Wire Foxy Rat Terrier

The American Rat Terrier is a compact and elegantly muscular dog that comes in two distinct size varieties recognized by major kennel clubs. The Miniature variety stands between 10 and 13 inches at the shoulder, while the Standard variety ranges from 13 to 18 inches in height. Weight typically falls between 10 and 25 pounds, with the dog's build being slightly longer than tall, creating an athletic and balanced silhouette. The breed possesses a wedge-shaped head with a moderately wide skull that tapers toward the muzzle, giving the face an alert and intelligent expression. Ears are V-shaped and may be erect, tipped, or button-style, adding to the breed's characteristically perky appearance. The coat of the American Rat Terrier is short, smooth, and dense with a shiny appearance that lies close to the body. This breed displays a distinctive pied pattern, meaning the coat is predominantly white with patches of one or more additional colors. Acceptable color combinations include black, tan, chocolate, blue, apricot, lemon, and red, often appearing in bi-color or tri-color patterns. The white coloring should always be present as a significant portion of the coat. The skin fits tightly to the body, and the coat requires minimal grooming while providing adequate protection from the elements. Additional physical characteristics include a strong, slightly arched neck that blends smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The chest is moderately deep, reaching to the elbow, with well-sprung ribs that provide ample lung capacity for this active breed. The tail may be naturally bobtail, docked short, or left naturally long, carried in a gentle upward curve. The legs are straight and sturdy with compact, oval-shaped feet that enable the agile movement this breed is known for. Overall, the American Rat Terrier presents as a sturdy, capable working terrier with smooth lines and an athletic build suited for its original purpose as a versatile farm dog and skilled vermin hunter.

The Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy, balanced, and athletic dog that stands between 13 and 15.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs approximately 15 to 19 pounds for males and 15 to 17 pounds for females. The breed presents a square to slightly rectangular profile, with a body that is compact yet powerful, reflecting its heritage as a working terrier bred to pursue quarry into underground dens. The back is short and level, leading to a high-set tail that is traditionally docked to about three-quarters of its original length and carried erect. The chest is deep but not broad, with well-sprung ribs that provide ample lung capacity for this energetic breed. The most distinctive feature of the Wire Fox Terrier is its dense, wiry double coat that ranges from two to four centimeters in length. The outer coat is crisp and broken in texture, while the undercoat is softer and shorter. The breed's coloring is predominantly white, which historically helped hunters distinguish the dog from the fox during hunts, with markings of black, tan, or black and tan. These markings typically appear on the head and ears, with additional patches permitted on the body. The coat requires regular hand-stripping to maintain its proper texture and appearance for show purposes, though many pet owners opt for clipping, which softens the coat over time. The head of the Wire Fox Terrier is rectangular and flat, narrowing slightly toward the eyes, with a barely perceptible stop between the skull and muzzle. The breed is characterized by its distinctive facial furnishings, including bushy eyebrows and a prominent beard that give it an expressive, almost scholarly appearance. The eyes are small, deep-set, and dark, conveying keen intelligence and alertness. Ears are V-shaped and fold forward, sitting close to the cheeks. The neck is muscular and of moderate length, flowing smoothly into well-laid shoulders. Strong, straight legs with round, compact feet complete this picture of a purposeful, well-constructed terrier built for both endurance and agility.