Toy Rat Terrier Life Expectancy
When it comes to a toy rat terrier’s life expectancy, you’ve got to ask yourself a couple of questions. One is: what breed is the Toy Rat Terrier? And, second, how big is an adult Rat Terrier? It’s a common misconception that larger rat terriers have shorter lives than smaller ones. In reality, you can use the adult weight of a Rat Terrier as a benchmark to calculate its life span.
Typically, a toy Rat Terrier will weigh between four and six pounds, and stand no taller than 12 inches. Unlike their larger cousins, a toy Rat Terrier should live a long and healthy life, so be sure to check the breed’s height and weight carefully. They should be well-socialized and intelligent, and their life span is anywhere from eight to 12 months.
Toy Rat Terriers are loyal to their pack of humans and can be very affectionate. However, they may develop separation anxiety if they’re left alone for long periods. Unlike many small dogs, these dogs are also good with other pets and don’t mind other dogs. However, they may chase your cats and other small pets. Even though these small dogs may be playful, they don’t bark a lot or get excited easily, they are incredibly intelligent and able to learn quickly.
Another concern is that young Rat Terriers may be susceptible to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a degenerative condition of the hip.
This condition occurs due to a problem with the blood supply to the femoral head. This leads to a weakening of the valve and strains the heart. While most Rat Terriers don’t show any symptoms of heart disease, they may limp. During an annual checkup, a vet will need to perform tests on the dog’s heart and assess its health.
The lifespan of a Rat Terrier is approximately twelve to eighteen years. They are intelligent and playful and can live as long as you give them plenty of exercises. Rat Terriers have relatively low health problems, though they are prone to certain diseases. A hip disorder known as Hip Dysplasia can cause pain and scar tissue in the hip. The cause of this condition is unknown, but treatment options can include physical therapy and weight management.
As a small dog, a Rat Terrier requires about thirty minutes of exercise a day. Taking a walk around the neighborhood can help, or you can take them to a dog park. A fenced yard is also ideal. Rat Terriers can play fetch with toys and interactive dog toys. They should be leashed while outside the home. If you don’t have an area fenced, you should make sure your rat is supervised.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.
