Ratshire Terrier

Dog Breed Profile

Ratshire Terrier History

The Ratshire Terrier, or Pottsville Terrier, was one of the original 13 AKC officially recognized terrier breeds. The rat-catching tradition of the Ratshire Terrier traces back to 1831, where Joshua Potts of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, bred the dachshund and wire-haired fox terrier together to create what appeared to be a miniature version of a Foxhound.

Time of Origin

2000s

Country of Origin

United States Of America

Ancestry

Rat Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier

Ratshire Terrier Physical Characteristics

The Ratshire Terrier is a small, medium-to-large sized terrier that typically stands between 10 and 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weights between 15 and 20 pounds. They have a wiry, muscular, compact body and a dense, short, glossy, red-brown or black and tan colored coat. They have a flat skull and a pointed muzzle with a rather thick lips. The eyes of the breed are a dark hazel color and they have a bushy beard and mustache. The ears of the breed are erect and triangular in shape. The tail of the breed is thick and curved. The Ratshire Terrier is known to be a tenacious, brave and self-assertive breed of dogs.

Eye Colors

Hazel, Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

Black, Gray, Brown, Red, Fawn, Fawn, Silver, White, Pied, Sable, Brindle

Height Range

Male Height Range: 10 – 12 inches

Female Height Range: 9 – 10 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 15 – 20 lbs

Female Weight Range: 10 – 15 lbs

Ratshire Terrier Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

12-16 yrs

Ratshire Terrier Health Concerns

Portacaval Shunt, Hip And Elbow Dysplasia, Tracheal Collapse, Portosystemic Shunt, Patellar Luxation, Retinal Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Ratshire Terrier Temperament and Behaviour

The Ratshire Terrier is a lively and energetic small terrier breed. They are sweet-tempered and fun-loving, but they can also be stubborn. They are playful, but are also very protective of their families and home. They are very friendly and sociable, but can sometimes be aggressive with other dogs.

Ratshire Terrier Activity Requirements

Ratshire Terriers are small, sturdy, and compact. They are playful and outgoing, making them great companions for their owners. Although they don’t require a high level of energy, Ratshire Terriers do enjoy playing and going on walks. A daily walk or jog or a few play sessions will keep a Ratshire Terrier happy, healthy, and in shape. If you are looking for a small dog, the Ratshire Terrier could be a great choice. They do well with apartment living, but they will also enjoy a long daily walk.