Rat TerrierImage not available
Rat Terrier additional photo

Rat Terrier

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant
Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: August 30, 2025

Temperament

Affectionate, Lively, Inquisitive, Alert, Intelligent, Loving, Affectionate, Athletic, Curious, Friendly, Funny, Loves, Playful, Smart, Shy At First, Gentle, Loyal, Couch, Dignified, Quiet, Shy, Sweet, Velcro, Snuggles, Lap Dog, Good with Dogs, Brave, Couch potato, Loves Kisses, Loves Food, Calm, Cat Friendly, Kid Friendly, Heartworm positive, Best In A Home With Kids, Would Love Another Resident Dog, Adoption Ready, Cuddly Loving, Gentle Calm, Good with Cats, Good with Kids, Good with Other Animals, Housetrained, High Energy, Social, Loves To Play Fetch

Weight

8 - 25 lbs

Height

10 - 13 inches

Life Span

12 - 18 years

Breed Group

Terrier

Origin

Verenigde Staten

Additional Characteristics

Good with Children5/5
Good with Other Dogs5/5
Trainability2/5
Energy Level2/5
Grooming Needs5/5

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs2/5

They have a low to moderate energy level and need regular but not extensive exercise.

Grooming Requirements5/5

They have very high maintenance coats requiring daily brushing and regular professional grooming.

Trainability2/5

May require extra patience during training

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5
🐕 Rat Terrier Guide

📚 Explore comprehensive information about this breed

Overview

About the Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is a wonderful dog breed with unique characteristics. razza canina

Temperament

Affectionate, Lively, Inquisitive, Alert, Intelligent, Loving, Affectionate, Athletic, Curious, Friendly, Funny, Loves, Playful, Smart, Shy At First, Gentle, Loyal, Couch, Dignified, Quiet, Shy, Sweet, Velcro, Snuggles, Lap Dog, Good with Dogs, Brave, Couch potato, Loves Kisses, Loves Food, Calm, Cat Friendly, Kid Friendly, Heartworm positive, Best In A Home With Kids, Would Love Another Resident Dog, Adoption Ready, Cuddly Loving, Gentle Calm, Good with Cats, Good with Kids, Good with Other Animals, Housetrained, High Energy, Social, Loves To Play Fetch

Loading...

Finding similar breeds...

How We Find Similar Breeds

We analyze breed characteristics including temperament, size, appearance, and care needs to identify the most similar dog breeds. This helps you discover alternatives that might be a good match for your lifestyle and preferences.

Adopt a Rat Terrier

Filter to show only purebred Rat Terriers (excludes mixed breeds and crosses)

Find Dogs Near You

Enter your location to discover adoptable pets nearby

We'll search within 50 miles of your location for the best matches✓ Distance is customizable

Find Your Perfect Rat Terrier Match!

Enter your location above to discover adorable Rat Terriers waiting for their forever homes near you!

With thousands of dogs available, your new best friend might be just a few miles away.

Our search covers over 6,000 adoptable dogs within 50 miles

No rescue organizations found

Try searching with a different location or contact your local animal shelter for information.

No verified breeders found for Rat Terriers

We prioritize rescue and adoption. Please consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.

Adoption guide not available

Please check back later for information on adopting this breed.