Rat Terrier characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | 24% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | 12% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | High | 17% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Very High | 9% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 16 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Rat Terrier right for you?
The Rat Terrier is a compact little dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. In terms of temperament, it is reliably good with children and a solid family choice and will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian. Day to day, the Rat Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Rat Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Rat Terrier to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Rat Terrier takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Rat Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly and is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you. It tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Rat Terrier
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Rat Terrier genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Adaptability: Very high — the Rat Terrier adapts to changes of home and routine better than almost any breed here. Only 9% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very low — the Rat Terrier needs unusually little coat maintenance. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Barking: High — the Rat Terrier is more vocal than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Rat Terrier actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Minimal coat work — an occasional wipe-down and little else. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | More vocal than most; worth factoring into flat living. |
Where the Rat Terrier fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Poor fit | high barking combined with very high energy is the combination flats punish most. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Active families
- Farm living
- American breed enthusiasts
- Apartment with exercise
Things to consider
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be vocal
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Rat Terrier good with children?
- Yes — the Rat Terrier is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Rat Terrier shed a lot?
- The Rat Terrier has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Rat Terrier need?
- With very high energy, the Rat Terrier needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Rat Terrier live?
- The Rat Terrier typically lives around 16 years.
- Can the Rat Terrier live in an apartment?
- The Rat Terrier can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Rat Terrier easy to train?
- The Rat Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Rat Terrier be left alone during the day?
- The Rat Terrier tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.