Rat Terrier QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE BY TRACEY KALLAS
from the Rat Terrier Club of America
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE Size: The fact that there are two different size divisions that are shown together is relevant because of the Rat Ter- rier’s history and, when presented with a 10-inch dog and an 18-inch dog, the difference can seem extreme. All heights within the standard should be judged equally with no pref- erence to size. If any concessions are made for size, the dog being considered most likely falls outside the intention of the size description in the standard. Proportion: Slightly longer than tall, this is not a square breed. The height, measured from the ground to the highest point of the withers, is slightly less than the length, measured from the point of shoulder to the point of buttock. Substance: Think MODERATE! The Rat Terrier should not be fine-boned and toy-ish, or bulky and course. A well- balanced, hard-muscled, fit dog with smooth lines under taunt skin, this breed should be happy and able to work or play all day. Therefore, exaggerations in substance will inter- fere with that endurance. HEAD A smooth, blunt wedge from a front or profile view with a strong muzzle, and a moderate stop. Eyes are obliquely set and oval in shape with an intelligent, alert expression. Ears are set on the top outer edge of the skull, V-shaped, with length in proportion to the head. Ears should match in shape and carriage and are active, used to convey attitude, respect, and mood. Teeth are strong; scissors bite is preferred, level bite is acceptable. Check bite only.
GENERAL APPEARANCE As a judge, a rule of thumb guideline that form follows function often comes into play in some tough final decisions. However, when a breed has an open- ing statement: “A multipurpose companion dog that is capable of hunting rodents and vermin above and below ground, and to course small game. He is a sturdy, compact, small-to-medium sized parti-col- ored dog, giving the appearance of elegance and fit- ness, denoting speed, power and balance,” form can follow a wide variety of functions. This can lead to a wide variety of styles within the breed and, while not “cookie cutter,” most of these styles can still fall within any subjective interpretation of the standard. Hopefully, the following will clear up some of the more ambiguous points of the standard.
192 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2020
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