Terrier Small size 4-11 kg
Ratter Terrier
A hardy, clever small terrier that fits many homes and needs little grooming - its prey drive and terrier stubbornness are the main trade-offs.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Small
Size
4-11 kg, 25-46 cm tall
High
Activity
Active ratter that needs daily play and walks
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Fairly independent once exercised
Easy
Handling
Smart and food-motivated, with a stubborn streak
Low
Coat care
Short coat, minimal upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Playful and sturdy with children
Moderate
Other pets
Strong prey drive toward small animals
Moderate
Health burden
Knee, skin and dental issues
The Ratter Terrier typically weighs 4-11 kg, stands 25-46 cm, and lives 12-16 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a hardy, low-grooming small dog that fits many homes,
you like a clever, playful terrier and enjoy short training sessions,
you want an alert little watchdog with a sturdy, healthy build,
you can give daily walks plus play to burn off terrier energy.
Do not consider this breed if…
you keep hamsters, rabbits or other small pets it would hunt,
you want an off-leash-reliable dog - the prey drive often wins,
you cannot handle a stubborn, sometimes bossy terrier streak,
you want a placid lapdog with little exercise need.
A typical day with a Ratter Terrier
- 7:00 · MorningBrisk walk and a potty break
- 9:00 · MidmorningNaps or watches the window, alert
- 12:30 · NoonPlay session or a game of fetch
- 16:00 · AfternoonShort training or a sniff walk
- 18:30 · EveningActive play, then family time
- 21:00 · NightSettles down once exercised
Family and environment
Kids Good
Playful and sturdy; supervise with very young children.
Dogs Conditional
Often fine; some show terrier scrappiness with strangers.
Cats Conditional
Can work if raised together; individual prey drive varies.
Apartment Conditional
Manageable with daily exercise and some bark training.
House with a yard Suitable
A secure fence matters; it will dig and chase.
City Suitable
Adaptable and compact for city routines.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run and hunt vermin suits it well.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Luxating patella Kneecap slips out of place; may need surgery
Allergies and skin issues Can cause recurring itching and infections
Dental disease Routine cleaning helps prevent tooth loss
Obesity Watch portions; excess weight strains joints
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Similar small working terrier with high prey drive
Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog with an enormous engine that suits experienced, active owners - the trade-off is relentless energy, strong prey drive, and a low tolerance for boredom.
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Comparable hardy ratting terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
A bold, tireless terrier with an easy-care coat - fun and trainable, but a digger and chaser that needs an owner ready for terrier energy.
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Smaller companion terrier of related type
Toy Fox Terrier
A true terrier squeezed into a toy body - clever, trainable, and entertaining, but fragile enough that rough kids and cold winters are real problems.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
Is a Ratter Terrier good with other pets?
It depends on the pet. With dogs and often cats it can coexist, especially if raised together, but it retains a strong prey drive toward small animals like rodents, rabbits and birds. Homes with hamsters, gerbils or free-ranging small pets are a poor match, since the instinct to chase and catch is exactly what the breed was made for.
Are Ratter Terriers easy to train?
Yes and no. They are smart and food-motivated, so they pick things up quickly, but they also have a classic terrier independent streak and can be stubborn when they would rather do their own thing. Short, fun, reward-based sessions and consistency work far better than repetition or heavy-handedness.
How much does a Ratter Terrier cost in the US?
As a working farm-type terrier it is often moderately priced, with puppies commonly running roughly $500-$1,500 depending on lines and location, and rescues sometimes available for less. Across a 12-16 year life, routine food, supplies and preventive care typically add $8,000-$14,000 or more, before any treatment for illness or injury.
Do Ratter Terriers need a lot of exercise?
They need a solid daily outlet - a good walk plus active play or a game that lets them use their body and nose. They are hardy and energetic rather than hyperactive, so once their needs are met they settle well indoors. An under-exercised ratter tends to dig, bark and find its own entertainment.