Rat Terriers - Puppies - Pictures

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Rat Terriers - Puppies - Origin

Rat Terriers were bred in America as vermin and hunting dogs. However, their origins are rooted in Great Britain where the sport of hunting is a long-term tradition and one of the favorite recreation activities.

The ancestors of the Rat Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, and the Fox Terrier, were brought to America by English workmen. These people could not imagine their life without ratting dogs and there are some quite evident reasons for that. To fully understand the importance of a ratting dog in the middle centuries, one has to recall some facts from history and take a closer look at the life of the poor.

Rat Terriers - Puppies - Historical Notes

Rat Terriers were indispensable during a hunt. They performed various functions but did not differ much in appearance. Practically all of them were of black and tan pattern. Ridding of rats was the main function of smaller terriers. They were flexible and their eagerness provided for much success. Such a dog was quite necessary on any farm.

Cities also experienced high demand in ratters. Taking into consideration pollution of medieval towns and a great number of rats that were one of the main carriers of diseases, it is evident why terrier dogs were always welcomed in any house. Poor living conditions could lead to disastrous effects as happened during the Black Death.

Rat Terriers - Puppies - The Black Death

The Black Death, otherwise called the Bubonic Plague, is still the subject of much discussion. This ruinous disease destroyed about 25 million people, one third of Europe's population, in the first few years after it had appeared in Europe.

Due to the enormous number of deaths, the 14th century brought fear and increased demand for natural ratters. It was rats or fleas, who contributed greatly to the spreading of the Black Death.

Consequently, ratters became one of the most frequently seen dogs in Europe. By the end of the 18th century, the poor started to enjoy such activities as ratting. They captured rats and even bred them for the sport. Ratting contests exercised a dog's ability to kill rats in a fixed time and helped terrier breeders find the best dog.

Rat Terriers - Puppies - Dogs in America

European settlers brought those ratters to America where further perfection of the dog continued. Like in Europe, the dog was used for its original purposes, ratting and foxhunting. Yet, breeders improved its scent skills, speed characteristics, and changed its appearance. The new breed turned out to be a wonderful squirrel dog, foxhunting companion, retriever, and a pet. Nevertheless, the breed's basic activities determined the name. It was referred to as the Rat Terrier even though some people would call it the Fox Terrier.

Rat Terriers - Puppies - Fall and Rise

The appearance of effective pesticides to control vermin forced the Rat Terrier from farms. The breed's popularity was decreased greatly also with the interest in purebred dogs. However, Rat Terriers continued to comfortably live in cities and did well as human companions.

Moreover, it is likely that Rat Terriers will be rehabilitated as vermin dogs in the nearest future. Experience shows that modern techniques of rodent control can fail for a number of reasons. Traditional traps, poisons, etc. have many disadvantages. Thus, rats will not eat foods once they determine it is mortal. They will learn to pass traps by and can be dangerous to other animals if poisoned.

Hence, using Rat Terriers as the means of pest control seems to be the only reliable way. These natural ratters have successfully been used by industrial organizations and have proved their value. Indeed, their necessity cannot be questioned when taking into account the level at which rats breed. It will suffice to say that a litter averages 6-12 rats and the gestation period is rather short. Who else can save the situation if not Rat Terriers?

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