What is the difference between a Rat Terrier and a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

While they share common ancestry, the main difference comes down to build and structure. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is more muscular and has a lower, more rectangular body, while the Rat Terrier tends to be taller and more slender.

Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers good dogs?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers can be wonderful companions for the right home. They are loyal, intelligent, and affectionate, making them great family pets. They do best with active pet parents who can provide daily exercise, training, and attention.

How did the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier breed get its name?

“The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt and his appreciation for working ratting dogs,” Rickey says. While he didn’t develop the breed himself, his association with hardworking little dogs inspired the name.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Updated June 25, 2026

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small dog with a big personality. Originally bred to keep mice and rats out of farms and homes, they’re smart, loyal, and always ready for action. These affectionate pups thrive in active households where they get plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and time with their favorite humans.

Temperament

Loyal, Energetic, Intelligent

Weight

8–25 pounds

Height

8–14 inches

Life Expectancy

12–16 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

White with a wide range of colorful markings, including black, blue, chocolate, red, fawn, and silver

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If you’re looking for a dog who can keep up with your busy life and still curl up with you at the end of the day, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier might be your perfect match.

Expect a dog who’s equal parts playful and determined, with a strong desire to be involved in everything you’re doing. You’ll have a little shadow following you from room to room, always curious and ready to jump into whatever you’re doing. Life with a Teddy is rarely boring—and honestly, that’s part of the charm.

The breed takes its name from U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who had similar dogs in his time and is said to have coined the term “rat terrier.” Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are shorter and more heavily built than today’s Rat Terriers.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Barking Tendencies

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Appearance

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is compact and muscular, with a body that’s a bit longer than it is tall. They sit lower to the ground than many terrier breeds, which gives them a sturdy, grounded look.

Overall, they’re built for function but still have a classic terrier appearance.

Ears
Their ears can be erect, tipped, or button-shaped, adding to their alert and expressive appearance. They’re typically set high on the head and move with the dog’s mood.
Eyes
Their eyes are round to oval and usually dark, with a bright, alert expression that makes it seem like they’re always paying attention.
Nose
The nose is usually black, though it may match coat color in some dogs, especially those with a lighter or chocolate coat.
Coat Length
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers have a short, dense, smooth coat that lies close to the body and is easy to maintain.
Coat Color
Most Teddies are white with patches of black, tan, or other colors.
Tail
The tail may be naturally bobbed or left long. When they’re active, it’s usually carried upright or slightly curved. It’s also common to see Teddy Roosevelt Terriers with a docked tail, though this is a controversial procedure that many veterinary organizations oppose.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Temperament

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier temperament is one of the breed’s biggest selling points. These dogs are deeply loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They love being involved in daily life and don’t do well when left alone for long stretches.

“Teddies are incredibly adaptable and tend to match the energy of their humans,” says Crystal Mudgett-Epley, president of the United Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Club of America. But, she says, they have an “off-switch” that makes them easier to live with than many other high-energy terriers, like the always-on-the-go Parson Russell Terrier.

“They enjoy having a job, even if that just means being involved in your daily routine,” she says. “While they typically do well with other pets when raised together, their natural prey drive means recall training is especially important.”

They’re usually social dogs, and they’ll be even friendlier with early and consistent socialization. Teddy Roosevelt Terrier puppies need socialization to learn that new people, animals, and environments are not scary so they can grow into confident, calm adults.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

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How to Care for a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Living with a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier means keeping both their body and mind engaged. They’re fairly low-maintenance in some areas (like grooming), but they need consistency, structure, and daily interaction to thrive.

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are easy to groom thanks to their short, dense fur. But regular upkeep is still important.

