Rat Terrier — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Rat Terrier — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Origin and type: an American farm dog originally bred for ratting and farm work, a sturdy, compact, small-to-medium, parti-coloured companion that is slightly longer than tall and capable of hunting vermin above and below ground.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Size: two divisions — Miniature at least 10 in but not over 13 in, and Standard over 13 in up to and including 18 in. Any dog six months or older under 10 in or over 18 in is disqualified; short legs are a serious fault.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Coat and colour: a short, close-lying, smooth and shiny coat, with only a slight ruff or wave along the back allowed but undesirable. Any pied pattern is acceptable — large patches of one or more colours with white; allowed colours (with or without tan points) include black, chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, lemon and white, with white preferred at 10 to 90 percent of the body.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Temperament: keenly observant, devoted and full of energy yet easily trained and obedient; a non-sparring breed, generally friendly with other dogs but may be reserved with strangers, with overt aggression or excessive shyness penalized.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Disqualifications: a dog over six months under 10 in or over 18 in; any blue in the eyes; cropped ears; a genetically hairless (coatless) dog; any kink, curl or coat type other than described; a solid colour without white, a bi-colour without white, or white measuring less than one inch at its widest; and brindle or merle patterns.