History of the Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier was originally bred for ratting and farm work. It is an American breed that originated from a mixture of crosses by early immigrants of this country using old time Fox Terriers and other European Terriers common in the 19th century.

The Old English White Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, etc., and later crossed with Beagles, more Smooth Fox Terrier, Toy Fox Terriers, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and other available Feist breeds.

Training & Temperament

​Rat Terriers are happy-go-lucky, playful, long-lived pets. As farm dogs, they generally get on well with other dogs and livestock; but as terriers, small quick-moving animals like squirrels can fire up their engines. Home and family oriented, Rat Terriers are vigilant watchdogs. They can be wary of strangers but not adverse to friending their humans’ friends. Rat Terriers are among the most trainable of terriers, and sports like agility, flyball, and coursing are excellent ways to socialize them and burn off excess energy.