Ratings

Breed Introduction

    The Rat Terrier, abbreviated as Rat Terrier, originated in the 1890s and was initially used for rat-catching competitions. Now, it is mostly used for hunting squirrels and raccoons. This breed, known as a rat-catching dog, was the favorite hunting companion of President Theodore Roosevelt.

    Rat-catching is an activity among the working class in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Small hunting dogs were bred for their sturdy build and instinctive biting and shaking behavior. When the British Rat Terrier settled in the United States, they were used for hunting squirrels, raccoons, and even deer, enhancing their size.

    It is an extremely active, passionate, and consistently agile breed.