King Rat History
The King Rat is a mixed-breed dog that was bred from a rat belonging to a janitor who worked at a government building in Washington D.C. in 1910. The janitor supposedly saw one of his pet rats in the garbage, so he tried to catch it, but it got away. While chasing the rat around the trash room, the janitor stepped on the cage of a small brown-and-white terrier mix. The terrier bit the rat, which escaped. The custodian decided to keep the terrier, which he named “King”. In 1927, a writer for the Washington Post decided to write about the “king” of the rats, which inspired the name “King Rat”.
Time of Origin
2000s
Country of Origin
Ancestry
King Rat Physical Characteristics
The King Rat is a small, medium- large sized rat terrier breed that typically grows between 14 and 16 inches in height and weighs between 20 and 22 pounds. They have a soft, wavy, and shaggy coat that is either white, cream, or beige. They have an elongated head, a pointed muzzle, and almond-shaped eyes. They have a small but broad, muscular body and compact bones. They are intelligent, playful, and alert. They are very good family pets.
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black, Brown
Coat Colors
White, Red, Black, Brown, Pied
Height Range
Male Height Range: 10 – 18 inches
Female Height Range: 10 – 18 inches
Weight Range
Male Weight Range: 13 – 25 lbs
Female Weight Range: 13 – 25 lbs
King Rat Health
Description of breed health.
Lifespan
12-16 yrs
King Rat Health Concerns
Patellar Luxation, Deafness, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia, Lens Luxation, Heart Disease, Syringomyelia, Mitral Valve Dysplasia, Demodectic Mange, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cataracts, Retinal Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Skin Allergies, Dental Disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Microphthalmia, Corneal Dystrophy
King Rat Temperament and Behaviour
The King Rat is a very intelligent, curious, and brave little toy dog. They are highly social and get along very well with people of all ages and with other animals. They are lively and can become bored easily, so they like to be kept busy. They are often very protective of their families and can be suspicious of strangers.
King Rat Activity Requirements
The Lowchen, or more commonly, King Rat, is a small, friendly, and loyal dog. They are also known for being cat-like, making their owners think they have magical powers. While they are not high-energy, they do need regular exercise. They are not well suited to apartment living, but they can adapt well to smaller spaces. You will need to make sure your dog gets some regular walks, and you may want to participate in a local dog walking club. The King Rat is an intelligent, happy-go-lucky dog that enjoys being with people. They are wonderful companions and are generally easy to train. If you are looking for a laid-back small dog, consider adopting a King Rat. They will bring a smile to your face and love to your heart.
Miles Per Day
9 miles
Activity Per Day
60 minutes
Daily Food
1 cups
Kennel Club Recognition
American Kennel Club
Not Recognized
King Rat is part of the Unclassified group.
Visit the American Kennel Club website.
The Kennel Club
Not Recognized
King Rat is part of the Unclassified group.
Visit the Kennel Club website.
Australian National Kennel Council
Not Recognized
King Rat is part of the Unclassified group.
Visit the Australian National Kennel Council website.
Canadian Kennel Club
Not Recognized
King Rat is part of the Unclassified group.
Visit the Canadian Kennel Club website.
