Rat terriers bark a lot. It is common across the breed. They make many noises, not just barking. This makes them noisy dogs. Owners report rat terriers quickly sound alarms at new sights and sounds. You must train this behavior out of them. Rat terriers are lively, playful and clever.
Small dogs bark more than big dogs. Rat terriers have energy and prey instinct. They need exercise and activities to release energy. Bored, rat terriers bark to release energy. They prefer to take charge and protect owners. Proper training makes them socialize well.
Remember rat terriers need daily exercise to minimize barking. Be prepared for a lively, vocal companion.
I understand why rat terriers bark excessively. This breed is highly energetic and vocal. Excessive barking can happen without training and socializing.
Rat terriers need mental and physical exercise. Too much energy causes unwanted behaviors like barking. Avoid rat terriers if you can’t keep up with their needs. Poor socialization makes them continually bark.
What two dogs make a Rat Terrier?
The Rat Terrier breed originated when farmers in America crossed Smooth Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Bull Terriers, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, and Beagles to create an all-purpose farm dog skilled at hunting. These mixed breed dogs were originally called “Fyce” due to their spirited nature in pursuing prey. In America, the word was pronounced “Feist”. They proved excellent at rat baiting, with one dog killing 2,501 rats in a 7-hour period in an infested barn.
President Theodore Roosevelt became fond of the breed when hunting with them. Impressed by their ability, he coined the name “Rat Terrier” which the breed retains today. Some still refer to them as Fox Terriers.
The Rat Terrier breed is recognized for its lively, alert, and intelligent nature. With proper socialization, it can suit an active family. Requiring much exercise and mental stimulation, first-time owners may find it challenging to train.
Coat colors vary widely, with combinations of white, black and tan. Rat Terriers have an expressive face, always ready to engage. Their balanced look comes from a proportionate head and body size. Their small size belies their strength – Rat Terriers embody the phrase “good things come in small packages”.
Do Rat Terriers shed a lot?
Rat terriers shed moderately. They shed more in spring and fall. This prepares their coat for weather changes. We can control shedding. Rat terriers shed a little all year. Shedding is worse during spring. More daylight also triggers shedding. Brush them weekly to control loose fur. Rat terriers shed moderately year-round. Heavier shedding is in spring and fall. Breeding rat terriers is an important step. Selecting a pair is key. Female rat terriers come into heat the first time between 6 months to 1.5 years. Their cycle then runs every 6 months. Rat terriers are agile, intelligent and loyal. Proper exercise prevents boredom and destruction. Rat terriers do not shed excessively but they shed moderately year-round. Their lifespan is 10 to 12 years. They adapt well to apartments due to small size. Rat terriers are friendly and make great family pets. Brush them often to reduce loose hair. Rat terriers shed as a natural process. Shedding removes old hairs for new ones. Consider preventative treatment if shedding is excessive. See your veterinarian if concerned. Provide rat terriers with jackets in cold weather. This keeps their coat dry.
Are Rat Terriers good apartment dogs?
Rat Terriers are good apartment dogs. Compared to other breeds, Rat Terriers are very good apartment dogs due to their size, ability to train and control, great temperament, not being too loud, and good health. What makes them good apartment dogs? Can Rat Terriers be apartment dogs? Yes! They will do okay in an apartment if they get 20-30 minutes of exercise daily. They are active indoors. Rat Terriers love to dig, can get out of fenced yards easily. With protection, they can spend time outdoors. They love being inside and outside.
Rat Terriers are healthy dogs. Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, loose kneecaps, leg diseases, cardiac and eye disorders. Rat Terriers crave companionship, using paws to demand attention. Despite small size, Rat Terriers have advantages as apartment dogs. They often weigh 14 to 18 pounds.
Rat Terriers bark instinctively. They have a history of working on farms, chasing rodents. Rat Terriers shed moderately year round then heavier before winter and summer. Brushing them weekly controls loose fur. Rat Terriers have short, easy-care coats to brush often with a soft brush.
Whether experienced or curious dog owner, this compares Rat Terriers and Jack Russells. Rat Terriers tend to be intelligent and stubborn. They are good family pets due to energy and compatibility with kids. They require much exercise. Rat Terriers enjoy human companionship. Originally bred to work on farms, they have high energy levels and exercise needs. They are born hunters making excellent watchdogs but can be loving and loyal.