Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

also known as Bench-legged Feist, Teddy Roosevelt Rat Terrier, Short-legged Rat Terrier

Pros History


The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, also known as the Rat Terrier, is a small breed of dog that was developed in the United States during the early 20th century. The breed was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who was known for his love of small, energetic dogs and his role in the development of the breed.

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was developed from a variety of small terriers, including the Manchester Terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier, and the English Toy Terrier. These breeds were used to create a small, agile, and energetic dog that was well-suited for hunting small game, such as rats and rabbits.

The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1990, and it has since become a popular companion animal and show dog. Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and playful personality, and they are often used in agility and obedience competitions.

The breed is typically small, with a sturdy and compact build. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, tan, and red. They have a long, thin tail that is often docked, and their ears can be either cropped or left natural.

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers can be found in many parts of the world, but they are most popular in the United States. They are often kept as pets, but they may also be used for hunting, show, and other working purposes.

Breed Information


Type

Is Teddy Roosevelt Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier name? How do you say Teddy Roosevelt Terriers?

TED-ee ROAZ-uh-velt TAIR-ee-uhr

Purpose

What were Teddy Roosevelt Terriers originally used for?

Ratter

Lifespan

How Long Do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier? How long can Teddy Roosevelt Terriers live?

15-16 years

The average Teddy Roosevelt Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 15-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

What is the average height of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier? How big is a Purebred Teddy Roosevelt Terrier height? Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 8-15 inches (20.3 - 38.1 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) 11.5 inches (29.2 cm)
Female 8-15 inches (20.3 - 38.1 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) 11.5 inches (29.2 cm)
What is the average weight of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier? How much should Teddy Roosevelt Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-25 pounds (5 - 11 kg) 10.5 pounds (5 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg)
Female 10-25 pounds (5 - 11 kg) 10.5 pounds (5 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers get fat easily?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier personality? What are Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dogs best known for?

Fearless
Affectionate
Lively
Agile
Spirited
Reserved
Active
Lovely
Swift

Shedding Level

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Shed?

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dog?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers descended from?

Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Beagle, Whippet, Italian Greyhound, White English Terrier

Date of Birth

When were Teddy Roosevelt Terriers first bred? How old is the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed?

1900s

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Teddy Roosevelt Terrier eyes?

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Teddy Roosevelt Terrier nose be naturally?

Blue
Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Teddy Roosevelt Terrier coat be naturally?

Black
White
Brown
Red
Blue
Pied

Coat Length

How long is a Teddy Roosevelt Terriers coat?

The coat of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier have in her first litter?

15-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can have a litter of 15-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Teddy Roosevelt Terriers?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Occasional Diagnoses

None

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed?

OFA
CERF
Full Physical Examination
Genetic Testing
Thyroid Testing

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers have a lot of energy?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers need socialization? How social are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Teddy Roosevelt Terriers get?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier have? Do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers sleep a lot?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier drool a lot?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Teddy Roosevelt Terrier busy?

Walking, Licking, Sniffing, Playdate, Cuddles

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier? How much energy does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier have?

High

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier walk every week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier need?

60 minutes

In general most Teddy Roosevelt Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

Monthly

In general Teddy Roosevelt Terrier should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Teddy Roosevelt Terriers?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier eat?

0.8 cups

For an average 10-25 pound (5 - 11 kg) Teddy Roosevelt Terrier feed 0.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dog?

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dogs are a less sensitive breed known for their adaptability and resilience. They tend to be less affected by new environments, people and noises. They can make great companions for families or individuals looking for a balanced and less sensitive pet that are not as demanding as highly sensitive breeds.

Affection Dependance

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Teddy Roosevelt Terrier do well in apartments? Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers good indoor dogs?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an apartment-friendly dog breed. They can do perfectly well in apartments providing they are sufficiently exercised and taken out and about as part of their owner's daily lifestyle.

Child Friendly

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers good with kids? Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers good around children?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers good with cats? How friendly Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are toward cats?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers OK with other dogs?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers friendly with strangers?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Teddy Roosevelt Terriers will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers like to play? Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers playful?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Teddy Roosevelt Terrier for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terrier easily trained?

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.