Rat Terriers are one of the most intelligent breeds as some are too smart for their own good. They are loyal to a fault and in many instances give their lives to protect those that they have given their loyalty too. They are easily trained for conformation, obedience and as working, herding and hunting dogs.

Rat Terriers make wonderful pets for the elderly as they are just as content to lay at your feet, in your lap or next to you all day every day as long as you do give them a period of time outside to run off their energy. They make superb pets for children as they can play endlessly and they have a natural instinct to protect young children. They make great companions for any age with their comical expressions, their thousand facial expressions, their willingness to learn and their keen spirit to please those around them.

Rat Terriers are not yappy dogs but can be vocal if they sense there is trouble or when a stranger is around. They however are very social and once they find that their owners approve of the stranger they will be the first to shake their hand for a pet on the head.

Rat Terriers are very curious creatures and can get in predicaments that they sometime need help getting out of. They've been known to climb trees, climb ladders, vault fences and end up in some of the most unusual places. They are very eager and find themselves sometimes stuck in a hole that wasn't quite large enough for them but going in is so much easier than coming out!

Rat Terriers were thought once to be a "Hunting" type dog but has gained popularity over the last 10 years as being one of the top on the list for companion and working dogs. Rat Terriers are now being shown, kept as companions, used as herding dogs, narcotic dogs and in the field of search and rescue and of course they can still track a deer, run a fox and rabbit into the ground and tree a squirrel.

A Rat Terrier can fit into any social class and come out on top and be the life of the party. A Rat Terrier owner is a proud owner and usually has more stories to tell about their beloved pet than anyone without one wants to sit and listen to. 2 Rat Terrier owners together can entertain each other for days with their dogs antics.

Rat Terriers are one of the healthiest breed of canines with few health issues to date. The smaller the dog the more health issues you can expect to have with them.
Their hair is short and the best way to deal with their shedding is to get them accustomed to a daily VACUUMING - Yes I did say Vacuuming - at an early age. One vacuum a day takes about 15 seconds and it will keep your house virtually hair shed free.