Rat Terrier Health and Costs
Breed Group
Terrier Dogs
Country of Origin
United States
Breed Size
Small
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 2013
FCI Recognition
No
Rarity
Very Common2 / 10
Purchase cost
Moderate5 / 10
Life expectancy
Long Lifespan9 / 10
Health
Generally healthy7 / 10
Health problem risk
Mild health concerns3 / 10
Maintenance cost
Low maintenance cost2 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
Rat Terrier Health Problems and Costs
The Rat Terrier is a tough, energetic little farm dog, bred to hunt vermin, and that hardy background generally serves it well. Many live well into their teens, but a handful of conditions repeat in the breed: an inherited eye problem called lens luxation, kneecap and hip trouble, allergies, and heart valve disease in older dogs. Knowing them before you bring a puppy home, or while you already share your life with one, makes screening and vet visits much easier to plan.
In this guide
What Is Primary Lens Luxation and Why Does It Matter?
A sudden red, painful, or cloudy eye in a Rat Terrier needs a veterinarian the same day, because waiting can cost the dog its sight.
Primary lens luxation, or PLL, is an inherited condition in which the fibers holding the eye's lens in place weaken and let the lens drift out of position. Luxation comes from the Latin luxare, "to dislocate." Veterinary references describe it as a common inherited defect in several terrier breeds, and the Rat Terrier is one of the breeds where it is watched for.
The danger is what follows. A displaced lens can block the eye's normal fluid drainage and trigger glaucoma, a painful rise in pressure inside the eye that can lead to blindness if untreated. When the lens has moved completely forward, the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that the only effective treatment is surgical removal of the lens. A DNA test for PLL is available, and the breed club lists it among its recommended tests.
- 01
Red, painful eye
Squinting, tearing, or pawing at one eye.
- 02
Cloudy or bluish eye
The surface of the eye looks hazy or changed in color.
- 03
Trembling iris or lens
A flutter inside the eye, or a lens that looks out of place.
- 04
Sudden vision change
Bumping into things or hesitating in familiar rooms.
PLL cannot be fully prevented in a dog that carries the mutation, but knowing a dog's DNA result lets your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist plan eye checks, so that early lens movement is caught before a full crisis.
Which Kneecap and Hip Problems Should Owners Watch For?
Patellar luxation, in which the kneecap slips out of its groove, is common in small dogs. Affected dogs may skip or hop on a hind leg for a few steps and then carry on as normal. Mild cases may need no treatment, while severe ones may need surgery.
Hip dysplasia, an inherited malformation that leaves the hip joint loose, can bring stiffness and a reluctance to jump. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a different hip problem of young small dogs, in which the blood supply to the top of the thigh bone fails and the bone breaks down. It causes pain and limping and is often treated with surgery. The breed club recommends patella and hip evaluations for breeding dogs.
Rat Terriers are prone to obesity, and even a little extra weight strains small joints and hearts. A hands-on rib check at routine visits catches creeping weight gain better than a glance.
Why Do Allergies and Dental Care Matter in Rat Terriers?
Chronic allergies are listed among the breed's common concerns, and they usually show up as itching, paw licking, and repeated skin or ear infections. Allergic skin disease tends to be a long-term management issue, and recurring infections generally improve only when the underlying allergy is addressed. Year-round flea prevention is worth discussing, since flea allergy is one of the more preventable triggers.
Teeth deserve the same attention. A small mouth crowds teeth easily, and veterinary guides recommend regular brushing and annual dental cleanings for the breed.
What Heart Condition Affects Older Rat Terriers?
Valvular heart disease is a gradual weakening of the heart valves that becomes more likely with age, and heart disease is described as a leading cause of death in older Rat Terriers. It often causes no signs at first, and a new murmur heard during a routine exam is frequently the first clue. Later signs can include coughing, tiring easily, or fainting. Annual physical exams that include listening carefully to the heart give your veterinarian the best chance of catching it early. The breed club also recommends a cardiac exam for breeding dogs.
What Does Managing a Rat Terrier's Health Actually Cost?
| Condition or Need | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine annual care | $400 to $700/year | Exam, vaccines, parasite prevention |
| Emergency glaucoma care | $500 to $1,500 | Initial stabilization, surgery adds more |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes surgery | $1,500 to $2,500 per hip | Young dogs with hip pain |
| Allergy management | Several hundred dollars/year | Testing and long-term medication |
| Pet insurance | $35 to $65/month | Cheaper while young and healthy |
Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
Ask directly whether both parents have had the PLL DNA test, and ask to see the results. The breed club also recommends patella, hip, and cardiac evaluations for breeding dogs. A breeder who has not tested, or who calls testing unnecessary for this breed, deserves a second look.
