Are You a Rat Terrier Person?

"Choosing a dog suited to your lifestyle and personality is the key to successful dog ownership. Mismatches between people and their dogs is one of the primary causes of dogs being placed in shelters and abandoned. Responsible ownership starts with being familiar with the traits and characteristics of the breed you find appealing."

The Rat Terrier although a wonderful breed is not for everyone. Love of a breed includes being familiar with the negative traits and accepting the inborn behavior that cannot be changed.

Energetic Breed

Rat Terriers both miniature and standard possess a high degree of energy, but they are not hyperactive. Their activity is purposeful and focused, often designed to get the attention of their owner.

AIntelligent and Stubborn

By nature Rat Terriers are extremely intelligent and also stubborn. The two traits seem to go together in the breed.

Training

Rat Terriers should be enrolled in puppy kindergarten as soon as they are current on their vaccinations. Being exposed to different dogs and people early in life makes the puppy more at ease with his environment and reduces the chances of fear aggression later in life.

Rat Terriers have magnificent concentration, are attentive and enjoy training classes. They like the special attention they get from their owners and trainers during the sessions.

Companion Dogs

The Rat Terrier is first and foremost a dedicated companion. he adores his owner and will gladly give his life for his master.

Hunting and Gameness The breed has maintained the traits for which it was originally bred, that being a fine companion and a good hunter. Rat Terriers were bred for gameness, which often manifests itself in scrappy behavior. Early socialization and training can modify the trait of gameness. Many of today's strains still hunt by inbred instinct; others need to be taught. Treeing the game is a characteristic that can be either inborn or acquired. Terriers that are natural treeing dogs are typically from parents that are used for the sport. Since Rat Terriers have a strong pray drive they can be aggressive toward small animals that scurry on the ground. The breed has been dubbed the squirrel dog.

Big Dog in a Small Body

The Rat Terrier is frequently referred to as a big dog in a small body. They are tenacious and afraid of nothing when it comes to protecting their owners. Rat Terriers make excellent watch dogs as they have the inborn trait to protect their family.