President Teddy Roosevelt and his family loved the smaller terriers that hunted vermin and loved the ability of the terriers to hunt and be a family companion. Thus our breed was named in honor of him and his strive to create working dog that was prey driven, and a loving devoted family companion.
UKC recognition in 1999, and AKC FSS recognition in October 2016, and AKC Misc July 2019. Check out both standards at the bottom of this page.
History of Teddy Roosevelt Terriers
- The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an
American breed descended from the terriers brought over by English
miners and other working class immigrants. These versatile terriers
probably included crosses between the Smooth Fox Terrier, the
Manchester Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the Beagle, the Whippet, the
Italian Greyhound, and the now extinct white English Terrier. These
dogs were used as ratters, and soon became known as “Rat Terriers.” Two
types of Rat Terriers evolved, distinguished primarily by leg length.
The short-legged Rat Terriers developed a devoted following and were
named in honor of President Teddy Roosevelt, who was once thought to
have owned these ratters.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1999.
RAT TERRIER HISTORY
The
Rat Terrier, popular in the 1800’s with the English miners was used to
kill the rats found in the mine shafts and the shacks where the miners
slept. The miners bet on which dog would kill the most rodents, and
also used them in dog-fighting. These game were a popular pastime for
the English miners.
Once known as “feists” for their feisty
nature, the dogs were a cross between several breeds: the Smooth Fox
Terrier, The Manchester Terrier and the White English Terrier, long
since extinct. Over time, they were also paired up with the whippet,
and the greyhound to induce great speed and stamina. The beagle was
introduced in the line to sharpen hunting skills.
Teddy Roosevelt hunted with his Rat Terriers earning them the
distinction of being called Teddy Roosevelt Terriers. But as time
passed they were simply known again as Rat Terriers.
There are two types of Rat Terriers- a short-legged Rat Terrier
believed to have been crossed with either Corgis or Dachshunds. The
short-legged terrier was the one favored by Teddy Roosevelt.
Over time, they were also paired up with the whippet or the greyhound
to induce great speed and stamina, and the beagle was also introduced
in the line to sharpen the hunting skills. This gave way to the long-
legged Rat Terrier capable of great speed and stamina. These Rat
Terriers are used by hunting and sporting enthusiasts.
Appearance - The Rat Terrier has a thick, short-haired shiny coat. They
are suitable for trailing and exposing game birds and hunting
jackrabbits or squirrels. Their Heads are broad and ears a
V-shaped.They are good-natured, active and intelligent dogs with a nose
for scenting and speed and grace for the chase.
Description - The Rat Terrier seems always alert and are a very active
breed. When not hunting however, the Rat Terrier is a great companion,
getting alone with children, other dogs and even cats. The breed was
defined and accredited in 1995 with a breed standard being written and
faithfully maintained by conscientious breeders today.
Color - Variety of Colors
Life Expectancy - 11-14 years
STANDARDS LINK:
http://www.nrta.com/newratstandards5.html
ther Names - American Rat Terrier