It also helps to ask about allergy history in the line and about typical adult weight, since the breed comes in miniature and standard sizes.
Daily Life With a Rat Terrier
This is an athletic, playful terrier that wants an outlet for its energy and, above all, time with its family. Plan on daily walks and games, and a securely fenced yard, because the breed likes to dig. The personality profile explains how that cheerful, people-focused nature plays out at home, and early, consistent training keeps the terrier stubborn streak manageable.
The short, dense coat makes grooming simple, with weekly brushing and a bath about once a month usually enough. Because the coat is short and smooth, many owners find a jacket helpful on cold walks.
Keeping Your Rat Terrier Healthy for the Long Run
Rat Terriers typically live 12 to 18 years, and reaching 15 is fairly common. Keep your dog lean, brush its teeth, and schedule yearly eye and heart checks, with extra attention to the heart from the senior years onward. Pet insurance is worth pricing while your dog is young and healthy, before any eye or joint problem appears on the record.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
Rat Terriers are hardy and often live 12 to 18 years. Ask breeders about PLL DNA testing, watch weight, and treat a sudden red or painful eye as an emergency. Keep hips, kneecaps, teeth, skin, and heart on the checkup list. Your veterinarian can tailor the plan.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do Rat Terrier cost?
A Rat Terrier from a reputable breeder commonly costs somewhere between several hundred and a couple of thousand dollars, depending on region and bloodline, and rescue adoption fees are usually lower. New owners should also budget for initial supplies and routine veterinary care.
Purchase cost: 5 / 10
How long do Rat Terrier live?
Rat Terriers typically live 12 to 18 years, and reaching 15 is fairly common. A lean weight, dental care, and regular checkups, including eye and heart exams, help them stay active into their senior years.
Life expectancy: 9 / 10
Are Rat Terrier healthy dogs?
Rat Terriers are generally hardy and often live 12 to 18 years, but they are not problem-free. Primary lens luxation, kneecap and hip problems, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, allergies, and heart valve disease in older dogs all occur. The breed club recommends patella, hip, cardiac, and PLL DNA testing for breeding dogs.
Health: 7 / 10
What health problems do Rat Terrier have?
Rat Terriers can develop primary lens luxation, which may lead to glaucoma, along with patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, chronic allergies, and heart disease in later life. They also tend toward obesity. PLL DNA testing and joint and heart screening in breeding dogs, plus a lean weight, are the best protection.
Health problem risk: 3 / 10
Are Rat Terrier expensive to maintain?
Rat Terriers are inexpensive to groom, since the short coat needs about weekly brushing. Costs come mainly from food, routine veterinary care, and annual dental cleanings, with larger bills possible for an eye emergency, joint surgery, or long-term allergy care.
Maintenance cost: 2 / 10
How much does it cost to own a Rat Terrier per month?
Owning a Rat Terrier typically costs between $60 and $120 per month. This budget covers high-quality small-breed food, routine veterinary care, and preventative medications. Since this breed is generally healthy and low-maintenance, monthly expenses remain manageable, though emergency medical funds are always recommended.
Monthly ownership cost: 8 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a Rat Terrier?
Pet insurance for a Rat Terrier typically costs between $35 and $65 per month. Premiums fluctuate based on your dog's age, location, and chosen coverage limits. While generally healthy, insurance is a smart investment to manage potential costs for joint issues or unexpected accidents throughout their life.
Pet insurance cost: 3 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a Rat Terrier?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies will cover a Rat Terrier. They are not typically classified as an aggressive breed and are often well-received by insurers. However, it is always wise to confirm specific liability coverage and breed lists with your provider to be certain.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 9 / 10
Are Rat Terrier on insurance restricted breed lists?
No, Rat Terriers are typically not found on insurance restricted-breed lists. Insurers generally view them as low-risk, standard dogs. However, always disclose your pet to your provider, as some companies may evaluate coverage based on individual bite history rather than the specific breed.
Insurance restriction risk: 2 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a Rat Terrier?
Yes, you can typically secure renters insurance with a Rat Terrier. Because they are small-to-medium dogs and generally considered non-aggressive, they rarely appear on restricted breed lists. Always notify your insurance provider about your pet and review your lease to ensure full compliance with rental policies.
Renters insurance difficulty: 8 / 10
