Online Encyclopedia
Rat Terrier
| Rat Terrier | |||
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| United States | |||
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| Still considered a rare breed, or a type |
The Rat Terrier is an American breed of dog, one of many terrier varieties. It is a small, active terrier. Although the breed has been around in similar form since the early 1900s, it has remained more of a type than a breed.
It was a common farm dog in the 1950s and 1960s. It originated from crosses among Manchester Terrier s, Smooth Fox Terriers, Beagles, and possibly Greyhounds and other breeds.
Although often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier, it has a very different temperament. It is less aggressive and comparatively calm (although it is still a terrier). They are normally cheerful dogs, but there are occasional dogs who are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment or to unexpected noises, people, or activity.
Appearance
The RCA trademark dog, Nipper ("His Master's Voice") might have been a Rat Terrier.
It is always white with either black and tan, apricot, blue, or brown spots. The original and most common color is the tricolor: black, tan, and white. Many have ticking on the white part of the coat; most have freckles on their bellies.
The Rat Terrier ranges from about 8 to 40 pounds, although the larger sizes are sometimes called Giant Deckers, after a breeder named Decker who has been developing a larger version of the Rat Terrier.
Breed Recognition
Unfortunately, Rat Terrier organizations rank among those in the dog world among which there is dispute over the best course of action to be taken for the promotion and preservation of the dog breed. Points of departure are, as usual, the dog type which best represents the breed, and, as is common among working breeds, concerns over whether the dog's working qualities will be sacrificed to Show confirmation. Perhaps because the Rat Terrier has existed for decades with several different evident types being upheld by different clubs, disagreements can be highly charged.
The Rat Terrier has been recognized by the United Kennel Club. The Rat Terrier Club of America is actively working towards recognition by the AKC; this is opposed by some Rat Terrier clubs.