Rat Terriers - Information - Pictures

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Rat Terriers - Information - Breed Ancestors

Rat Terriers are the descendents of British terriers used as vermin dogs on their motherland. It is interesting to know that almost all terrier breeds originated in Great Britain. They were a great help to miners, decreasing the number of rodents, and made wonderful hunting dogs.

A wide range of applications provided for various types and appearances. Terriers came in different sizes and displayed slightly different abilities. Yet, most of them shared a similar color pattern. The most common pattern was that of black and tan. Hence, terriers of the past were frequently referred to as Black and Tan Old English Terriers.

Larger terriers were invaluable in hunting waterfowl and other game, while smaller dogs were suited for hunting such game as the badger and the fox. Those earth dogs could easily go to ground and reach the prey. Not sooner than by the end of the 18th century did British breeders direct their efforts to emphasize some qualities peculiar to individual terrier varieties and develop a few distinct breeds.

Rat Terriers - Information - American Breeders

British emigrants brought some terrier dogs to America where they continued to use them for their original purposes. Terriers were the necessary and perhaps the only means of controlling rodents' population. American breeders valued terrier-type dogs highly and aimed at producing a special breed of dog capable of performing hunting skills, always ready to warn its owners about dangers, and having an easy-going personality.

The Rat Terrier appeared in the United States at the end of the 19th century and was developed by crossing some terrier breeds. The blood of the smooth-coated Fox Terrier was added, which altered the color pattern some. Customary tan and black colors were substituted by predominantly white pattern with only a few spots in black and tan. Crossing with Beagles stressed the new breed's hunting powers, while Italian Greyhounds helped to soften the restless temperament terriers are so famous for.

The breed got its name due to its striking ability to destroy rats. Theodore Roosevelt is thought to be the "Saint" of the breed, since his appearance in public with Rat Terriers fueled interest in the dog.

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