Rat Terriers Trivia Quiz

Answer: No

Not yet, anyway. They are not recognized as an official breed, but can be registered in the Foundation Stock Service (FSS). They cannot be shown in conformation shows unless "Rare Breeds" are specifically invited to that show. They can, however, compete in agility, obedience, rally, tracking, junior showmanship, and earthdog trials.

(You can go to the Rat Terrier Club of America's website (ratterrierclub.com) for more information.)

Answer: Tri-Colored

The most commonly seen Rat Terrier coloration is tri-colored. You can also have blue, lemon, apricot, chocolate, or black- with or without tan markings. It is preferred that all dogs have 20-90% white on their bodies, but, they MUST have at least a 1-inch area of white somewhere on the body.

Answer: They tend to be less aggressive and have an "off switch".

If you guessed that they are less aggressive and have an "off switch"- you were right! Nothing against Jack Russells, but most of the ones I have seen and interacted with seem to be go, go, go all the time- bouncing around. I like a slightly calmer dog myself. Rat Terriers have their moments where they want to tear around the house/yard and play with each other, kids, toys, etc.

But after a while they are just as happy curling up in dad's lap and snoozing. They enjoy snuggling just as much as playing (some dogs more than others).

They are great with kids and other animals. Ours love sleeping in the bed under the covers at night :) Other differences between Jacks and Rats? Their appearance is different- Rat Terriers are usually taller and shorter bodied- more compact you could say.

They are of finer bone, and have more refined heads. Rat Terrier coats are *always* a short, single coat (they would never be wire-haired) and most Ratties have erect ears.

Answer: Most rats killed in a single infested barn.

Rat Terriers were a common farm dog in 1900's, bred for catching barn rats in haystacks. A Rat Terrier holds the record for the most rats killed in a single infested barn- 2,501 rats in 7 hours.

Answer: Tails docked only.

We dock tails and some breeders remove dewclaws in the U.S. Ear cropping is not allowed for this breed (at least in the U.S it isn't). Rat Terriers can have their ears naturally erect, tipped (meaning they almost stand up- just the tip of the ear is folded), or button (ears don't stand at all- they are folded over the top of the head).

They can also be born with naturally bobbed tails. If you breed a dog with a natural bob tail you have a greater chance of having puppies with natural bob tails, thus eliminating the need to get the tails docked. You always want to make sure to only have one parent with a natural bob tail- serious birth defects could possibly result from two naturally bob tailed parents!

Answer: Yes

Rat Terriers are great playmates for children! They're also good snugglers for those mid-afternoon naps :)

Answer: Universal Kennel Club International (UKCI)

Universal Kennel Club International was the first registry to register, recognize and standardize the Rat Terrier. Most of the Rat Terriers we have came with papers from the breeder for this registry.

Answer: Smooth Fox Terrier and Manchester Terrier

The Smooth Fox Terrier and Manchester Terrier were used to create the original Rat Terrier breed in 1820 England. After arriving in the U.S. around the end of the 19th Century they were crossed with Beagles, Whippets, and Chihuahuas (to bring size down even more) to create the 3 different sizes of the breed.

It also helped to bring more colors and patterns to the breed. The Beagle also brought greater hunting ability to the breed, while the Whippet brought more speed. Some Rat Terriers were bred with other similar breeds, too, to create the breed we know and love today.

Answer: Theodore Roosevelt

President Roosevelt is credited with naming the Rat Terrier breed after it arrived in the U.S. He frequently used them as hunting dogs. There is also another type of Rat Terrier called the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. Teddies have shorter legs and longer bodies, more resembling Jack Russell's than the traditional Rat Terrier. Sometimes they are registered as the Type B or Short-legged Rat Terrier, sometimes as a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.

It all depends on the registry.

Answer: Low maintenance- Light brushing here and there, bath every now and then.

This one should have been easy if you've been paying attention throughout this quiz. Ratties are generally very low maintenance. They really only need a bath about once a month or if they get into something messy. Brush maybe once a week just to get rid of loose/dead hair and nail trims at least once a month, and teeth cleaning. As far as shedding goes, from my personal experience with the breed, it depends on their coat. Most of our dogs have very short, sleek coats and don't really shed at all. Two of them have a little bit thicker hair and will shed like crazy especially around their scruff.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed my quiz on Rat Terriers and I hope you learned something about this wonderful breed. They really are a great dog whether for families with small children, single people, older people- they're happy as long as they're fed, well cared for and have a bed and a lap to sleep on :) Happy Quizzing Everyone!