by Kacey Stapleton

Created on: July 31, 2008   Last Updated: August 05, 2008

Before you try to train the Rat Terrier we need to get a few things cleared up. First you must understand what a Rat Terrier is and isn't. Many people get the Rat and Toy Fox Terriers confused or use the name interchangeably. That they're two entirely different breeds can't be stressed enough. Never approach the owner of the former with your Toy Fox puppy and call him a Rat. While they will no doubt appreciate how cute your puppy is the other owner will still seriously set you straight. Rat owners are usually proud of their dogs and the history of this interesting breed.

Introduced to America first by British and Irish miners this breed of terrier gained a reputation as hardy scrappy little dogs. Bred from the now vanished English White Terrier these little guys were used mostly for small game like vermin and rabbits. They became very popular in the southern states and with Native Americans. Over time the original dogs then known as 'feists' were bred with other breeds also well known and well liked in America such as the Beagle, Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds and the Miniature Pincher.

Legend has it that it was Teddy Roosevelt a huge fan of the breed who gave them their new name. He appreciated their spunk and energy not to mention their hunting skills and is believed to be the first to call them Rat Terriers.

Rats have a sleek easy to groom coats. According to the Rat Terrier Club's web page at ratterrierclub.com the breed standard has them as being a sturdy and compact medium sized terrier. They should be neither too muscle bound nor too finely boned.

Looking at these standards you can see the major difference between the Toy Fox Terrier and the Rat Terrier is the sizes allowed. For a Rat Miniature is "10 inches, up to and including 13 inches" and for the Standard "over 13 inches up to and including 19 inches. According to the American Kennel Club website at akc.org the Toy Fox Terrier Breed Standard size should be '8.5- 11.5 inches with 9-11 acceptable. In other words, the Toy Fox will usually be slightly smaller and lighter than the Rat terrier.

A Rat's color standards are "hound colors, tri-coloreds, and bi-coloreds, predominately white and black with tan or rust trim are preferred", but chocolate, red, orange, lemon or blue is acceptable with or without the tan trim.

If you have any question about a puppy meeting the standards check the club's website before you adopt the little guy and fall in love with him. Be sure you familiarize yourself with the standard

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