RAT TERRIER STANDARDS
Accepted
December 1, 1998
The Rat Terrier
not only comes in 3 sizes but also two body types. Rats that have a square,
long leg look are shown as Class A. Rat Terriers that have a shorter
leg length in proportion to body are shown as Class B. The following
standards will apply to both classes with the exception of the difference
in body to leg length (shown below) also see (Body Standards). These are
two separate and unique body styles for the Rat Terrier and to keep them
this way, it is recommended that they never be bred together. They have
been with the Rat since their American existence, and there are no differences
other than body style. Both Class A and B dogs share all of the same wonderful
rat terrier traits. To deny either style would be to taint the existence
of the breed.
CLASS A 10:10:9
RATIO
|
CLASS B 10:8:7
RATIO
|
.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
.
When you first meet
a Rat, his smooth lines and muscles are immediately apparent and his face
shows all the familiarity of a dog you've known all your life. Only half
the story is told, for under that lies capabilities that are far beyond
what they first appear to be. Whether it is a Toy, Mini, or Standard Rat
Terrier, from the first look, you know that you are viewing a true athlete.
They possess a muscular body with extreme agility, astounding ability and
great endurance. Rats are never fragile and should posses great tone. He
is balanced, clean, crisp and beautiful. His coat is short, smooth, sleek
and shines. From their appearance you would never know that they are serious
rat and vermin dogs (100 times better than any cat). Being quick and clean
with the kill. They are sturdy, have well balanced movement and are in
wonderful proportion. Their tail is docked and held in an upright
position when alert.
They are an attractive
dog with a bouncy yet sophisticated and concerned attitude with sparkling
sincere eyes. The Rat Terrier has the expression of being curiously concerned,
somewhat worried and seriously inquisitive.
.
These pictures show the classic
Rat Terrier Expression
