Rat Terrier

America's farm ratter, developed from fox terriers, Manchesters and other small hunting dogs, and recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2013. Rat Terriers tend to be more biddable than the British earth dogs: keen to please, quick to train and happy to curl up with the family once the work is done. The short, smooth coat needs little more than a weekly rub with a rubber mitt, though it does shed. Small furries remain targets. Slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation) are the main inherited worry in an otherwise robust breed.