Rat Terriers as we know them today started out from smallish terrier-type dogs (feists) brought over from Europe in the 19th-century (ish). These original terriers were composed of Fox Terriers, Manchester Terriers, and the now extinct English White Terrier. These breeds and crosses thereof came over to America and became popular ratting dogs.
Eventually, more breeds were introduced: Whippets and Italian Greyhounds to improve speed, the Beagle to add hunting/packwork ability and more terriers/feists to keep the breed centered in it's terrier roots.
Rat Terriers were popular during first few decades of the 20th century. The Beagles, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds were all added to make the Rat Terrier a better small-game dog to help with both population control and hunting ability needed by farmers during the time period. It was around this time that we start really seeing the Rat Terrier become the standard-izeable dog as we see it now. Through a dedicated group of people the Rat Terrier survived as a breed through the 1900's and is today fully accepted into the UKC and the AKC in Standard and Miniature sizes. They come in almost any color mixed with white, with the exception of Merle and Brindle.
Rat Terriers are go-all-day, bouncy, clever, trainable and sensitive dogs. They dislike confinement and enjoy having space to run and explore both inside and outside of the house. They also love a good cuddle with their person, but often they are aloof and cautious of strangers. Considered more biddable than the majority of terriers, Ratties are still known for being opinionated, observant self-thinkers. However Rat Terriers are good sporting dogs and often compete very successfully in Agility, Disc and other dog sports.
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