Is the Rat Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Rat Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier?

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

Which is easier to train, the Rat Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Rat Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier bigger?

Rat Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Rat Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier?

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

Which is better for apartment living, Rat Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier?

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

Rat Terrier vs Tenterfield Terrier: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Rat Terrier vs Tenterfield Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Rat Terrier	Tenterfield Terrier
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very Low	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 small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Tenterfield Terrier is a small but sturdy breed 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 Rat Terrier is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Tenterfield Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. 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 very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Tenterfield Terrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week 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 Rat Terrier is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Tenterfield Terrier is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Rat Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Tenterfield Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Rat Terrier if you want a more adaptable dog, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the Tenterfield 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 Tenterfield Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Rat Terrier and the Tenterfield Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Rat Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier?: The Rat Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Rat Terrier or the Tenterfield Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Rat Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier bigger?: Rat Terrier and Tenterfield Terrier are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Rat Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier?: Rat Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Tenterfield Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Rat Terrier or Tenterfield Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Tenterfield Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Rat Terrier vs Tenterfield Terrier