What You Should Know Before Adopting a Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is small — but here's the thing nobody warns you about: this little dog has more energy, brains, and stubborn confidence than dogs three times its size.
If you're picturing a quiet lap dog, keep reading. This breed will happily run circles around that idea.
But if you're active, patient, and ready for a clever companion who never stops surprising you? You might have just found your perfect match.
Below, you'll get the honest, no-fluff rundown of what living with a Rat Terrier actually looks like — the good, the challenging, and the stuff that catches first-time owners off guard.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Intelligence | |
| Trainability | |
| Affection | |
| Grooming | |
| Good alone time |
First up — the trait that defines everything else about this breed.
They're Smart — But Also Seriously Stubborn
Rat Terriers are clever. As in, "figure out how to open the treat jar and escape the yard" clever.
But here's the catch: with all that intelligence comes a strong will of their own.
Training can be a real challenge if you expect instant obedience just because you said so. That's not how this breed operates.
“They'll learn everything you teach them — but on their terms, not yours.”
What works instead? Patience, consistency, and a big sense of humor.
Keep training sessions short and interesting. Use positive reinforcement, mix up the rewards, and celebrate small wins.
What this means in practice: you're not commanding a soldier, you're negotiating with a very smart toddler. Respect that, and they'll shine.
So how affectionate are they, really?
They Love Their People — Just Don't Expect a Lap Dog
Rat Terriers are loyal, affectionate, and they genuinely thrive on being part of the family.
But snuggle-all-day lap dog? Not quite.
They'd rather be chasing something, cracking a puzzle toy, or excavating a tunnel in your backyard.
If you're active and love engaging with your dog, here's the payoff: they become your tiny, devoted shadow.
Active singles
GreatA perfect adventure buddy who keeps up.
Active families
GreatEndless play energy for older kids.
Young toddlers
With careSupervise — they can be quick and busy.
Couch potatoes
Poor fitThis dog will out-energy you every time.
Now, one thing you can't skip: early socialization.
Socialization Is Non-Negotiable
Early and ongoing socialization isn't optional with this breed — it's essential.
While Rat Terriers can be friendlier than some other terriers, they still carry a strong prey drive and a tendency to be wary of strangers or unfamiliar pets.
The fix? Introduce them early and often to people, dogs, sounds, and new environments.
What this means in practice: the socializing you do in the first several months pays dividends for the dog's entire life. Don't wait.
Next up — and this is where a lot of owners underestimate the breed.
They Need Both Physical AND Mental Workouts
Here's a simple truth: a tired Rat Terrier is a happy, well-behaved Rat Terrier.
Aim for 40–60 minutes of exercise daily, split across a couple of walks or play sessions.
But physical exercise is only half the equation. Their busy brains need a workout too.
Puzzle toys
Food-dispensing toys turn mealtime into a mental challenge.
Scent games
Hide treats around the house and let their nose do the work.
Training drills
Short trick sessions burn mental energy fast.
Fetch & chase
Feeds that prey drive in a healthy, controlled way.
Skip the mental stimulation and here's what happens: a bored Rat Terrier will invent its own job. Usually chewing, barking, or digging.
Yard time helps — but make it escape-proof. These dogs are notorious diggers and surprisingly capable climbers when something catches their eye.
Quick poll
Be honest — how much daily exercise can you realistically commit to?
Speaking of digging... let's talk about the terrier stuff.
Barking and Digging? That's Part of the Package
Let's be upfront: barking and digging come with the terrier territory.
You can reduce both with exercise, mental stimulation, and training — but you won't eliminate them completely.
If you've got a prize garden or you're extra sensitive to noise, this isn't a breed to "fix." It's a breed to work with.
How to manage the terrier instincts
- Redirect, don’t punishPunishment just creates friction and fear. Guide them to a better option instead.
- Offer legal outletsA digging box or designated spot channels the instinct somewhere acceptable.
- Reward the behavior you wantCatch them being quiet or calm, and pay up. That’s what sticks.
- Stay consistentMixed messages confuse a smart dog. Everyone in the house needs the same rules.
The bottom line here: consistency is the whole game. Work with their nature, not against it.
Now for the one that surprises new owners most.
They Don't Like Being Left Alone for Long
Rat Terriers bond hard with their people. And that closeness has a downside.
Leave them alone too long, and you may come home to chewed furniture — or a note from an unhappy neighbor about the barking.
So what does this mean for you? If you're out of the house a lot, you'll need a plan.
- Arrange a midday dog walker for long workdays
- Leave stuffed Kongs or puzzle toys to keep them busy
- Consider a second dog for companionship
- Build up alone time gradually as a puppy
- Leave them crated and alone for 8+ hours daily
- Expect them to just “get used to it” with no help
In short: this is a companion dog at heart. Plan for company, and you'll avoid most problem behaviors before they start.
Some good news to balance things out.
Grooming Is Genuinely a Breeze
Here's the easy part: Rat Terriers are about as low-maintenance as dogs get, coat-wise.
Their short coat doesn't shed heavily and needs no fancy upkeep — no trips to the groomer for elaborate cuts.
- Quick brush now and then to remove loose hair
- Regular teeth brushing for dental health
- Nail trims every few weeks
- Routine ear checks to catch problems early
That's honestly the whole grooming routine. A little maintenance, and they're good to go.
Finally — the long-term commitment you're signing up for.
They're Tough Little Dogs — But Still Need Care
Rat Terriers are generally healthy and hardy, and with good care they can live up to 18 years.
Read that again: eighteen years. That's a serious, long-term commitment.
Like any breed, they're prone to a handful of health issues to stay aware of.
Patellar luxation
A slipping kneecap that’s common in small breeds. Watch for occasional limping or skipping steps.
Hip dysplasia
A joint issue that good breeding and healthy weight help minimize.
Allergies
Skin or food sensitivities can pop up — your vet can help pinpoint triggers.
Dental care
Small breeds are prone to dental issues, so keep up with teeth cleaning.
The opposite is true here. Rat Terriers pack big-dog energy into a compact frame and need real daily exercise.
Smart and obedient aren’t the same thing. Their intelligence often makes them more independent and stubborn, not less.
Not even close. They need engagement and enrichment, not just space — and they’ll escape a boring yard anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be, but only if you’re active and ready to commit to training and exercise. Their intelligence and stubbornness can overwhelm someone expecting an easygoing pet. If you love a challenge, they’re rewarding.
A few hours at most for an adult. They bond closely with their people and can develop destructive or noisy habits when left alone too long. A dog walker, companion, or puzzle toys help a lot.
They can. Barking comes with the terrier package. Exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training reduce it, but you won’t eliminate it entirely.
Yes, especially with active older kids who can match their play energy. With very young toddlers, supervise closely since Rat Terriers are quick and busy.
With early socialization they can coexist with other dogs. Cats and small pets are trickier because of their strong prey drive — introduce slowly and always supervise.
For most owners, it’s the combination of high energy and stubbornness. They need daily physical and mental exercise, and they won’t simply obey — you have to keep them engaged.
Many mellow out somewhat after their first year or two, but this is a naturally high-energy breed. Expect an active companion well into adulthood rather than a lazy lap dog.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.