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Wag On Inn Rescue • Oakhurst, NJ
Rat Terrier Dogs for Adoption
134 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 134 below.
About adopting a Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers earned their name honestly, clearing barns and farmhouses of vermin across rural America. They are compact, quick, and sharp, with a softer temperament than many terriers and a strong attachment to their family. Shelters see them regularly in the South and Midwest, often listed as terrier mixes or confused with Chihuahua crosses.
They need daily exercise and something to chase, whether a ball, a flirt pole, or a game of hide and seek. Prey drive is real, so small pets need caution. Rat Terriers are more trainable than the average terrier and enjoy learning tricks. Puppies are busy and mouthy. Adults tend to be calmer at home while still happy to burn energy outside, and many are naturally clean and easy to house train.
Kneecaps, allergies, and teeth are the areas to ask the shelter and your veterinarian about. They can be wary of strangers and bark to announce visitors, but they are generally friendly once introduced. They fit active families, singles, and older adults who walk daily. Ask the shelter or rescue what this dog has done around cats, children, and other dogs and what training he already has.
134 Rat Terrier dogs available — page 1 of 5
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Phoenix Pup - Mercury
Meet the Phoenix puppies! These adorable cuties are ready to rise up and begin new lives with lucky forever families to call their own. Mama Phoenix i…
California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Phoenix Pup - Maricopa
Meet the Phoenix puppies! These adorable cuties are ready to rise up and begin new lives with lucky forever families to call their own. Mama Phoenix i…
California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Phoenix Pup - Pinal
Meet the Phoenix puppies! These adorable cuties are ready to rise up and begin new lives with lucky forever families to call their own. Mama Phoenix i…
California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Phoenix Pup - Cardinals
Meet the Phoenix puppies! These adorable cuties are ready to rise up and begin new lives with lucky forever families to call their own. Mama Phoenix i…
California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Phoenix Pup - Suns
Meet the Phoenix puppies! These adorable cuties are ready to rise up and begin new lives with lucky forever families to call their own. Mama Phoenix i…
California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Phoenix Pup - Pima
Meet the Phoenix puppies! These adorable cuties are ready to rise up and begin new lives with lucky forever families to call their own. Mama Phoenix i…
California Labradors Retrievers and More Rescue • San Diego, CA
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Frisco
To meet me, visit the Bradshaw Animal Shelter Tuesday-Sunday, Noon - 5:00 pm, Wednesdays, Noon - 6:00 pm. All adoptions are on a first-come, first-ser…
Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation • Sacramento, CA
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Daisy (Va)
Pretty Daisy is a 5-year-old, 10 lb. Chihuahua/rat terrier mix who was rescued from a Georgia shelter after her owner passed away. She's a tiny, delic…
New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA
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Chili (VA)
Meet Chili — a tiny spark with a heart the size of a bonfire. At just 13 months-old and a petite 8 lbs., Chili is what we lovingly call a "pocket comp…
New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA
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Dolly
Meet Dolly! This sweet little girl is around 9–10 months old, weighs approximately 18 pounds, and is a Rat Terrier mix with a little Dachshund possibl…
Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ
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Jerry in TX
Age: approx 5 months old Weight: 10 lbs My adoption fee is $ 625 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. If you serious about adopting…
Small Dog Rescue of New England, Inc • Cranston, RI
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Ben in TX
Age: approx 5 months old Weight: 13 lbs My adoption fee is $625 which includes transportation charges to the Northeast. If you serious about adopting,…
Small Dog Rescue of New England, Inc • Cranston, RI
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Jake
This puppy is one of 32 we rescued from Louisiana, where animal welfare protections are almost nonexistent. Puppies there are often born into neglect …
Save A Dog Rescue • Grovertown, IN
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Fiona E
Meet Fiona Tiny, Sweet, and Ready to Grow Up With Her Forever Family Breed: Rat Terrier Mix Gender: Female | Age: 07/10/2026 | Weight/Size: 5 lbs Good…
Ozzie and Friends Rescue Inc • Inglewood, CA
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Tanya
Hi! My name is Tanya and I am looking for a forever home. I was picked up as a stray by Animal Control and taken to a really scary place called a shel…
Burlington County Animal Alliance • Willingboro, NJ
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Mouse
Meet Mouse Mouse is the cutest little 6-7 month-old Chihuahua puppy, and he is ready to find his forever family! This sweet boy loves to play, make yo…
Adopt A Dog Rescue • Phoenix, AZ
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Ginny
Meet Ginny! Ginny is the cutest little 7 month-old Chihuahua puppy, and she’s ready to find her forever family! This sweet girl loves to play, make yo…
Adopt A Dog Rescue • Phoenix, AZ
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Cora
Meet Cora, a sweet 5-year-old female Rat Terrier who is ready to find her forever home! Cora is a calm and easy-going companion with a gentle and shy …
City of Tulsa Animal Welfare • Tulsa, OK
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Maynard (VA)
Meet Maynard: The Professional Fetch Champion You've Been Waiting For! If your idea of a perfect day involves a walk, an epic game of fetch, and a loy…
New Rattitude, Inc. • Atlanta, GA
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Jack
Meet Jack ! Jack is the ultimate package: a playful, fun-loving Rat Terrier mix with just the right mix of zoomies and cuddle energy. Energy Level: Hi…
Hunter's Village Rescue • Orlando, FL
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Maeve
Meet your new favorite cuddle bug! Name: Maeve Breed: Rat Terrier Mix Age: 9 months old Gender: Female This sweet girl comes from the Lake County hoar…
Hunter's Village Rescue • Orlando, FL
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Clark
Clark is 4 months old and weighs 11 lbs. He’s playful and active, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Clark and his siblings, Aliyah and…
Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA
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Monique
Monique is 2-3 years old and weighs 22 lbs. She’s playful, friendly with people, and social with other dogs. Monique was found near a gas station in T…
Baja Animal Sanctuary • San Diego, CA
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Bella
Meet Bella! Bella is a sweet 2-year-old girl who absolutely loves attention and being with her people. She is house trained and crate trained , friend…
Texas All Creatures Rescue • Lillian, TX
Rat Terrier dogs by state
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Adopting a Rat Terrier — FAQ
Are Rat Terriers good with cats?
Sometimes. Their prey drive is strong, and small running animals trigger it, but many Rat Terriers raised with cats learn to treat them as family. Introductions should be slow and supervised. Ask the shelter whether this dog has been around cats and how he reacted to them.
How much exercise does a Rat Terrier need?
A moderate amount, more than a toy breed but less than a working dog. A brisk daily walk plus active play satisfies most. They enjoy agility, fetch, and scent games. Without an outlet, they dig and bark, but they settle well indoors once their needs are met.
Are Rat Terriers easy to train?
Compared with other terriers, yes. They are intelligent, food-motivated, and eager to work with their people. Short, upbeat sessions work best. Adults who have never had training pick it up quickly. Recall around wildlife is the hardest skill because the chase instinct is so strong.
How do I adopt a Rat Terrier?
Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.
Are Rat Terrier dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Many Rat Terrier dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.
How much does it cost to adopt a Rat Terrier?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.
Are Rat Terrier dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.
Can I foster a Rat Terrier instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Rat Terrier gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Rat Terrier?
Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.
