There is such a kind of dog that is famous in the dog world because it can catch mice. It has even developed this "side job" directly into its "main job". It is the rat terrier we are going to talk about today.
The Rat Terrier is a small hunting dog, lively, agile, energetic, somewhat barking, and wary of strangers. Originating in the 1890s, it was mainly used to participate in rat-catching competitions. Now it is also an important choice for many people as a family companion dog. So for this "mouse catcher", what should we pay attention to when purchasing?
1. Pay attention to the purchasing channels
When you choose a rat terrier dog, it is best to choose a regular pet store or a breeding farm of a pet company, because these formal institutions can provide us with A pedigree certificate for a rat terrier dog, and this certificate will tell us the rat terrier dog's birth date, gender, coat color, breeder, etc. After everyone knows this information, they can have a general understanding of the dog's various physical indicators and pedigree, thereby reducing the probability of selecting a stray or defective dog.
2. Pay attention to body size
Rat terriers are classified as small dogs, but their shoulder height reaches about 36-40 cm. In the small dog category, it is actually not short, weighing between 10-18 kg, and overall giving people a very lean look. Therefore, when selecting, on the premise that the height and weight meet the specifications, try to choose a rat terrier that is not bloated.
3. Pay attention to the shape of the head
The rat terrier’s head is pear-shaped, and the overall appearance is very well-proportioned and harmonious. When selecting, if you encounter a rat terrier with a round face or unnatural facial lines, there is a high probability that you are encountering a Chuan Chuan with impure blood. This should be noted.
4. Pay attention to the changes in the ears
They are simply droopy compared to ordinary dogs. Different ears, erect or erect, the Rat Terrier's ears will behave differently in different situations. Under normal circumstances, when a Rat Terrier is in a relatively relaxed state, its ears will be folded and drooped. However, once it notices something or is in an excited or alert state, its ears will stand upright. so, when choosing, you need to see whether the rat terrier in front of you can achieve such an ear transformation.
5. Pay attention to personality characteristics
Under normal circumstances, the rat terrier is an extremely lively and active dog breed. As long as there is a slight "disturbance", they can attract their attention, and then they will quickly rush over to "find out". To some extent, this alert character is also a key factor in its ability to become a master mouse catcher. However, when you are choosing, you may encounter some rat terrier dogs that have been closed by merchants for a long time. Some of these rat terrier dogs have suffered from mental weakness as a result. You need to identify them when purchasing.
Rat Terriers can adapt to almost any environment. As long as they get enough exercise, they will be very healthy and can be raised well by some novices. Okay, that’s it for today’s sharing!