Advertisement
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, is an American hunting terrier, that is low-set, muscular, with short legs, and heavy bone density. There is much diversity, in the history of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed, and it shares a common background, with the Rat Terrier breed. It is said, their background stems, from the terriers,that were brought over, by the English miners, and other working class immigrants. In developing the breed, they were known, to have crossed many versatile terriers including the Bull Terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, the Whippet, the Beagle, the Italian Greyhound, and the now extinct White English Terrier. These dogs were bred primarily with the intention of developing strong hunting instincts, with power and speed, to kill rats and other ground vermin. Hence, these terriers are referred to as “ratters” and have become part of the ratting terrier breeds that we know today.
Due to such diversity within its history, matings often produced two “body types” of ratting terriers, distinguished primarily by leg length. The long-legged, leaner built, Rat Terrier (type A), and the short-legged, muscular built, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier (type B).
Breed History
Both "Rat Terriers" and “Teddy Roosevelt Terrier," were accepted as a separate breeds by the United Kennel Club in 1999.
Brianna and Monnie Simms were most instrumental in the formulation of the original TRT breed standard. Currently, the UKC accepts Single TRT Appications for dogs from 10 different registeries where they are simply designated as "Rat Terriers.". History shows that the Teddies were often referred to as Working Fox Terriers, Bench Legged Fiests (Fiest), or terrier mixes. Presently, some still refer to them as the Rat Terrier Type B, though these dogs are registered through other registries.
Appearance
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a low-set, muscular, active, small-to-medium size hunting terrier. The preferred ratio of length of body (prosternum to point of buttocks) to height (withers to ground) is between 10:7 and 10:8. The head is broad, slightly domed, wedge-shaped, and proportionate to the size of the body. Ears are V-shaped, set at the outside edges of the skull, and may be erect or button. A docked tail is preferred, but a natural bob tail or a natural tail carried in an upward curve are also acceptable. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier comes in solid white, other solid colors with markings, and white with a variety of colored patches.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, should be evaluated, as a working terrier, and exaggerations, or faults should be penalized,in proportion, to how much they interfere, with the dog’s ability to work. Honorable scars, resulting from field work, are not to be penalized.
Disqualification: A longer-legged, square-bodied dog, whose proportions vary significantly, from the desired ratio,lacks breed type, and must be disqualified.
Common Characteristics
Like the Rat Terrier, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier of today is bred for versatility, including hunting instincts, soundness of health, great temperament, and good looks. They can and will rat out your barn in a matter of hours, with seemingly unlimited energy. They make excellent watch dogs. Teddies share a love for their families and become very attached, craving human interaction and affection. Always by your side, they will become your constant shadow, following you around throughout your daily routine.
Teddies are very smart and loyal, which makes them easy to train. They are energetic and playful, and their antics can make you laugh daily. However, when it’s time to settle down they are just as content to be in your lap.
Teddies can adapt to pretty much any lifestyle, whether you show in conformation rings, work in agility trials, or just want a great companion for your home or farm. Their smaller sizes makes them suitable to apartment living as well. Today, the TRT ranks high as a household companion.
Health Problems
Less common problems may include allergies, bite problems (malocclusions), hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia as these are problems that appear in the dog's cousin, the rat terrier.
Due to such diversity within its history, matings often produced two “body types” of ratting terriers, distinguished primarily by leg length. The long-legged, leaner built, Rat Terrier (type A), and the short-legged, muscular built, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier (type B).
Breed History
Both "Rat Terriers" and “Teddy Roosevelt Terrier," were accepted as a separate breeds by the United Kennel Club in 1999.
Brianna and Monnie Simms were most instrumental in the formulation of the original TRT breed standard. Currently, the UKC accepts Single TRT Appications for dogs from 10 different registeries where they are simply designated as "Rat Terriers.". History shows that the Teddies were often referred to as Working Fox Terriers, Bench Legged Fiests (Fiest), or terrier mixes. Presently, some still refer to them as the Rat Terrier Type B, though these dogs are registered through other registries.
Appearance
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a low-set, muscular, active, small-to-medium size hunting terrier. The preferred ratio of length of body (prosternum to point of buttocks) to height (withers to ground) is between 10:7 and 10:8. The head is broad, slightly domed, wedge-shaped, and proportionate to the size of the body. Ears are V-shaped, set at the outside edges of the skull, and may be erect or button. A docked tail is preferred, but a natural bob tail or a natural tail carried in an upward curve are also acceptable. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier comes in solid white, other solid colors with markings, and white with a variety of colored patches.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, should be evaluated, as a working terrier, and exaggerations, or faults should be penalized,in proportion, to how much they interfere, with the dog’s ability to work. Honorable scars, resulting from field work, are not to be penalized.
Disqualification: A longer-legged, square-bodied dog, whose proportions vary significantly, from the desired ratio,lacks breed type, and must be disqualified.
Common Characteristics
Like the Rat Terrier, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier of today is bred for versatility, including hunting instincts, soundness of health, great temperament, and good looks. They can and will rat out your barn in a matter of hours, with seemingly unlimited energy. They make excellent watch dogs. Teddies share a love for their families and become very attached, craving human interaction and affection. Always by your side, they will become your constant shadow, following you around throughout your daily routine.
Teddies are very smart and loyal, which makes them easy to train. They are energetic and playful, and their antics can make you laugh daily. However, when it’s time to settle down they are just as content to be in your lap.
Teddies can adapt to pretty much any lifestyle, whether you show in conformation rings, work in agility trials, or just want a great companion for your home or farm. Their smaller sizes makes them suitable to apartment living as well. Today, the TRT ranks high as a household companion.
Health Problems
Less common problems may include allergies, bite problems (malocclusions), hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia as these are problems that appear in the dog's cousin, the rat terrier.
.
