What are the cons of a Rat Terrier?

Deciding on a Rat Terrier means embracing a dog with enormous personality packed into a sturdy, medium-sized frame. While their intelligence and affectionate nature often win hearts, potential owners must face the realities of life with a high-octane, historically driven terrier. The shine of their short coat and cheerful demeanor can mask several challenges that make them decidedly not the right fit for every household or lifestyle.

# Energy Outbursts

The single most frequently cited challenge when living with a Rat Terrier is managing their inexhaustible energy levels. ^[1][2] These dogs were bred for relentless work—chasing vermin on farms—and that drive hasn't been bred out, even in lines kept purely as companions. ^[4][5] A Rat Terrier needs significant daily physical activity, often more than just a casual walk around the block. A short, slow stroll won't satisfy them; they require vigorous exercise tailored to their high-octane motor. ^[5][7]

If this intense need for movement isn't met, that energy doesn't simply dissipate; it redirects, often toward destructive outlets. ^[2] An under-exercised Rat Terrier can quickly become a destructive nuisance, finding creative ways to test their environment, which might include excessive digging, chewing furniture, or persistently attempting to escape the yard. ^[2][5] Thinking of their daily requirement strictly in terms of time can be misleading. For example, a 45-minute session of structured fetch, flirt pole work, or advanced agility drills will likely be more beneficial than an hour of slow leash walking, where they can't fully engage their hunting instincts. ^[5] It's less about the minutes clocked and more about the intensity and purpose behind the activity.

# Instinctive Behaviors

Beneath the charming exterior lies the core of a true working terrier, making instinct-driven behaviors a significant factor for prospective owners to consider. ^[5][6]

# Prey Drive

The Rat Terrier’s historical purpose means they possess a very high prey drive. ^[5][6] This is not a minor quirk; it is a deeply ingrained instinct to chase and dispatch small, fast-moving creatures. ^[1][5] If you share your home with cats, smaller dogs, or even neighborhood squirrels and rabbits, this dog might view them as targets. ^[1][6] Introducing them to smaller animals requires extreme caution, intensive early socialization, and management, as their instinct may override any training the moment something darts across their field of vision. ^[5] Even the most devoted owner must remain vigilant when off-leash in uncontrolled environments because of this powerful urge to pursue prey. ^[1]

# Vocalization

Rat Terriers are naturally alert and will use their voice to announce anything they perceive as unusual. ^[7] They are not subtle watchdogs; they are effective alarm systems that bark at the mail carrier, rustling leaves, or a distant siren. ^[2] While this makes them excellent alert dogs, constant or excessive barking can become a serious issue in close-quarters living situations, like apartments or townhomes, or if neighbors are sensitive to noise. ^[2] Managing this requires proactive training from puppyhood to teach them an "enough" cue, rather than waiting for the nuisance barking to become a deeply entrenched habit. ^[7]

What is a fun fact about Rat Terriers?

# Training Complexity

Many people assume that because Rat Terriers are intelligent, training will be easy. This is often a false assumption because their intelligence is coupled with a significant streak of terrier independence and stubbornness. ^[5][6] They pick up commands quickly, but they also quickly decide if performing the command is worth their time in that specific moment. ^[5]

This duality means consistency is absolutely paramount. ^[6] If you allow them to disregard a command once, they learn that sometimes they don't have to listen, which can quickly erode your authority. ^[5] Owners must be prepared to be more persistent and engaging than the dog is stubborn. ^[6] Furthermore, because they are smart, they are also prone to mischief and figuring out ways to get what they want, which often involves circumventing rules rather than simply obeying them. ^[6] Owners must actively seek out positive reinforcement methods that engage their minds, as punishment-based training usually results in shutting down or escalating defiance. ^[5]

# Health Watch List

While generally a hardy breed, like all purebred dogs, Rat Terriers have predispositions to certain hereditary health conditions that prospective owners should investigate with breeders. ^[5] Being aware of these issues allows for better preventative care and more informed decision-making when selecting a puppy. ^[5]

Specific concerns often include Luxating Patella, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. ^[5] Early signs might include a slight skip or favoring of a rear leg, and in severe cases, it can lead to arthritis or chronic pain. ^[5] Another orthopedic concern noted is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which involves the deterioration of the head of the femur bone in the hip joint. ^[5] While less common, it requires surgical intervention to correct and can cause significant discomfort if left unaddressed. ^[5]

Beyond the skeletal issues, owners should be aware of metabolic and systemic concerns:

• Hypothyroidism: This is an underactive thyroid gland, which can lead to weight gain, lethargy (ironically, in an otherwise energetic breed), skin problems, and coat changes. ^[5] It is managed with daily medication but requires lifelong commitment. ^[5]
• Eye Issues: Specific eye conditions, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a degenerative eye disease that leads to blindness, have been reported in the breed. ^[5]

If you are acquiring a puppy, a responsible breeder should be transparent about testing their breeding stock for these specific issues, such as hip and knee evaluations from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). It is wise to view testing results not as a guarantee, but as a vital part of your initial vetting process. ^[5]

What are Rat Terriers good for?

# Environmental Management

The combination of high energy, high prey drive, and high intelligence necessitates specific environmental accommodations that are not required for lower-energy breeds. ^[1]

# Fencing Needs

Due to their prey drive and inherent desire to roam and explore, Rat Terriers require a securely fenced yard. ^[1] This is not optional maintenance; it is a crucial safety feature. The fence must be tall enough to deter jumping, and perhaps more importantly, it must be buried or secured at the base to prevent the breed’s natural inclination to dig their way to freedom. ^[1] If a yard is not securely bordered, the dog must be rigorously supervised whenever outside, as their attention span for lingering when a squirrel appears is effectively zero. ^[5]

# Separation Stress

Rat Terriers often form very strong bonds with their primary family members. ^[2] While this closeness is wonderful, it frequently translates into a significant propensity for separation anxiety when left alone. ^[5] If a household involves long work hours or frequent, unpredictable absences, this breed may not cope well. ^[5] Signs of severe anxiety can include destructive behavior, excessive vocalization, or inappropriate elimination, all stemming from distress over being separated from their people. ^[5] Crate training and gradual desensitization are essential tools, but for some, the anxiety remains a persistent management issue. ^[5]

# Grooming and Maintenance

While their smooth, short coat is often touted as low maintenance—they require minimal brushing and generally do not need professional clipping—there is a flip side to this easy coat care. ^[1] Because the coat is short and lies close to the body, Rat Terriers can be quite susceptible to the elements. They lack the heavy insulating undercoat of many other breeds, meaning they get cold easily in winter weather. ^[1] In colder climates, this translates into needing protective outerwear, such as a sweater or jacket, for any outdoor activity, adding another layer of preparation to simple errands. ^[1] Furthermore, while shedding may be less dramatic than in a heavy-coated breed, they do still shed year-round, requiring regular vacuuming, as the short, stiff hairs can weave themselves firmly into fabric and carpet fibers. ^[1]