Buyer question
Is a Rat Terrier good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Rat Terrier 4 out of 5 for beginners (easy if active).
Source: the Rat Terrier page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Rat Terrier in the Animal Library
The detail
An American farm terrier bred to hunt rats and vermin, the Rat Terrier is compact, athletic and bright, and comes in miniature and standard sizes. Friendly with family and eager to learn, it is energetic, curious and quick to dig.
- Temperament
- Lively, bright, friendly
- Best fit
- Active families
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Quick, fairly biddable)
- Energy
- 4 out of 5 (1 hr exercise daily)
- Grooming load
- 1 out of 5 (Quick weekly wipe)
What to weigh
Rat Terriers dig, bark and chase small animals, and they can escape low fences. They need daily exercise and mental work to stay out of trouble.