Toy Fox Terrier vs Rat Terrier - Breed Comparison

Toy Fox Terrier vs Rat Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth Rat Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier are originated from United States. Rat Terrier may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Toy Fox Terrier. Both Rat Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier are of same weight. Rat Terrier may live 4 years more than Toy Fox Terrier. Both Rat Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Rat Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
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United States
United States
Height Male:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
22 - 29 cm
8 - 12 inches
Height Female:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
22 - 29 cm
8 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
1 - 4 kg
2 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
1 - 4 kg
2 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
2 - 6
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
American Toy Terrier
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
White with tan or black markings
Coat:
Single coat, short and smooth
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

rat terrierKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

toy fox terrierThe small Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the United States of America and is a smaller look-alike of the larger Smooth Fox Terrier.

Several toy breeds as well as the Smooth Fox Terrier were used to bring about the small Terrier dog.

Small though they are, they have had a role to play, particularly on farms where they've been used as ratters. They’ve also been used in circuses to perform tricks. These days they excel as being devoted companions of their human masters. These dogs are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC).

Description

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

toy fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Toy Fox Terrier stands at between 22 – 29cm in height and weighs between 1.5 and 4kg. He is squarely built, with alert, dark eyes, and large, erect ears.

The high set tail is nearly always docked. The coat of this dog is short and smooth and it sheds moderately. Color is mostly white with tan or black markings. The face is nearly always black and tan.

His body is lean, lithe and muscular and gives the impression of being well-groomed. The females give birth to between 2 and 6 puppies with the gestation period being 60-64 days. Have your dog spayed to avoid unwanted puppies.

Temperament:

Toy Fox Terriers are loyal, protective dogs and they make excellent watchdogs in terms of barking a lot when needed.

He is such a sport and wants to be part of all the activities that his human family are busy with. They make great playmates for older children, but care should be taken with toy breeds and small, undisciplined children who could hurt them.

These dogs also get on well with other pets in the home and they can adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside. He isn’t the brightest dog, but intelligent enough to learn some basic commands.

His deep loyalty to his human family makes him a little bit aloof with strangers. While he is eager to please, he also has a mind of his own and this is when training and socialization turn him into an obedient little dog.

He has loads of energy too and will rely on his human owners to take him on walks and play ball games with him.

Characteristics

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

toy fox terrier dog - characteristicsSmall and spunky, the Toy Fox Terrier is such an entertaining little pet, full of beans and curiosity.

He has sharp eyes and his hearing is good and this makes him a good watchdog. He is independent and intelligent, playful and jaunty.

When you allow one of these little dogs into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one, as he promises to be loving and loyal throughout your friendship with him.

Health Problems

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

toy fox terrier puppies - health problemsToy Fox Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.

It is highly unlikely he’ll get any of the common dog illnesses there are if he is looked after well, but he could.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: 

This is a common dog disease of small breeds, and it is very similar to hip dysplasia. Problems with the femur causes wear and tear with arthritis coming about as well.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

toy fox terrier dogs - caringThis little dog is essentially a companion. Just like people get these little dogs to be a companion, the dog also needs to receive proper care too.

Make sure your pet gets the right amount of food and also the right type of food. He’ll need food rich in vitamins and minerals. He’ll also benefit from wholesome home-made food – boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potato, spinach and carrots – simple, harmless foods like that.

Don’t be tempted to pop peanuts, chocolates, grapes, onions and other human foods into his mouth as it can give your pet a stomach ache and diarrhea.

Get your pet to the vet if he’s sick. He’ll need vaccines too to prevent some of the deadly canine diseases there are.

Provide your pet with adequate games and other forms of exercise. Exercise is essential for good health.

Spay or neuter your dog to avoid an unwanted litter of puppies. There are health benefits to having this done too.

 

Groom your small dog regularly and get rid of those loose hairs. With his short hair, the Toy Fox Terrier is considered to be a low maintenance dog.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Toy Fox Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Toy Fox Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Toy Fox Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Toy Fox Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Toy Fox Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Toy Fox Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Toy Fox Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Toy Fox Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Toy Fox Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Toy Fox Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Toy Fox Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Toy Fox Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Toy Fox Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Toy Fox Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Toy Fox Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Toy Fox Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Toy Fox Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Toy Fox Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Toy Fox Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Toy Fox Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Toy Fox Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Toy Fox Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Fox Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Fox Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Rat Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Rat Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Rat Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Rat Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Rat Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Rat Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rat Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Rat Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Rat Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Rat Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Rat Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Rat Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Rat Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Rat Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Rat Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Rat Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Rat Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Rat Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rat Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Rat Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Rat Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Rat Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Rat Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison