Tag: rat terrier

Run. Fast. Jump. Long. Don’t Stop. Ever! These must be the thoughts rolling through the American Hairless Terrier’s mind when they’re outside, going full out. Being a highly active dog, with seemingly endless energy, you almost forget this dog is hairless. With no thick scruff or padding to protect them, this dog is pretty brave to be so vulnerable. Read on about this courageous, cute and uncommon breed on the BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight.

History & Background: In 1972, a hairless Rat Terrier was born in a litter of fully coated brothers and sisters. This unique pup, Josephine, became the pride and joy of Louisiana natives Willie and Edwin Scott. They loved the look and character of this dog and decided to continue this new breed. The Scotts called the uncoated dogs from Josephine’s litters American Hairless Terriers. AHTs are listed in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Services as to be recognized while allowing the breed to work toward a larger and healthy gene pool. In 2004, the UKC designated the AHT as its own distinct breed.

Height: 10 to 18 inches

Weight: 5 to 16 pounds

Coat: Obviously, mature, adult American Hairless Terriers do not have a coat. However, when these dogs are born a soft, downy fuzz appears on the body. At about 6 to 8 weeks all of this fuzz wears away and the dog is left with soft and warm skin. AHT’s do keep whiskers and guard hairs on the eyebrows and muzzle. A unique characteristic about this dog is that when stressed or overheated, the AHT will break out in a sweat. This dog is great for those who suffer from pet dander allergies.

Ironically enough, there is a “coated” American Hairless Terrier. The UKC states this is because the coated terriers are used to improve the breeding stock of the AHT. These dogs look more like their Rat Terrier cousins and have a short, dense and smooth coat.

Color: Any color skin is acceptable in the show ring. AHTs usually have an underlying color with spots and freckles of a contrasting color. Freckles enlarge with age and the skin darkens with exposure to the sun. The coated variety of AHTs must always have some white coat but can be fully white, bi-colored, tri-colored, sable or brindle.

A hairless variety can have any color eyes and rims match nose coloring, which is usually black. For a coated variety, eye color can range from dark brown to amber. Hazel eyes correspond with a light coat, blue, amber or dark grey eyes with a blue coat. Read more

Tenacious. Historic. Loveable. And just darn cute. Best Bully Sticks brings you the Rat Terrier this week in our Breed Spotlight! This dog is 100% American, with a can-do American attitude. We hope you’ll enjoy reading about this feisty little pup!

History & Background: If you haven’t guessed yet, this terrier’s name is derived from its earliest occupation, hunting “varmits,” which is sometimes referred to as “ratting.”  This dog is distinctly an American breed that English immigrants created by mixing breeds like the English White Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, and Whippet. A staple “farm dog” during the Dust Bowl era, this dog hunted small game that included squirrels, rabbits and other small creatures.  One of these tenacious little dogs is said to once have killed 2,500 rats in an infested barn in 7 hours.

This dog was a very cherished dog on farms across the United States. The Rat Terrier’s more famous owners include Shirley MacLaine, Eleanor Powell, John Sandford & William Faulkner. A Rat Terrier was even mentioned in Harper Lee’s famous 1960 work, To Kill A Mockingbird. Needless to say, over the years the loving companionship this of this dog may have won out over its utility.

Height: 10-13 inches (toy), 13-18 inches (standard)

Weight: 10-25 pounds

Coat: This dog has a short, close coat that is very soft and shiny. Some Rat Terriers might have a bit of a wave in their fur on their back. Read more

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. Thanks Paula for submitting Franky,  your Rat Terrier to be featured in our series.

Hey furiends, say “Hi’ to Franky,  the Rat Terrier. Franky is super smart, a comedian and great companion.

Height: 10 - 18 inches

Weight: 10 - 25 lbs

Coat: The Rat Terrier sports a short, smooth coat made up of very dense, very shiny fur.

Color: They may come in a variety of colors including white, black with tan, black with rust, white and black or tan, red, blue, lemon, chocolate or orange. Some dogs may have ticking, and almost all Rat Terriers have white markings.

Appearance: Rat Terriers are lively, muscular dogs that are often described by fanciers as “compact but meaty.” They have strong shoulders, deep chests and muscular legs. The ears of the Rat Terrier are carried erect when alert and can be either tipped or upright when the dog is in repose. The head is wedge shaped and muzzle is strong and slightly shorter than the skull. The nose color should correspond with the color of the coat. The jaw is strong and the teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The tail can either be docked between the second and third joint, or left natural, whether long or bobbed. The tail can be carried in various positions, but should not curl over the back. Rat terriers come in a variety of colors and color combination's, and almost all Rat Terriers have white markings.

Temperament: The Rat Terrier (little digging escape artist) are alert, energetic, lively, vermin chasing, intelligent, funny, active, lively, fearless, feisty, playful and incapable of being bored. Rat Terriers are sometimes described as having double personalities as they can be tireless, courageous hunters on the one hand while also making friendly, gentle companions on the other. Rat Terriers get along with everyone including, children, household pets, other dogs and also with strangers. Rat Terriers love being included in family activities and thrive on human companionship. They are generally quick to learn and straightforward to train with positive reinforcement. Stubborn as all get out, they are not big on pleasing people, but the people who love them laugh all the time. Rat Terriers make great alarm dogs, without being yappy.

Health: The Life expectancy for Rat Terrier is 15-18 years. Rat Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Rat Terriers will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye issues and von Willebrand's disease.

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