Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier has a feisty, silly, and inquisitive personality. They can adapt to most living situations if they are given adequate exercise and have a confident leader.
NicknameRattie
SizeSmall
Life Span12-16 years
Our breed profiles offer a general baseline of traits and health, but they don't replace specific veterinary guidance. Each dog's traits and behavior vary based on training, socialization, and healthcare.

Sociability

Solitary
Super Social

Exercise

Moderate
Very High

Top Traits

  • Digs
  • Energetic
  • Confident
  • Watchdog
  • Affectionate
  • Friendly

Do you want to download a full breed profile?

Download a print-friendly profile complete with facts, care, health, and more!

Good to Knows

This information is based on vet-backed research about Rat Terrier's common health concerns. However, it doesn't replace specific guidance from your veterinarian.

Discover Similar Breeds

ZPC-03693

Important Safety Information

Sileo

Do not use Sileo in dogs with severe cardiovascular disease, respiratory, liver or kidney diseases, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation, or stress due to extreme heat, cold or fatigue or in dogs hypersensitive to dexmedetomidine or to any of the excipients. Sileo should not be administered in the presence of preexisting hypotension, hypoxia, or bradycardia. Do not use in dogs sedated from previous dosing. Sileo has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 16 weeks of age or in dogs with dental or gingival disease that could have an effect on the absorption of Sileo. Sileo has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs or for aversion behaviors to thunderstorms. Transient pale mucous membranes at the site of application may occur with Sileo use. Other uncommon adverse reactions included emesis, drowsiness or sedation. Handlers should avoid direct exposure of Sileo to their skin, eyes or mouth. Always review instructions for use before dispensing and dosing. See full Prescribing Information.

Sileo® is trademark owned by Orion Corporation Orion Pharma Animal Health. It is manufactured by Orion Corporation and distributed by Zoetis under license from Orion Corporation Orion Pharma Animal Health.

Apoquel Chews

Do not use Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Apoquel Chewable has not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel Chewable has been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines. See full Prescribing Information.

Librela

For use in dogs only. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should take extreme care to avoid self-injection. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, could potentially occur with self-injection. Librela should not be used in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. Librela should not be administered to dogs with known hypersensitivity to bedinvetmab. The most common adverse events reported in a clinical study were urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections and dermatitis. See full Prescribing Information.