What Is a Rat Terrier? | American Bred, Born To Work

If you’re asking what is a Rat Terrier, the short answer is that this is an American original — a tough, muscular, small-to-medium hunting dog built to clear barns and fields of vermin. The American Kennel Club calls it a compact, smooth-coated exterminator, while the United Kennel Club describes a muscular, active hunting terrier. This is a working dog first and a companion second, and that history shapes everything about its personality and care.

Breed Origins And The AKC Standard

The Rat Terrier was developed in the United States specifically for ratting and farm work. The breed standard states it can hunt rodents and vermin above and below ground and course small game — a versatility that made it indispensable on early American farms. The AKC places the breed in the Terrier Group, and its official standard was approved November 11, 2009, taking effect July 1, 2010. The UKC’s standard was revised January 1, 2004.

The AKC standard recognizes two size divisions: Miniature and Standard. Miniatures stand at least 10 inches and up to 13 inches at the withers. Standards stand over 13 inches and up to and including 18 inches. The UKC standard gives a preferred body-length-to-height ratio of 10:9, measured from the prosternum to the point of the buttocks. For show eligibility under AKC rules, size is always measured at the withers.

What Does The Breed Look Like?

The Rat Terrier’s defining trait is its short, smooth coat — a practical feature for a dog that spent its days squeezing into tight spaces after rodents. The AKC standard describes the breed as possessing speed, power, balance, and elegance, a combination you can see in its movement. It is not a bulky dog, but a lean, athletic one built for quick bursts of work.

While third-party pet guides often assign the breed a single uniform weight range, the official standards emphasize height and structure rather than one set weight. If you’re evaluating a Rat Terrier against the breed standard, focus on the withers measurement and the 10:9 body ratio rather than a number on a scale.

What To Know Before Getting One

Rat Terriers are working dogs with real energy needs. They were bred to hunt, so they need daily exercise and a job to do — even if that job is just a vigorous game of fetch. Their smooth coat keeps grooming simple, but it offers little protection in extreme cold, so they are indoor dogs in most climates.

Owners should also know that the breed’s prey drive is strong. A Rat Terrier’s instinct to chase small animals doesn’t switch off when it leaves the farm. That said, they are intelligent and trainable, and they bond closely with their families. Feeding a Rat Terrier well matters — a high-quality food supports the energy levels of this active breed. If you’re ready to buy, our roundup of best dog foods for Rat Terriers compares top options for their needs.

Breed Standards Versus Popular Guides

One caution applies to anyone researching the Rat Terrier: official breed standards and casual pet-breed guides can conflict. Third-party summaries sometimes disagree on the AKC recognition date, typical weight, and even the breed’s temperament description. The official AKC standard page provides the approval and effective dates clearly; the breed-profile page does not offer a complete recognition-history statement. When facts conflict, the AKC and UKC standards are the authoritative source.

The same caution applies to temperament claims. Some secondary sources label the Rat Terrier “hypoallergenic” or assign precise personality guarantees, but those claims vary widely and are not confirmed in the official breed profiles. Expect a smart, energetic hunting dog with a strong prey drive — and expect to manage that drive with training and exercise.