Have you ever wondered what mix of breeds created the energetic and intelligent Rat Terrier that makes such a great farm dog and family companion? This American breed didn’t happen by accident – it was carefully developed by combining multiple dog breeds to create the perfect rodent hunter.
At least seven different breeds were used to create the Rat Terrier, including Beagles, Smooth Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Bull Terriers, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds.
Early American farmers in the late 1800s and early 1900s mixed these breeds to develop a dog that could effectively control rats and other pests on their farms.
Understanding the breeds that make up your Rat Terrier helps explain why these dogs are so smart, stubborn, and skilled at hunting.
Each contributing breed brought specific traits that shaped the modern Rat Terrier’s personality, physical features, and natural abilities that make them such unique companions today.
Origins of Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier originated in the United States during the late 1800s. Immigrants brought various European terrier breeds to America and began crossing them to create the perfect farm dog.
Early Foundation Breeds:
- Smooth Fox Terriers
- Manchester Terriers
- Old English White Terriers
- Bull Terriers
The original crosses started in England around the 1820s. Breeders crossed Smooth Fox Terriers with Manchester Terriers to create strong, determined hunters. These dogs were excellent at catching rats and other pests.
English settlers called these early dogs “Feists” because of their feisty nature. When immigrants brought them to America, they continued developing the breed for farm work.
American breeders added more breeds to improve hunting ability:
| Later Additions | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Whippets | Added speed and agility |
| Italian Greyhounds | Improved quick movements |
| Chihuahuas | Reduced size for tight spaces |
| Toy Fox Terriers | Enhanced terrier instincts |
In the Midwest, breeders specifically crossed Rat Terriers with Whippets and Italian Greyhounds. This created faster dogs that could keep up with quick-moving rodents on farms.
The breed got its name from its main job – catching rats. These dogs were so good at their work that teams could kill over a hundred rats in one day.
By the early 1900s, Rat Terriers had become popular farm dogs across America. Their mixed heritage gave them the perfect combination of hunting ability, intelligence, and loyalty that farmers needed.
What Breeds Make Rat Terrier?
The Rat Terrier combines seven different breeds to create its unique characteristics. American farmers developed this breed by carefully selecting dogs with the best hunting and farm work abilities.
Original Foundation Breeds:
- Smooth Fox Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Old English White Terrier (now extinct)
- Manchester Terrier
These four breeds formed the base of the Rat Terrier. They provided the terrier temperament and strong prey drive needed for farm work.
Speed and Agility Breeds Added Later:
Breeders added three more breeds in the 1910s and 1920s. Farmers in the Midwest needed faster dogs to catch jackrabbits.
- Italian Greyhound – Added speed and agility
- Whippet – Provided quick-footed hunting ability
- Beagle – Enhanced pack hunting skills and scent tracking
The Beagle cross was especially popular in Central and Southern regions. This addition gave Rat Terriers their strong sense of smell and pack-oriented behavior.
Why These Breeds Were Chosen:
Each breed contributed specific traits farmers needed. The terrier breeds provided tenacity and digging ability. The sight hounds added speed for chasing rabbits. The Beagle brought superior scenting ability.
Modern Rat Terrier Traits:
Today’s Rat Terriers still show characteristics from all seven breeds. You’ll see the terrier stubbornness, the speed of sight hounds, and the tracking ability of Beagles. This mix creates an intelligent, energetic dog that excels at many tasks.
The careful breeding program created a versatile farm dog perfectly suited for American agriculture.
Characteristics of Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are small to medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 10 to 25 pounds. They stand around 10 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder with a sleek, muscular build.
These dogs have distinctive physical features including alert, almond-shaped eyes that reflect their intelligent nature. Their ears can be either erect or button-shaped, both equally common.
Physical Build:
- Strong neck and deep chest
- Straight tail that tapers to a point
- Well-proportioned, athletic body
- Short, dense coat requiring minimal grooming
Your Rat Terrier’s coat comes in various colors and patterns. You’ll find tri-color, bi-color, brindle, and solid patterns among the breed.
Temperament traits make Rat Terriers excellent family pets. They’re highly intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively easy with positive reinforcement methods.
These dogs are naturally energetic and playful. They thrive on both physical exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day.
Rat Terriers have a strong prey drive due to their hunting background. This means they may chase small animals and aren’t always suitable for homes with rabbits or hamsters.
They make excellent watchdogs despite their size. Your Rat Terrier will alert you to potential dangers while remaining friendly with proper socialization.
Key personality traits:
- Loyal and affectionate with family
- Alert and perceptive
- Brave and protective
- Social when properly introduced to others
The breed excels in dog sports like agility, obedience, and dock diving. Their athletic abilities and quick reflexes make them natural competitors in these activities.
