RAT TERRIER
By Al Walker, ARF Genealogist & Registrar
FOR THOSE WHO SEE AND FALL IN LOVE WITH A RAT TERRIER: The Rat Terrier originated in England in the 1820’s, and came to America in the 1890’s. The Rat Terrier is a cross between a smooth-haired, old-time, barrel-chested Fox Terrier and the black and tan Manchester Terrier, thus producing a rugged, tenacious little varmint dog. Because of this tenacity, they popularly were known as "fiests". These English-bred Terriers predominately showed the coloring of the Manchester Terrier, i.e., black body and black face with a tan spot above each eye and on the cheeks.
Soon after the Rat Terrier came to America, major changes took place in the breed. A more smooth-haired Fox Terrier was bred, changing the predominate coloring of the dog from the black and tan to the typical Fox Terrier colors of black and white, or tan and white spotted. From the beginning, the Rat Terrier was a popular varmint, small sporting and gaming dog. They were a favorite of the late President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, and it was he who coined the name "RAT TERRIER".
Today, the Rat Terrier has been bred in three different sizes – the Standard - 12 to 20 pounds, the Small Type - 8 to 12 pounds, and the Toy Type - 4 to 6 pounds [To reach the result of the smaller, or "Toy Type", Rat Terriers, selective breeding of smaller Rat Terriers with either Chihuahuas or Toy Manchesters Terriers is required.]. These dogs are natural "ratters" and are at present enjoying popularity in the southern United States as squirrel dogs [also known as "Treeing Fiests"]. Both the Standard and the Small Type purebred Rat Terriers are very rugged and hardy. They can live in extreme heat or cold with little extra care; however, we recommend that you make provisions in taking care of your pet.
The Rat Terrier requires little help in breeding, and the female Rat Terrier requires little help in whelping. All three types of Rat Terriers, when born, usually are marked with black and white spots, or red and white spots, and a few retain the original black and tan coloring. Some are solid red and even brindle. They have erect or tipped ears, the tails are short; many are born with natural bob-tails, and the others are docked at birth.
We are certain you will love your ARF-Registered four-footed friend, and we are certain you will receive many positive comments from owning this marvelous breed. To locate other ARF Rat Terrier Breeders, please contact the ARF for our Rat Terrier Breeders’ List. Also, we would like you to share your experience with your Rat Terrier so that we can tell others how great these little dogs are.