Feist vs Rat Terrier: full comparison
| Trait | Feist | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Energy level | Very High | Very High |
| Trainability | Medium | High |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | Low | Very Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | High | High |
| Protectiveness | Medium | Medium |
| Adaptability | High | Very High |
| Typical lifespan | 15 years | 16 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Feist is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Rat Terrier is a small dog that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Feist is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Rat Terrier is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Feist needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Rat Terrier is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Feist picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Rat Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Feist will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Rat Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Feist and Rat Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Feist and Rat Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Rat Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Feist and Rat Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Feist and Rat Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Feist if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Rat Terrier on temperament, size and care.
Choose the Rat Terrier if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.
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 Feist or the Rat Terrier better for families with children?
- Both the Feist and the Rat Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Feist or the Rat Terrier?
- The Feist and Rat Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the Feist or the Rat Terrier?
- The Rat Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Feist or Rat Terrier bigger?
- Feist and Rat Terrier are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Feist or Rat Terrier?
- Both bark a similar amount (high).
- Which is better for apartment living, Feist or Rat Terrier?
- For apartment or apartment living, Feist and Rat Terrier are an even match — either can work well.