You’re scrolling through a breeder’s website or a rescue page and there it is. A picture of a rat terrier dog that makes your heart do a little somersault. Those huge, radar-dish ears. The "I’m definitely plotting something" glint in the eyes. The sturdy, compact frame that looks like it could spring over a fence at any second. But here’s the thing: looks are incredibly deceiving with this breed. People see a small dog and think "lap dog," but that’s a massive mistake.
Rat Terriers are basically high-performance athletes trapped in a ten-to-twenty-five-pound body.
If you’re looking at photos because you’re thinking about bringing one home, you need to know what that image isn't telling you. You're looking at a dog bred for work. Specifically, for killing rats by the hundreds. This isn't a "toy" breed. It’s a farm dog. And while a picture of a rat terrier dog might show them sitting perfectly still for a treat, five seconds after the shutter clicks, they’re probably trying to parkour off the back of the sofa.
Why that picture of a rat terrier dog looks different every time
Ever noticed how one "Rattie" looks like a tiny Greyhound and the next looks like a muscular Jack Russell? There’s a reason for that. Rat Terriers have a wildly diverse gene pool because they were bred for function, not just fashion.
Farmers in the early 1900s didn't care about "breed standards" in the way the American Kennel Club does today. They cared about results. They crossed Smooth Fox Terriers with Manchester Terriers, Whippets, and even Beagles. The Whippet influence gave them speed. The Beagle influence gave them a better nose and a slightly more pack-oriented "chill" than your average feisty terrier.
Because of this, a picture of a rat terrier dog might show a "Type A" or a "Type B" build. Type A is the classic square-bodied terrier. Type B is often referred to as the "Teddy Roosevelt Terrier," which has shorter legs and a heavier body. Honestly, if you don't know the difference, you might end up with a dog that has way more (or less) energy than you bargained for.
Most people don't realize that the Teddy Roosevelt variety was actually split into its own breed by the AKC fairly recently. So, if the dog in the photo looks like a low-rider, it's technically a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. If it looks leggy and elegant, that's your classic Rat Terrier.
The "Decker" Giant: When a picture of a rat terrier dog is actually a 30-pounder
You might stumble across a photo of a dog that looks exactly like a Rattie but it’s standing next to a person’s knee and looks... big. That’s probably a Decker Rat Terrier.
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Milton Decker started breeding these back in the 70s. He wanted a bigger dog for hunting wild pigs and deer. He crossed standard Rat Terriers with Basenjis and Fox Terriers. These dogs are impressive. They can weigh up to 30 or 40 pounds. If you’re looking at a picture of a rat terrier dog and the scale seems off, check the description. You might be looking at a Decker. They are calmer than the small ones, usually. But they have a high prey drive.
They will see a squirrel and they will go through a screen door to get it. I’m not exaggerating.
Spotting the "Bat Ears" and the "Button Ears"
When you’re browsing a picture of a rat terrier dog, pay attention to the ears. It's one of their most defining features.
Most Rat Terriers have "erect" ears. They stand straight up. It gives them that alert, "I heard a cheese wrapper from three miles away" look.
But some have "tipped" or "button" ears where the top third folds over. Both are totally normal.
If you see a pup with floppy ears in a picture of a rat terrier dog, don't panic. They usually stand up as the dog gets older and the cartilage hardens. Sometimes breeders even tape them to make sure they stand up straight for the show ring, which is a bit much if you ask me, but it’s a thing people do.
Color patterns: More than just black and white
Most people think of Rat Terriers as black and white dogs with tan points. The "tri-color" look. It’s classic. It’s what you see in almost every picture of a rat terrier dog in textbooks.
But they come in a literal rainbow of "pied" patterns.
- Blue-Pied: A beautiful steely gray and white.
- Apricot: A warm, orangey-tan.
- Chocolate: Deep brown patches.
- Lemon: A very pale, creamy yellow.
- Pearl: A weird, almost lavender-grey.
The one thing you won't see in a legitimate picture of a rat terrier dog is a solid color. They are almost always "pied," meaning they have large patches of color on a white background. If the dog is one solid color, it’s probably a different breed entirely or a very unique mix.
