7 Awesome Facts About Teddy Roosevelt Terriers You Need to Know

Thinking about bringing home a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier? After eight years with my dog Max, I can tell you — these little dogs pack a serious punch. They’re energetic, smart, loving, and yes, occasionally a bit stubborn. Here’s what I wish I’d known when I first brought Max home, and what I’ve learned along the way.

Small Body, Big Personality

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are basically a short-legged version of the Rat Terrier. Max might be compact, but he’s full of energy and confidence. He’s quick on his feet, loves a challenge, and somehow always knows when I’m trying to relax — which usually means it’s time for fetch.

Despite their small size, they need a lot of exercise. Max does best with two 30-minute walks a day, plus extra playtime. Living in an apartment hasn’t been a problem, but making time for daily activity is non-negotiable. A bored Teddy is a destructive Teddy — just ask the shoes I lost during Max’s puppy days.

Social and Sweet (With a Dash of Sass)

I’d heard terriers could be a bit aloof or bonded to just one person, but Max has proven that wrong. He adores my partner, greets friends like long-lost buddies, and has even learned to be calm (ish) around kids. That didn’t happen by accident — we started socializing him early with puppy classes and regular dog park visits.

That said, he’ll still bark at delivery people like he’s defending a fortress. It’s just part of his terrier DNA.

Smart but Stubborn

Training Max has been one of our biggest lessons. He’s incredibly smart — he picks up new tricks quickly — but only when he feels like it. The key has been short, positive sessions (5–10 minutes) with lots of treats and praise. If it feels like a game, he’s all in.

We also learned that consistency is everything. Skip training for a week, and suddenly he “forgets” how to sit.

Not a Fan of Being Alone

Separation anxiety was a curveball. Max doesn’t do well when left alone for long stretches. Early on, I came home to shredded slippers and a very guilty-looking dog. These days, I make sure he’s had exercise before I leave and give him a treat-filled toy in his crate.

If you work long hours, you’ll want to look into dog walkers or doggy daycare. It made a huge difference for us.

Grooming? Easy Peasy

One of my favorite things about Teddies is how low-maintenance they are when it comes to grooming. Max has a short coat that just needs a quick brush every few days. He sheds a little, but nothing overwhelming. Baths are only needed when he finds something gross to roll in — which, of course, he does more often than I’d like.

Their coat colors can vary a lot — Max is white with black patches, but I’ve seen chocolate, apricot, and even blue. No matter the color, they’re all cute as can be.

Healthy and Long-Lived

Teddies tend to live long, healthy lives — often 14 to 16 years. Max is 8 now, and you’d think he was still a puppy with the way he plays. Keeping him in top shape has meant:

• Feeding him quality food
• Staying on top of vet visits
• Watching for knee issues (patellar luxation is something to look out for)
• Keeping his weight in check

If you’re buying from a breeder, make sure they do health testing. I got lucky with Max, but not everyone does.

Final Thoughts

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers aren’t for everyone — they’re high-energy, clever, and will absolutely test your patience during training. But if you’re up for the challenge, they’ll reward you with endless love and laughter.

Max has been my little shadow for eight years now, and I wouldn’t trade him for anything. If you’re thinking about adding a Teddy to your life, be ready for a dog who’s as bold as he is loyal — and who just might steal your heart (and maybe your socks).