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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
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Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
| Other Names | Teddy Roosevelt Rat Terrier, Type B, Short-legged Rat Terrier, Bench legged Feist |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Weight | 10 - 25 lbs. (4.5 - 7 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 8 - 15 inches (20 - 38 cm) |
| Coat | Short, dense, medium hard to smooth, with a sheen. |
| Colour | The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier comes in solid white, other solid colours with markings, and white with a variety of coloured patches. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 15 or more years. |
| Origin & History | Early American history shows that the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, like the Rat Terrier, were often referred to as Feist or just plain terrier mixes. In the case of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, "bench legged feist". Being the breed was primarily a farm and hunting dog it was common to see and hear of crossing Rat Terriers to other breeds. One such early cross was with the Beagle and it is very possible it is this cross that reinforced the bench leg since the Bench Legged Beagle was a common hunting companion. Separating the long legged phenotype from the short legged phenotype in most cases did not occur and it was very common to see litters born from parents of either or both phenotypes displaying a variety of leg and body length yet all were still considered and labeled merely as Rat Terriers. In wasn't until the middle 1990's that an effort to segregate the types began in earnest but mixing of the two types in some cases still exists today. When the types were separated by the Rat Terrier Club of America the short legged variety was named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, although he never owned Rat Terriers nor was he instrumental in developing the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. The dog most attributed to being one of the foundations for the Rat Terriers was a black and tan mixed bred feist type dog owned by the Roosevelts. In one of his letters to his children President Roosevelt writes "There is a very cunning little dog named Skip, belonging to John Goff's pack, who has completely adopted me. I think I shall take him home to Archie. He likes to ride on Dr. Lambert's horse, or mine, and though he is not as big as Jack, takes eager part in the fight with every bear and bobcat." Often confused with Skip the black and tan feist, the Roosevelts also had a dog named Scamp. Scamp is the only dog mentioned in Roosevelt's letters as ever hunting rats while in the White House, "Scamp is really an extraordinary ratter and kills a great many rats in the White House, in the cellars and on the lower floor and among the machinery. He is really a very nice little dog." Unfortunately there are no pictures of Scamp nor descriptions other than one which describes him as a Fox Terrier. Another Terrier which often is confused with the Rat Terrier was Roosevelt's dog named Jack. In Mr. Roosevelt's letter dated July 27, 1902 to Mrs. Roswell Field he writes, "It is a real pleasure to send you a photograph of my boy Kermit, with Jack, the Manchester Terrier, who is absolutely a member of the family." Indicating Jack was a Manchester Terrier, not a Rat Terrier. The first Standard for the breed was developed by the now defunct Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Club of America in 1996. There are currently several registration organizations all of which have their own standard but the most commonly accepted is the United Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club International. Although the UKCI still only recognizes them as a variation of the Rat Terrier. In 1999 both "Rat Terrier" and “Teddy Roosevelt Terrier" were accepted as a separate breeds by the United Kennel Club. Currently, the UKC accepts Single Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Registration Applications for dogs from 10 different registries where they are simply designated as "Rat Terriers." |
| Personality | 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. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has a higher than average prey drive and will chase squirrels, rats, stray cats and any other animal they consider prey. They will also dig and follow mole trails leaving a vast array of trenches and holes behind. They make excellent watch dogs and can be very protective and territorial. Teddies share a love for their families and become very attached, craving human interaction and affection. Always by their owner's side, they will become a constant shadow, following their master around throughout the 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 small to medium size makes them suitable to apartment living as well. Today, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is gaining a solid following and becoming a popular household companion. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Less common problems may include allergies, bite problems (malocclusions), hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and subluxating patella as these are problems that appear in the dog's cousin, the rat terrier. Ectopia lentis is a congenital condition which also affects this breed. Although not currently well documented in the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier it is being seen in small numbers and populations according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals but is still seen in higher numbers in the Rat Terrier and other terrier breeds. |
| Grooming | The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is easy to groom with an occasional combing and brushing to remove dead hair. |
| Exercise | The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier needs a good amount exercise. This breed needs to be taken on a daily long walk or jog. It should have at least 20-30 minutes a day, but would enjoy much more. The breed enjoys challenging games and outdoor romps. |
| Other Considerations | The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier will do okay in an apartment so long as it gets enough exercise. These dogs are fairly active indoors and should have at least a small- to medium-sized yard. They love to be inside the house and outside to play. |
