Rat terriers are a domesticated American breed of dogs that are friendly pets and useful hunting companions. The lineage of the rat terrier traces back to the 19th-century English feist, a small hunting dog that was a cross between the smooth fox terrier and the Manchester terrier. In the 1890s, Americans imported the feist to the United States and bred the feist with smooth fox terriers and other dogs, such as the beagle and the Italian greyhound, to form different colored rat terriers. Today, Rat Terriers have specific characteristics that distinguish them from other dog breeds.
Appearance
The Rat Terrier Club of America (RTCA) has specific breed standards for rat terriers. The RTCA recognizes two different sizes: miniature and standard. A mMiniature rat terrier stands between 10 and 13 inches in height, while standard rat terriers stand between 13 and 19 inches in height. Rat terriers can weigh anywhere between 10 and 25 pounds. Their coats are short, naturally smooth and dense. The dogs can have bi-colored coats of white with black or white with tan colors. They can also have tri-colored coats of white with black and tan or rust colors. Rat terriers may also come in shades of chocolate, lemon, red, orange or blue.
Living with Rat Terriers
Rat Terriers are obedient and loyal to their owners. Due to their small size, they do not take up much space in a house. The dogs are clean and well-mannered. They do need exercise and fresh air, and three or more long walks a week can help the dogs expend energy. Rat terriers enjoy the presence of people, so if you live in the city and desire owning a dog, a rat terrier is a possible option. Rat terriers also enjoy playing with children and young kids. Historically, people have used the dogs to corner squirrels, hunt vermin and rid an area of mice and rats. Today, rat terriers continue to make useful hunting companions.
Diet
Puppy rat terriers drink their mother's milk for the first six weeks of life. Breeders may begin introducing small amounts of solid food during the third or fourth weeks. A puppy should begin eating solely puppy food about seven to eight weeks after it is born. Veterinarians can recommend high-quality foods for the puppy to eat. When a rat terrier is four months old, you should switch the dog to an adult diet. A veterinarian or dietary specialist can recommend which type of maintenance foods would best suit a particular dog. Dogs who are fed good-quality dry food do not need supplements of vegetables or meats. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water.
Health
Rat terriers are basically healthy dogs, and their average lifespan ranges from 12 to 18 years. The dogs can survive in various climates, ranging from extreme cold to very hot environments. They can also be either indoor or outdoor pets. When you receive your rat terrier from a reputable breeder, make sure to obtain all of the animal's medical records. You should also obtain a health guarantee, which states that you can return a puppy that has any serious health problems. Adult rat terriers should have annual visits to the veterinarian.
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