THE RAT TERRIER BREED
During the 1910s and 1920s, most farmers owned a Rat Ter- rier. Rabbits were plaguing crops in the Midwest, so farmers began breeding Rat Terriers to Whippets and Italian Greyhounds for “speed.” Farmers in the Central and Southern regions bred their Rat Terriers to Beagles to bring out a stronger prey drive, and gave the Rat Terrier breed the “nose” as well as the good disposition they are known for today. Bred primarily for protection against vermin on the farm or ranch, and not as earth dogs, the Rat Terrier will follow most quarry to ground but are more suited to trailing, flushing, treeing game, and hunting rabbits and vermin. One Rat Terrier is reported to have killed over 2,500 rats in the span of only seven hours in a rat-infested barn. The Rat Terrier is a hard-working farmhand, able to rid an infested barn of vermin with no problem. The Rat Terrier is not a sparring breed. The Rat Terrier is a well-muscled dog with a deep chest, strong shoulders, solid neck, and powerful legs. They DO NOT have
a typical Terrier front assembly. Their bodies are compact, but meaty. The ears can be upright, button or tipped. They can be born with short or full length tails, each being left in its natural state or docked at two days of age. The Rat Terrier is easy to groom, with only an occasional combing and brushing needed to remove dead hair. The Rat Terrier is a hardy breed, and long-lived, living an aver- age of 15 to 18 years. The Rat Terrier is an intelligent, alert, well-rounded, loving dog. They are very inquisitive and eager to please. They respond and are easy to train. This affectionate dog makes an excel- lent companion for those who will enjoy an energetic, but not hyperactive, dog. Rat Terriers are good with children, especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood. They are, for the most part, friendly with strangers. Rat Terriers make good watchdogs. These dogs are quick, very playful, and are not yappers. They are also very good swimmers.
Powered by FlippingBook