

The Rat Terrier is a lightning-fast, tough little farm dog—bred as an agile Erdhund (earth dog) designed to clear American farms of rats and mice independently and uncompromisingly.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Rat Terrier Club of America (AKC parent club)
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Rat Terrier fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–18 yrs
Shoulder height
25–46 cm
Weight
4–11 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Rat Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Rat Terrier — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
A Rat Terrier is like a highly sensitive motion detector on four legs. Indoors, he loves to cuddle with you for hours, but outdoors, his brain switches to 'mission mode' at the slightest rustle in the bushes. If you understand this switch and channel his hunting instinct into shared tasks, you get a brilliant partner—if not, he will decide for himself when the hunt begins.
The Rat Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog that is not recognized by the FCI, but is recognized by kennel clubs such as the AKC and UKC. He is characterized by a slim but muscular physique. The head is moderately broad with a pronounced stop and a powerful jaw. The ears are set high and can be worn erect or semi-erect with a fold. The Rat Terrier has an elegant gait and shows a certain elegance in his posture. This breed does not differentiate between performance and show lines and is considered a uniform breed.
Are you looking for a lively companion who will keep you on your toes? Then the Rat Terrier could be just the thing for you! This breed is known for its intelligence and alertness. Despite their small size, they are courageous and can be very alert, making them excellent watchdogs. You'll probably find that your Rat Terrier will always keep you updated when someone is at the door! Another notable feature of the Rat Terrier is its playful temperament. He loves to romp and play and is often an endless source of entertainment. But be careful, his energy can sometimes seem limitless! It is important that you are prepared to provide your Rat Terrier with sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Otherwise, he may become bored and prone to unwanted behavior such as digging or chewing. In terms of its people-oriented nature, the Rat Terrier is a breed that is closely tied to its family. He is very loyal and will often "stick" - he always wants to be near you. This means that he must learn to stay alone without feeling undue stress. It is therefore important to train him to be alone gradually and to ensure that he has enough to do when you are not there. As a terrier, the Rat Terrier also has a strong hunting instinct. He is attracted to small, fast-moving objects and may chase after a squirrel or cat if not properly trained. It is advisable to keep him on a leash when you are in areas where he might pursue his passion for hunting. When it comes to training, the Rat Terrier is intelligent, but sometimes a bit stubborn. It is important to start training early and be consistent but loving. Positive reinforcement often works best with this breed. The Rat Terrier also has a talent for canine sports such as agility and can excel in activities that challenge both his body and mind. In conclusion, the Rat Terrier can be a wonderful companion for those who are willing to invest in his training and employment. His intelligence, alertness and playful temperament make him an entertaining and loyal member of the family.
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Rat Terrier was once known as “The Enemy of the Rats” and was highly valued for his farm pest control skills?
The Rat Terrier, an American original with a breed name said to have been coined by Teddy Roosevelt, is a compact, tough, smooth-coated dog used as a pest controller. RTs come in two sizes and are cheerful, playful and portable companions.
The Rat Terrier can thrive as a city dog if it gets regular exercise and mental stimulation. He generally gets along well with children, but it is important that interactions are supervised, especially when the children are very young. The Rat Terrier can also get along with cats and other pets if introduced to them from an early age.
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
When it comes to education and training, the Rat Terrier brings a lot of energy and intelligence. It is ideal for dog sports such as agility, obedience and flyball. It is important to exercise this breed both physically and mentally, but you should be careful not to "over-work" the dog. Sometimes Rat Terriers can become "ball junkies," which is why it's important to offer them a variety of activities and limit ball play. An important skill to teach a Rat Terrier is impulse control. Because they have a strong hunting instinct, it can be difficult for them to control themselves when they see something interesting. Train recall and practice in safe areas. It is also advisable to introduce him to other animals in a controlled environment to manage his hunting instinct.
