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NKC Breed Standard
For The Rat Terrier
General
Appearance and Coat
A
well
balanced, sturdy built small to medium dog. This dog should be alert,
attentive, and show a genuine hunting spirit, and should be a very loyal
companion type dog. It should have a good coat of short hair, (no long
or shaggy coat).
Head and Neck
(teeth, jaws, muzzle, ears, and eyes)
The head should be
well muscled, wedge in shape from the side with muzzle & skull in equal
length (no snippy muzzle). Ears erect, tipped or buttoned. Ears that
are tulip shaped (flying), flopped non-matching are a disqualification.
Nose black or match eyes, eye rim & coat color. Eyes alert and
watchful, round and eye rims match nose color. Scissor bite is
preferred in teeth but level even teeth are allowed. Neck should be
moderately long, muscular, tapering slightly from the head to the
shoulders blending smoothly.
Front Quarters
(chest, shoulders, front feet and legs)
Good strong legs
(bench legs acceptable). Chest and shoulders should be small, strong,
and wiry indicating speed and endurance. Chest should be broad and deep
with plenty of lung space.
Hind Quarters
(hips, back, back feet and legs and tail)
Hips and back
showing strength and good muscle tone back slightly arched. Legs
straight or benched. Tail either long or stub (however docked tail
preferred).
Height and Weight
Height standards
for miniature variety not to exceed 13 inches and Standard Variety are
not to exceed 19 inches. Weight will vary on different types of dogs.
But oversized dogs are considered a fault.
Gait and
Movement
The dog should
move in a free-swinging gait indicating speed, strength, and endurance.
Jerky or awkward movements are a serious fault. When hunting, the dog
should be very alert and watchful.
Temperament
The Rat Terrier
should appear bold, confident, trusting and loving with its master,
neither too shy nor to aggressive, with a strong treeing and hunting
instinct. |