishers describe the standard variety as over 13 inches and up to 18 inches.

Rat Terrier temperament, traits and personality

The American Kennel Club describes the breed as friendly, inquisitive and lovable. The United Kennel Club describes an energetic, alert dog whose curiosity and intelligence make training easier. Away from hunting, many are described as friendly companions that often get along with children, other dogs and even cats. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that a Rat Terrier may be cocky or scrappy with other dogs. The same source cautions that the breed may not suit homes with small pets, and that rodents in particular are a poor match.

Exercise and play

VCA Animal Hospitals describes the breed as very active and playful, with a daily walk and several play sessions helping to meet its exercise needs. Games and tricks provide needed mental exercise. VCA also notes that some Rat Terriers may bully other small dogs at dog parks.

Coat and grooming

The American Kennel Club lists the coat as short and smooth. VCA Animal Hospitals says brushing once a week removes dead hair. Its thin coat and small size make the breed vulnerable to chilling.

Training

VCA Animal Hospitals says the breed does best with reward-based training involving food or games. It is described as eager to please and quick to learn, but easily bored and distracted.

Rat Terrier life expectancy and health

The American Kennel Club gives a general life expectancy of 12-18 years for the Rat Terrier. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that the breed often stays at a good weight or runs slightly overweight, and that small snacks can cause weight problems in very small dogs. Very small puppies are prone to hypoglycemia, so ask a veterinarian about feeding.

AKC breed facts

These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Rat Terrier as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.

AKC group
Terrier Group
AKC recognition year
2013
Height (AKC published)
10-13 inches (miniature), 13-18 inches (standard)
Weight (AKC published)
10-25 pounds
General life expectancy
12-18 years
AKC size category
Small

AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)

  • Energy: 4 of 5
  • Mental enrichment: 5 of 5
  • Trainability: 5 of 5
  • Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
  • Shedding: 3 of 5
  • Vocalization: 3 of 5
  • Drooling: 1 of 5
  • Adaptability: 4 of 5
  • Playfulness: 5 of 5
  • Watchful or protective tendency: 4 of 5
  • Affection toward family: 5 of 5
  • Openness toward strangers: 5 of 5
  • AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
  • AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5

Health screenings AKC lists for the breed

Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.

  • Patella Evaluation
  • Hip Evaluation
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - DNA Test

Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).

Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.

References

Senior Rat Terrier dogs looking for homes

Each dog is listed by the shelter or rescue named on the card. Please confirm availability with them.