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The truth behind the "Smile"
If you find a picture of a rat terrier dog where it looks like it's snarling, look closer. Many Rat Terriers "grin." It’s a submissive smile. They lift their front lips and show all their teeth when they’re happy to see you.
It’s hilarious. It’s also terrifying if you don’t know what it is.
I’ve seen people return dogs to shelters because they thought the dog was aggressive. In reality, the dog was just saying "Hi, I love you, please pet me." That’s the kind of nuance you can’t get from a static picture of a rat terrier dog without context.
The coat is a trap
In every picture of a rat terrier dog, the coat looks painted on. It’s short. It’s sleek. It looks like it requires zero maintenance.
Kinda.
They don't need haircuts. You don't need to take them to a groomer for a blowout. But they shed. Oh boy, do they shed. Those short, stiff little hairs get woven into your upholstery like needles. You will never get them out of a fleece jacket. A picture of a rat terrier dog won't show the layer of white hair on your black leggings, but trust me, it’s there.
What a picture of a rat terrier dog doesn't show: The "Rat" brain
You can’t see intelligence in a photo.
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These dogs are scary smart. They are "solve a Rubik's cube to get a kibble" smart. This means if they are bored, they will dismantle your house. They aren't like Goldens who just want to please you. Rat Terriers want to know why they should do what you’re asking.
They are sensitive, too. If you yell at a Rat Terrier, they will pout for three days. They have a very long memory for slights. If you see a picture of a rat terrier dog looking "stately," they’re probably just judging your life choices.
Realities of the "Rattie" life
If you're serious about this breed after looking at a picture of a rat terrier dog, you have to prepare for the "Terrier scream."
They don't just bark. When they get excited—like when they see a squirrel or the mailman—they let out a high-pitched, soul-piercing shriek. It’s not in the brochure. You won't hear it in a silent picture of a rat terrier dog. But your neighbors will hear it.
They are also "Velcro dogs."
They want to be under your skin. If you’re on the couch, they aren't just next to you; they are burrowed under your hip. They are famous for being "under-the-covers" sleepers.
How to use a picture of a rat terrier dog to spot a good breeder
When you’re looking at photos from a breeder, look at the environment.
- Cleanliness: Is the dog standing in a clean area or a muddy kennel?
- Socialization: Is there a picture of a rat terrier dog interacting with people, or just standing alone?
- Condition: Does the dog have "rib tuck"? Rat Terriers should be lean, but you shouldn't see every single rib. They should look athletic, not starved.
- Eyes: Are they clear? Rat Terriers are prone to Primary Lens Luxation (PLL). A good breeder will have photos of the parents looking healthy and will have the DNA tests to back it up.
Don't just fall for a cute picture of a rat terrier dog on a random classifieds site. This breed lives a long time—often 15 to 18 years. That’s a nearly two-decade commitment to a dog that thinks it’s the boss of the world.
Actionable steps for the aspiring Rattie owner
If you’ve fallen in love with a picture of a rat terrier dog, here is what you actually need to do next:
- Check the Rat Terrier Club of America (RTCA): This is the parent club. They have lists of reputable breeders who do health testing for luxating patellas and heart issues.
- Invest in a "Flirt Pole": It’s basically a giant cat toy for dogs. A Rattie will chase that thing until they collapse, which is the only way to get them to actually nap.
- Secure your fence: These dogs are escape artists. They can climb chain-link fences like monkeys. If you have a yard, make sure it’s "Rattie-proof."
- Search for rescues first: Places like New Hope Rat Terrier Rescue or RatBone Rescues always have amazing dogs. Sometimes you can find a picture of a rat terrier dog there that is already house-trained and past the "chew everything" puppy phase.
- Get a harness: Because of their thin necks and deep chests, they can slip out of collars easily. A well-fitted harness is a must for walks.
Looking at a picture of a rat terrier dog is just the entry point. They are complex, funny, loud, and incredibly loyal companions. Just make sure you're ready for the whirlwind that comes with those big ears and that sharp little face.