The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an American hunting terrier that is low-set, muscular, short legged, and has a heavy bone density. There is much diversity in the history of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed and it shares a common background with the Rat Terrier breed. It is said their background stems from the terriers that were brought over by the English miners and other working class immigrants. In developing the breed they were known to have crossed many versatile terriers including the Bull Terrier, the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, the Whippet, the Beagle, the Italian Greyhound, and the now extinct White English Terrier. These dogs were bred primarily with the intention of developing strong hunting instincts, along with power and speed, to kill rats and other ground vermin. Hence, these terriers are referred to as "ratters" and have become part of the ratting terrier breeds that we know today. Due to such diversity within its history, matings often produced two "body types" of ratting terriers, distinguished primarily by leg length. The long-legged, leaner built, Rat Terrier (type A), and the short-legged, muscular built, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier (type B). 

History

Both "Rat Terriers" and "Teddy Roosevelt Terrier" were accepted as a separate breeds by the United Kennel Club in 1999. http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/TeddyRooseveltTerrier]. Brianna and Monnie Simms were most instrumental in the formulation of the original TRT breed standard. Currently, the UKC accepts Single TRT Applications for dogs from 10 different registries where they are simply designated as "Rat Terriers."   History shows that the Teddies were often referred to as Working Fox Terriers, Bench Legged Fiests (Fiest), or terrier mixes. Presently, some still refer to them as the Rat Terrier Type B, though these dogs are registered through other registries. 

Appearance and Size

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a low-set, muscular, active, small-to-medium size hunting terrier. The preferred ratio of length of body (prosternum to point of buttocks) to height (withers to ground) is between 10:7 and 10:8. The head is broad, slightly domed, wedge-shaped, and proportionate to the size of the body. Ears are V-shaped, set at the outside edges of the skull, and may be erect or button. A docked tail is preferred, but a natural bob tail or a natural tail carried in an upward curve are also acceptable. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier comes in solid white, other solid colors with markings, and white with a variety of colored patches. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier should be evaluated as a working terrier, and exaggerations, or faults, should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability to work. Honorable scars resulting from field work are not to be penalized. 

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. They can and will rat out a barn in a matter of hours, with seemingly unlimited energy. They make excellent watch dogs. 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 smaller sizes makes them suitable to apartment living as well. Today, the TRT ranks high as a household companion. 

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Teddy Roosevelt Terrier" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.