Is the Rat Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Rat Terrier and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Rat Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

The Rat Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Rat Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

The Rat Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Rat Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier bigger?

Rat Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Rat Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

Rat Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Rat Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Rat Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: Which Is Calmer?

Rat Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Rat Terrier	Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very Low	Very Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Very High	High
Typical lifespan	16 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Rat Terrier is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. By comparison, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. 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 Rat Terrier requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Rat Terrier is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Rat Terrier learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and suits families with children particularly well. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Rat Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Teddy Roosevelt Terrier will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Rat Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt 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, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Rat Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Rat Terrier if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Rat Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Rat Terrier and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Rat Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?: The Rat Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Rat Terrier or the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?: The Rat Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Rat Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier bigger?: Rat Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Rat Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?: Rat Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Rat Terrier or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Rat Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier