--- title: "Rat Terrier" id: "191540" type: "breeds" slug: "rat-terrier" published_at: "2024-07-29T14:34:19+00:00" modified_at: "2026-09-29T16:26:06+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandrobinson.com/breed/rat-terrier/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandrobinson.com/breed/rat-terrier.md" excerpt: "The Rat Terrier is a delightful and spirited breed with a rich history that traces back to the working-class farms of America. Originally bred as a versatile farm dog, these little companions were prized for their ability to chase away..." taxonomy_breed_group: - "Terrier Group" taxonomy_breed_size: - "Small" --- [Back to Breeds](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/breed/) Small breed # Rat Terrier Puppies The Rat Terrier is a rare and beloved dog breed in the United States. Due to their active nature and intelligence, Rat Terriers are widely sought after by numerous families in the US. Discover more about our **Rat Terrier**puppies for sale below! - Great with kids - Lap dog - Sticks by your side - Active breed - Alert watchdog [Ask about Rat Terrier puppies](#pb-ask) We do not have Rat Terrier puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well. - Adult weight 10–25 lbs - Height 10–18 in - Lifespan 12–18 years - Exercise 60 min a day ![Rat-Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/rat-terrier-600x600.jpg) Share[https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandrobinson.com%2Fbreed%2Frat-terrier%2F](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandrobinson.com%2Fbreed%2Frat-terrier%2F) [https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandrobinson.com%2Fbreed%2Frat-terrier%2F&description=Rat%20Terrier%20puppies](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandrobinson.com%2Fbreed%2Frat-terrier%2F&description=Rat%20Terrier%20puppies) ## About the Rat Terrier [Stay Connected via Google Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandrobinson.com) The Rat Terrier is a delightful and spirited breed with a rich history that traces back to the working-class farms of America. Originally bred as a versatile farm dog, these little companions were prized for their ability to chase away pests and provide companionship to farmers. With a size that fits comfortably in many family settings, Rat Terriers are known for their playful and affectionate nature, making them wonderful additions to households, especially those with young children and other dogs. Read more about the Rat Terrier Show less With their energetic demeanor, these dogs thrive on regular exercise and play. A daily romp in the yard, a brisk walk, or some interactive playtime will keep your Rat Terrier happy and healthy. While they are generally apartment-friendly, their high barking tendency means that some training will be essential to manage their vocal enthusiasm. Rat Terriers enjoy being part of family activities and are typically eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. Grooming a Rat Terrier is straightforward, requiring only monthly maintenance due to their short coat. While they moderate on shedding, regular brushing can help minimize stray fur around your home. Their adaptable and cheerful disposition, combined with their intelligence, often earns them a special spot in the hearts of their families. Always ready for adventure and snuggles alike, the Rat Terrier truly is a delightful breed for those seeking a loyal and energetic companion. [Stay Connected via Google Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandrobinson.com) ## Rat Terrier breed profile Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse. ### Temperament - Affection Very affectionate - Playfulness Always game - With strangers Cautious - Territorial Very territorial - Prey drive High ### Family & other pets - Young children Good - Older children Good - Other dogs Sociable - Cats Needs care ### Energy & exercise - Energy Very high - Mental stimulation High ### Training - Trainability Quick to learn - Intelligence Very bright - Stubbornness Biddable ### Care & upkeep - Shedding Heavy - Drooling None to speak of - Barking Very vocal ### Home life - Apartment living Good - Time alone Short periods - Cold weather Average - Warm weather Comfortable ### A good match for - First-time owners Good first dog - Senior owners Good - Running partner Good - Hiking Good - Therapy work Possible - Guarding Low ## Living with a Rat Terrier ### Temperament & Family Fit Rat Terriers are spirited little companions with a big heart! Their affectionate nature makes them great for families, especially those with young kids, as they tend to get along well and enjoy playtime. While they're adaptable, a little attention to socialization can help them mesh well with other pets in the home. ### Energy & Exercise With a moderate energy level, Rat Terriers thrive on daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Regular playtime in the yard or engaging in interactive games can go a long way in satisfying their lively spirit. Just remember, too much pent-up energy can lead to barking, so give them plenty of outlets! ### Care & Grooming These small dogs have a relatively low grooming frequency, requiring only monthly brushing to keep their short coat looking its best. However, be prepared for some shedding, as they can lose a fair amount of fur. Routine check-ups and a good diet will help ensure your Rat Terrier maintains a shiny coat and overall good health. ### Training Notes Rat Terriers are quite trainable, thanks to their eagerness to please and high intelligence. Positive reinforcement methods work best, so keep training sessions fun and rewarding. While they can be a bit vocal, consistent training and socialization can help manage their barking tendencies, ensuring a happy household for everyone. ## Caring for a Rat Terrier GroomingMonthly brushing Grooming costLow Monthly foodLow Outdoor spaceA yard is recommended Allergy friendlyNot considered hypoallergenic ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What size can I expect a Rat Terrier to be? Rat Terriers are small dogs, typically weighing between 10 to 25 pounds. Their compact size makes them a great addition to families of all kinds, fitting snugly into various living situations. ### How energetic are Rat Terriers? Rat Terriers are quite energetic and will thrive in active households. They require regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy, so be ready for some fun activities! ### Are Rat Terriers good with children? Yes, Rat Terriers are generally good with young kids! Their friendly disposition and affectionate nature make them great companions for energetic children, but of course, supervision is always recommended. ### Do Rat Terriers get along with other pets? While Rat Terriers can get along with other dogs, they may not be the best fit for homes with cats, as their prey drive can kick in. Socializing them from a young age can help build positive relationships with other pets. ### How often do Rat Terriers need grooming? Rat Terriers have a monthly grooming requirement due to their moderate shedding. Regular brushing helps keep their coat healthy and reduces loose fur around your home! ## Similar Breeds ![Airedale-Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/airedale-terrier-300x300.jpg) ### [Airedale Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/breed/airedale-terrier/) 1 available ![Australian-Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/australian-terrier-300x300.jpg) ### [Australian Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/breed/australian-terrier/) ![Border-Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/border-terrier-300x300.jpg) ### [Border Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/breed/border-terrier/) ![Bull-Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bull-terrier-300x300.jpg) ### [Bull Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/breed/bull-terrier/) ## Ready to Meet Them? Call us to check current availability or to arrange a visit with a Rat Terrier. - [Pittsburgh, PA (412) 494-7387](tel:4124947387) ## Ask About Rat Terrier Puppies Our pet counselors are ready to help you find your new best friend. ``` Petland Robinson 2274 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Elaine Y Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky was very helpful with the purchase of my new fur baby. Very friendly and informative. Posted on Google Peggi s Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We got our Chihuahua at Petland .Bri took care of us and was very helpful. We left with confidence knowing we had made a good choice and we would come back here anytime for anything. Posted on Google Ryan S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shadan and Bri, thank you. Hayley- you were so kind. If you’re looking for a healthy puppy, don’t waste your time somewhere else. Posted on Google Caleb L Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shadan was very helpful. Told them I had to go to work and they made the process very fast and seamless Posted on Google Juliana G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Today I got my little baby Spur, a cowboy corgi!!!! Tiderro was so much help and answered all the questions I had. Thank you for helping me find my little baby. :) Posted on Google Blake G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Walked to look at the puppies and looked found a beautiful little mini schnauzer girl that looked like our old female. She’ll be a great addition to our family. Tiderro was amazing and amazing at understanding our history with schnauzers and how we were trying to heal from losing ours. ```