The Rat Terrier Club of America recognizes only two varieties of rat terriers, based solely on body height at the wither/top of the shoulder.
1. Minature: at least 10" in height, up to and including 13".
2. Standard: over 13", up to and including 19".
Before 12 months of age, both sizes will compete together. At 12 months of age there is a class division for both Miniature and Standard varieties. Dogs not measuring 10" inches of height at 12 months of age, or measuring over 19" inches are disqualified from the ring.
The American Rat Terrier Association lists the following:
The Rat Terrier is divided into two varieties for conformation exhibition: Miniature and Standard.
Miniature Variety: Not exceeding 13 inches, measured at the withers.
Standard Variety: Over 13 inches but not exceeding 18 inches, measured at the withers.
Weight will vary depending on the size of the individual dog. Rat Terriers are working terriers and should be presented in hard, muscular condition.
Faults: Height over 19 inches; obesity.
According to the American Kennel Club, which now lists the rat terrier in its FSS (Foundation Stock Service) uses the sizes as set above by the Rat Terrier Club of America.
The National Rat Terrier Association subscribes to the following standards:
Toys - 10lbs. or less (Tots under 5lbs.) Height - not to exceed 12 inches
Mini - over 10lbs up to 18lbs. Height - not to exceed 15 inches
Standard - over 18lbs up to 28lbs. Height - not to exceed 18 inches
(measured from the withers to the ground)
The "Decker" or "Giant" rat terrier is not the same as a standard rat terrier. Deckers are larger than the standard and is a result of a very specific bloodline and not based solely on the dog's size. A true "Decker" must carry the Decker genetics.
My Daisy is about 14" in height, and 14" "long", and about 15 lbs.
As you can see if you've read this far, it's all a matter of whose guidelines you choose to follow:
According to the RTCA and ARTA (and thus the UKC and AKC), there are only two types: minature and standard, based on height alone. At 14", my Daisy is a standard according to these organizations.
If I use the NRTA guidelines, Daisy is a mini rat terrier based on her weight of 15 lbs., and that she does not exceed 15" in height.
Only the NRTA recognized that the Type B or Teddy Roosevelt rat terriers are a separate and distinct breed in and of themselves. They are not included in the UKC or ACK breed standards that I am aware.
Same for the Decker/Giant ratties. They are discused by the NRTA with the following standards:
The Decker Strain can range in weigh from 22-40 pounds and their proportion is of a 10:10:9 Ratio.
Height - Females 16" - 17" inches, Males 16" - 19" inches.
|