Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier
VS
Border Terrier
Border Terrier

Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier

Compare Rat Terrier and Border Terrier side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Rat Terrier
Border Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 46 cm
28 – 40 cm
Weight
5 – 10 kg
5 – 7 kg
Life expectancy
15 – 18 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
1/5
2/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
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Characteristics

Rat Terrier
Low grooming
Small
Border Terrier
Super smart
Low grooming
Easy to train
Tiny

Summary

About Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an American‑bred, small to medium, athletic farm and vermin dog. Intelligent and energetic, it thrives on training, exercise, and close family contact. With a short, low‑maintenance coat in many pied colors, it suits active homes and excels in various dog sports.
About Border Terrier
Small, sturdy terrier originally bred on the England–Scotland border to hunt foxes. Affectionate, bonded to family, yet independent with strong prey drive. Needs 1–2 hours of daily exercise, secure fencing, and kind training. Wiry, weather-resistant coat needs brushing and occasional hand stripping.

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