Rat Terrier vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison

Rat Terrier vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed ComparisonRat Terrier is originated from United States but Deutsch Drahthaar is originated from Germany. Rat Terrier may grow 32 cm / 12 inches shorter than Deutsch Drahthaar. Rat Terrier may weigh 28 kg / 61 pounds lesser than Deutsch Drahthaar. Rat Terrier may live 4 years more than Deutsch Drahthaar. Both Rat Terrier and Deutsch Drahthaar has almost same litter size. Rat Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Deutsch Drahthaar requires Moderate maintenance

History

rat terrier - historyKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

deutsch drahthaar - historyHailing from Germany in the 20th century, the Deutsch Drahthaar, also known as the German wirehaired Pointer, has always been a hunting dog. He was developed to take part in hunting in field or water.

Breeders of this dog were successful in developing a skilled and versatile hunting dog that took its traits from the best coarse haired dogs.

It was in 1902 that the German breed club for the Deutsch-Drahthaar was founded.

Description

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

deutsch drahthaar puppy - descriptionThe Deutsch-Drahthaar is a medium sized well muscled sporting dog standing at 61 to 68 cm and weighing 27-32kg.

He is very distinguishable with his wiry water-resistant coat which comes in different colors such as liver, grey or black patches with a speckled or ticked background.

He has strong, straight legs with rounded paws which are webbed for strong swimming abilities. He has dark eyes with floppy, high set ears and a long tail. Many people still want the dog to have that distinctive look and they opt to have the tail docked.

Temperament:

The Deutsch-Drahthaar is a fantastic hunting companion, loving nothing more than to be working at running across fields and plunging into water to retrieve prey.

Its the kind of dog that will fit well into family life but he will require exercise. Failing to give him exercise and attention will make him bored, frustrated and destructive.

He is a friendly, gentle dog yet he becomes protective when he feels his family is threatened. Training and socialization turn him into an excellent pet as he is a strong-willed dog that will take advantage of an owner who isn’t firm with him.

Characteristics

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

deutsch drahthaar dog - characteristicsThe German Wirehaired Pointer is an active, energetic dog who is happiest when performing a task or getting some exercise in. He is also a social dog, who loves spending time with his human family. It is important for him to get noticed by his human family, and he is a dog that gets on well with children in the home as well as pets.

Never just put your Pointer in the back yard and expect him to entertain himself. He wants to be included in all your activities, whether you’re walking, jogging or cycling.

A happy Deutsch Drahthaar will make sure that he gives you your full quota of love, loyalty, protection and companionship.

Health Problems

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

deutsch drahthaar puppies - health problemsWhen you start doing research on these German wirehairs, you see that they are far more prone to hip- and elbow dysplasia than the short-haired breed.

Also, von Willebrand’s blood-clotting disease is something that you should know about. Your German wirehair is a healthy, robust dog and is highly unlikely to get sick, but you need to be aware of these common dog ailments so that you can help him and know what to watch for.

This Von Willebrand’s disease for instance is a blood disease brought about by a deficiency of von Willebrand Factor (vWF). A lack of this vWF impairs platelet stickiness and clumping and can lead to excessive bleeding after an injury.

You may notice bleeding from the gums, bruising of skin, prolonged bleeding after an injury as well as blood in the urine for instance. Get your pet to the vet who will perform a physical exam on your dog.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

Grooming:

deutsch drahthaar dogs - caringYour Deutsch Drahthaar does shed, and because of his wiry coat, he won’t only require a brush twice a week, but also stripping by a professional doggy parlor.

There are several other grooming processes that are essential for your dog. The first is to check that his nails don’t get too long. This often happens when he spends all his time on soft grass. Running on a hard surface trims them down naturally.

Also, because he has floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned regularly so he doesn’t get an ear infection. His teeth will also need to be brushed twice a week as tartar and plaque build-up can cause problems with the teeth but also with other areas of the body.

If in doubt about how to groom your pet the right way, speak to your vet or a dog expert.

Diet:

There is so much conflicting information on caring for dogs, even from so-called dog experts. While there are some excellent dog food manufacturers around, some experts will say that you should be feeding your dog based on what his digestive system was designed to eat and steer clear of these.

If you do feed your German wirehaired Pointer with manufactured dog food, make sure it is the very best one, because after all, nutrition plays a vital role in your pet’s health.

Try to include some cooked vegetables, brown rice and some chicken into his diet. These can be mixed into his kibble. It is expensive, but try to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet from time to time. Ensure a constant supply of cool, fresh water.

No more Puppies!

If your Deutsch Drahthaar isn’t going to be used for breeding, make sure that your have him or her neutered or spayed as this is advisable to promote good health. Not doing it can cause health issues later on.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United States
Germany
Height Male:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
61 - 68 cm
24 - 27 inches
Height Female:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
4 - 6
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Vorstehhund, German Wirehaired Pointer, Deutscher Drahthaariger
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
grey, black - ticked or speckled, Liver and white
Coat:
Single coat, short and smooth
Medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  5. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Rat Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Rat Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  11. Rat Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Rat Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Rat Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Rat Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  16. Rat Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Rat Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Rat Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Rat Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Rat Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Rat Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Rat Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Rat Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  27. English Setter vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  28. French Brittany vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  29. Pudelpointer vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  30. Picardy Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  31. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  32. Irish Water Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  33. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  35. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  38. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  39. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  40. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  42. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  43. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  44. Clumber Spaniel vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  45. Stabyhoun vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  46. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  47. Vizsla vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  48. Large Munsterlander vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  49. Tyrolean Hound vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  50. Cockalier vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds