As a rat terrier owner for 13 years, I can definitely tell you that this breed is the best ever. I have owned many different types of dogs in my life, all of whom were loved and well-cared for, but when I got my rattie, I learned why dogs are so special to humans. There are many wonderful points to this breed, but I want to focus on five of the major reasons you should consider a rat terrier when you are getting your next pet, besides the obvious reason of cuteness.
Intelligence:
These small, compact dogs are very bright, inquisitive, and attentive. They learn tricks and commands easily and without lots of reinforcement. They have a natural desire to please you, so just giving them a positive response will sometimes do the trick. Although they do have a stubborn streak, they are always looking for ways to earn your love.
Temperament:
Though they are called "terriers", this breed has plenty of other traits besides what you think of when you say terrier. They are definitely feisty-hence the name "Feist". They are active but they also love some cuddle time. They make good watchdogs, but are not yappy. They can easily be trained to only bark at certain sounds if you are consistent in you methods. My baby understood the command, "No Bark" and would stop mid-bark. They bond well to their family and will love any and all included. They are generally well-mannered and easy to be with.
Health:
This breed has few known health concerns. They rarely get hip, elbow or knee dysplasias, and they manage to avoid eye problems for most of their long life. They live to be between 12-18, so this is good news. They do need good dental care as dentition can be a source of ill health for this little dog. They are prone to allergies (contact, inhalants, and foods) so be careful what they are exposed to. My rattie had problems with his yearly shots and had to have Benadryl injections before receiving them. Due to their low ratio of body fat, they may also be allergic to some anesthesias. Be sure your vet is familiar with this breed before any procedure.
Energy level:
I know that when people think terrier, they usually think of some little hyper, yappy dog running circles, barking incessantly, and jumping up and down. These dogs are not like that at all. They do require some level of exercise daily, but a good long walk will suffice. They are just as happy to sit with you while you watch television as they are to play. Because they are so intelligent, there is the possibility of boredom and the bad behaviors associated with it, so be sure to give your dog plenty of stimulation-both visual and tactile-as this breed is both sight and scent. Without stimulation, they tend to have "separation anxiety" if left alone too long.
Care:
These little dogs require nothing but basic care. They don't shed much and since their coat is sleek and short, they tend to stay clean longer than most dogs. They also don't have a "doggy" smell to them. My rattie liked to get a shower occasionally and would get into the tub on command. These dogs love water and are fearless swimmers. Most of the care they require is to be brushed and have nails trimmed regularly. It is a good idea to teach your dog about dental hygiene when small to avoid any of those dental issues the breed may be prone toward.
Overall, this breed of dog is loving, loyal, easy to care for, quick to learn, and very good company. Originally they were farm dogs, and so have an inherent trait of looking after "their" family. There is just one caveat to this breed, though. These little monsters can run so fast and so far that you simply cannot catch them unless they want to be caught. So, you do have to use care when opening and closing doors to the outside. Other than that, there is no reason to shy away from this wonderful breed.
Nice article on Ratties. I truly love this breed. My rattie is 14 and acts like he’s 6! Their so much fun and loving ������ This is the perfect little pet and so smart. You have to love the Little Rattitude they have!! ����