Rat Terriers are the best ever. I have had many different types of dogs but once I got a rat terrier, I learned what dogs mean to humans. There are many reasons to get a rat terrier, and here are five of the principal reasons. Besides how cute they are, of course.
Pros and cons of having a rat terrier
Small, inquisitive, and attentive rat terrier learn tricks and commands quickly. Often all they need is a positive response to continue obeying you. Even though they have a stubborn streak, they always want to do well in order to please and earn your love.
This is a brief list of reasons the Rat Terrier is a great pet
Terriers are not the only thing you think of when the say “terrier,” but they do have many other traits. They are feisty and independent, but also laid-back. They have been bred for a great watchdog, but don’t bark too often. If you train them well about barking, they will only bark in certain situations. They’re easy to take care of and socialize with any person that comes in contact with them.
Rat terrier ownership
This breed of dog has few known health concerns. They rarely get hip, elbow or knee dysplasias and are less likely to suffer from eye problems later in their life. These dogs can live for 12-18 years, good news for the pet owner! They need proper dental care as their poor teeth can make them susceptible to other illnesses. This breed is usually not allergic to injections but can be anesthesias. The vet should be very familiar with this breed before administering any surgery.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Rat Terrier
These dogs are not hyper and yappy like you often hear about. They actually require some level of exercise, but a good walk daily works just fine. They are just as happy to sit with you while you watch TV as they are to play. However, these dogs can get bored easily and start developing bad behaviors, so make sure to give them plenty of things to do. This is particularly important if your dog has separation anxiety, especially if they are left alone for long periods of time.
Ease of care for rat terriers
These little rat terrier require less care than most. They don’t shed much, which makes them stay cleaner for longer. They also don’t have a “doggy” smell to them and many enjoy the water. Most of their care is brushing and toenail trimming, although it is a good idea to teach them dental hygiene when they’re younger.
These dogs are loving, loyal, easy to care for, quick to learn, and great company. They used to be farm dogs and have the inherent trait of looking after their family. There is one caveat, though. These little monsters can run so fast and far that you can’t catch them unless they want to be caught. So, you have to be careful with doors outside.
