Rat Terrier-Called Feist in the South-What Makes Rat Terriers Great Companions

Rat Terrier - Another Great Breed of Dog

The Rat Terrier or American Rat Terrier breed, also known as Feists, is not only a hard-working, hearty breed of dog that will rid of vermin no problem, but is also a also loyal and protective companion and family member.

Rat Terrier's were considered a "strain" of Fox Terrier. Infusions of both sight-hound (Italian Greyhound/Whippet) and scent-hound/Beagle has provided them with an even and outgoing temperament that sets them apart from many of the other traditional terrier breeds.  They have a great "rattitude".  

Although the Rat Terrier got its name from Teddy Roosevelt, they were first developed in Great Britain in about 1820 from a Smooth Fox Terrier and a Manchester Terrier and were only two colors: black and tan, rather than their present day tri-color markings of black, tan and white. They were originally considered a "strain" of the Fox Terrier.

Sometime during the 1890s, the breed was brought to the United States. American breeders crossed it again with the Smooth Fox Terrier. After crossing with the Smooth Fox Terrier, the breed was crossed with a scent-hound, the Beagle and a sight-hound, the Whippet. This provided the breed with a great temperament and outgoing personality that sets them apart from many of the other traditional terrier breeds. Additionally, the Beagle provided the breed with not only the reddish color, but also the bulk, and the trailing and hunting abilities. The crossing of the Whippet provided the Rat Terrier with the blue and brindle colors and the speed and agility that these dogs possess.

The Rat Terrier is a small to medium agile breed of dog with a compact, muscular body, powerful legs that are capable of running very fast. The Rat Terrier has a "meaty" build, deep chest, strong shoulders and neck.

The ears of the Rat Terrier can be upright and erect or tipped down but become upright when the dog is alert. They can be born with short or long tails which can be left alone but are sometimes docked a couple of days after birth.

The colors of the coat include: whites, pearls, sables, chocolates, red and white, tri-spotted, solid red, black and tan, blue and white, and red brindle. They are never solid white

Rat Terriers often live to be about 12 to 15 years old and have very few health problems. Sometimes the breed will have or develop allergies, but they do not suffer other health problems seen in other breeds of dog.

If you don't mind sharing your bed with your dog, this is the breed for you! Personally, I like having my dogs in my bed, they keep me warm.  I have fibromyalgia, which causes my legs to hurt. Having the dogs next to them soothes and eases the pain.  Rat Terriers do not smell and they are a relatively clean breed of dog.