The Rat Terrier benefits from a balanced diet tailored to his needs. A combination of high-quality dry and wet food is often a good choice. Make sure that the food has a high meat content and is free of artificial additives. When it comes to care, the Rat Terrier is relatively easy to care for. He has a short, smooth coat without an undercoat that only requires occasional brushing. The Rat Terrier sheds moderately and copes well with the climate in Germany, although he should wear a dog coat in colder weather as he has no undercoat to keep him warm.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid
Health grade
In the Rat Terrier, there are genetic risks for primary lens luxation (PLL), hip dysplasia (HD), and patellar luxation (PL). The Rat Terrier Club of America mandatorily requires testing for these conditions for breeding approval. A responsible breeder also has the parent animals tested for progressive retinal atrophy, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), and degenerative myelopathy. Before buying, ask to see the certificates for HD (A–B), PL 0, and the genetic test for primary lens luxation (PLL) – carriers may only be mated with clear partners.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
With joint-friendly rearing and regular veterinary eye check-ups, most dogs of this breed remain active and healthy well into old age.
Responsible breeders test for primary lens luxation (PLL), hip dysplasia (HD), and patellar luxation (PL), as well as voluntarily for progressive retinal atrophy, to specifically prevent hereditary visual and joint impairments.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 reflects the tests Rat Terrier Club of America (AKC parent club) actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Rat Terrier Club of America (AKC parent club) requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Rat Terrier costs around ~€160 per month (€80 – €280, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,540 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (15 years) it comes to about ~€30,600.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€150 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€160
In the first year
~€4,540
Across the dog's life
~€30,600
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,200 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
HonestDog Concierge
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Illustrative imageThe Rat Terrier originated in the United States and was developed in the 19th century from various terrier breeds, including Fox Terriers and Old English White Terriers. Its name comes from its ability to hunt rats and other vermin, a task for which it was particularly suited due to its agility and keen sense of smell. He was also used as a hunting and farm dog. In the 1920s and 1930s, Rat Terriers were particularly popular because of their effectiveness in pest control. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1999 and was also officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2013.
The Rat Terrier was bred to fight rodents and hunt small game.
USA
1800
Many owners describe life with a Rat Terrier as a mix of clingy affection and constant alertness. Indoors, these dogs are usually seen as very cuddly "Velcro dogs" that want physical contact all day and follow their people everywhere. At the same time, nothing gets past them: the doorbell or suspicious noises in the yard get announced reliably and often loudly.
While they bond closely with their family and fit well into active households, being left alone is one of the biggest hurdles for many owners. Without early, gentle training, these dogs quickly tend toward separation stress, which can show up as frustrated barking or chewing. Many Rat Terriers are reserved or standoffish with strangers at first but warm up quickly to familiar visitors after a while.
Owner accounts of exercise and walks mainly highlight the deep-rooted prey and hunting drive. Owners report that the Rat Terrier is constantly in work mode outdoors: it registers every movement in the undergrowth in a split second. Small animals such as mice, squirrels or birds trigger its hunting instinct immediately, which often makes off-leash time impossible in areas with lots of wildlife unless the recall is rock-solid.
Among owners, the breed also has a reputation as a skilled escape artist. Yards need to be secured not only high up but also at ground level, since Rat Terriers are masters at digging under fences or squeezing through the tiniest gaps. Walks alone are rarely enough for these dogs; owners stress that only mental work like nose work, trick training or agility makes them truly balanced and content.
Sources:rundum.dogreddit.com
When it comes to training, owners describe the Rat Terrier as smarter than average and motivated, but by no means an easy dog that trains itself. These dogs pick up new rules and tricks in no time, but they also like to question commands when they don't see the point or something else looks more interesting. Too harsh a hand makes them shut down quickly; a clear, patient approach with plenty of praise and rewards works best.
As for health, owners generally consider the breed robust, weatherproof and long-lived. However, owner and health reports regularly point out that the breed has some susceptibility to skin problems such as demodicosis (demodex mites). Some dogs also need early attention to dental care to prevent tartar buildup. Overall, though, caring for the short coat is seen as refreshingly simple.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Rat Terrier is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Rat Terrier is 12-18 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Rat Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Rat Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Rat Terrier comes in these colors: Piebald, Tricolor, Bicolor, Black and white, Brown and white, Red and white, White, Black, Chocolate, Blue, Red, Fawn.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Rat Terrier.