Brushing: Brushing your dog once a week is usually enough, though you might brush more during shedding season. A slicker brush like the Evolution Self-Cleaning Brush works well for Teddy Roosevelt Terriers.
Bathing: Bathe them every four to six weeks, or as needed if they get dirty.
Nail trimming: Trim your dog’s nails every few weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. If you can hear their nails tapping against the floor when they walk, it’s time for a trim.
Ear cleaning: Check their ears weekly for signs of infection, such as odor, redness, or wax buildup. If your vet recommends it, clean their ears as needed.
Dental care: Brush their teeth several times a week, though daily is ideal, to help prevent dental disease.

Training a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can be rewarding—and a little challenging. They are smart and eager to learn, but they also like to think for themselves. Positive reinforcement works best. High-value treats, praise, and favorite toys will go a long way in keeping them motivated.

Keep sessions short, consistent, and engaging to see progress quickly. And don’t hesitate to ask a certified dog trainer for help if needed.

Early socialization is just as important as training to help prevent fearfulness and reduce the likelihood of unwanted behaviors later on.

“There aren’t any special dietary requirements for the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, but quality matters,” says Cindy Rickey, Secretary of the American Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Club.

A balanced, high-quality dog food is essential for keeping your Teddy Roosevelt Terrier healthy and energized. Look for food that lists real meat as the first ingredient and is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a food that meets standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which helps ensure it’s nutritionally complete and balanced. Your vet can help you choose the best dog food for your pup.

Most adults do well eating twice a day, while Teddy Roosevelt Terrier puppies may need three or four smaller meals throughout the day to prevent hypoglycemia. Keep an eye on portions, since it’s easy to overfeed a small dog.

Don’t let their small size fool you; Teddy Roosevelt Terriers have plenty of energy to burn. Daily exercise is a must to keep them happy and prevent boredom-related behaviors. Aim for at least 30–60 minutes of activity every day.

This can include walks through the neighborhood, weekend hikes, or games like fetch. They also enjoy activities that challenge their mind. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and agility exercises are great ways to keep them engaged.

Without enough exercise, they may become restless or develop unwanted habits, such as digging.

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are adaptable, but they do best in homes where they can stay active and close to their people.

They can live in apartments if they get enough exercise, though a fenced yard is always a plus. Because of their prey drive, it’s important to keep them in a fenced area or on a leash when outside.

Teddies tend to do well with kids and enjoy being part of a family. Their playful nature makes them great companions. They also thrive in environments where they’re included in daily activities and not left alone for long periods.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Health

Like most breeds, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can be prone to certain health conditions, but responsible breeding and regular veterinary care can help reduce the risks.

“We recommend choosing a breeder who provides genetic testing for conditions like primary lens luxation and chondrodystrophy (a risk factor for intervertebral disk disease),” Rickey says. “As with many small breeds, a cardiac exam and patellar luxation check around 1 year of age are also important.”

Many responsible breeders also share results through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), which helps track health testing.

Here are some common health conditions to look out for:

Intervertebral disk disease: A painful spinal condition that can lead to weakness and paralysis.
Primary lens luxation: A painful eye condition where the lens shifts out of place.
Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap slips out of place. It can cause limping or discomfort and may require surgery in severe cases.
Dental disease: Small breeds like the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are more prone to dental disease. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth with a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush, along with routine veterinary dental cleanings, is the best way to help prevent dental disease.
Obesity: Without proper diet and exercise, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers can gain weight. Obesity in dogs can lead to many other health problems, so work with your veterinarian to help keep your dog at a healthy weight.

“Teddies are generally very healthy and hearty dogs,” Mudgett-Epley says. Routine veterinary care, good nutrition, and daily activity go a long way toward keeping them healthy.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier History

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has roots in early American farm life. The breed was developed from small working terriers and other dogs brought over by European immigrants. These dogs were bred for their ability to hunt and control vermin on farms and in homes, making them valuable companions.

Over time, breeders began refining the type to create a sturdier, low-set version of the Rat Terrier. This eventually became known as the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.

The breed is named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who was known for keeping small terriers to help control pests at the White House. One of his terriers, a Rat Terrier named Skip, is believed to have inspired the breed’s development.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 2026.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Jennifer Coates, DVM.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier