The Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an energetic breed who is perpetually ready to play, at the drop of a hat. This playful natures coupled with their affection they shower on their family, makes them a good candidate for a family pet. The most appealing quality of the Rat Terrier is its ability to communicate. The Terriers use their paws and voice to get your attention. This usually happens when they’re being ignored and what to be involved with what you’re doing.
Rat Terrier dogs require a lot of exercise and if you have an enclosed backyard, love to run around and expend their energy. A daily walk is a must along with the occasional game of catch and fetch. These Terriers love water and swimming as well as destroying their toys by shredding them to pieces. Known to chase after small animals, it’s advised to put them on a leash when outdoors.
The Rat Terrier breed are easy to train and housebreak, since they are eager to please you; respond well to rewards, treats and praises. Their hunting instinct makes them good watchdogs and is quick to bark at the slightest sound or smell of an intruder. In addition, they also get along well with other house pets, including cats, but not rodent pets.
When it comes to children, they are patient and tolerant if they’re raised with them from puppyhood. As long as they know how to treat them well, the Terriers will prove to be excellent playmates for the children.
Appearance:
- Average Height: 13-18 inches
- Average Weight: 10-22 lbs
Care & Appearance:
Grooming: The Rat Terrier requires an occasional brushing but to avoid shedding all over the house, you might want to brush them once every 2 days.
History:
In the 1920s and 30s, the Rat Terriers were a common American breed found on farms. Working class British immigrants are said to have brought the Terriers to the American shores, which were then bred with other terriers such as the Whippet, and the Italian Greyhound, etc. Initially used to hunt vermin and other small animals, over time, the breed has become a rarity. They are being revived only recently and in 2004, were admitted to the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service.
The Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle is a human-oriented dog that gets attached to the whole family rather than just one person. They can’t be left bereft of human companionship for long lest they turn mischievous or destructive. Their eagerness to please their family makes them easy to train and teaching tricks. They love to play games and engage in activities that can expend their high energy levels. Poodles love to play fetch and chase balls.
If you have an enclosed yard, they would love to frolic and run around there in addition to their daily walk. Mini Poodles are known for their affinity for water and are just looking for a chance to swim and splash about in the water. Without their proper exercise, they are known to become high-strung and nervous.
Miniature Poodles can sometimes get jealous and this is instrumental in making them excellent watchdogs. As soon as they sense an intruder, they bark their heads off. Generally shy of visitors and people outside of their family, it takes the Miniature Poodle time to get used to new people. They adapt well to other house pets and animals, on the whole. When around young children, they should be supervised in case they get nippy or agitated; Miniature Poodles are wonderful around older children.
Care & Health:
- Major concerns: Pra, Legg – Perthes, patellar luxation, epilepsy
- Minor concerns: trichiasis, entropion, lacrimal duct atresia, cataract, glaucoma, distichiasis
- Occasionally seen: urolithiasis, intervertebral disc degeneration
- Suggested tests: eye, knee, hip
- Life span: 13 – 15 years
- Grooming: Since Poodles don’t shed much, their coat needs an occasional brushing to avoid any tangles or matting and clipped every 6 weeks.
History:
Although the origins of the Poodle are unknown, one thing’s for certain; all types of the Poodle are descendants to the standard breed. Known to be developed either in France or Germany, they were known throughout Europe in the 15th and 16th century and was a favourite of King Louis XVI.
The Poodle being the national dog of France, has a German name which means “to splash in water”. Poodles were originally bred to retrieve from water and hunt truffles and later perform on stages and in circuses.
As of 2007, the Poodle’s popularity ranked 8th out of 157.
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