Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small- to medium-sized American Terrier and a variety of the Rat Terrier. It has been said that this breed came from the crosses between many other Terriers and even one that is extinct, the White English Terrier. Breeders created this dog to be a farm and a hunting dog. They learn quickly and are enthusiastic to participate in any activity. They make excellent companions.
This breed is delightful as a home companion, and they love nothing better than to share the love and friendship of their owner. They can easily get along with other dogs and pet in the house. Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can easily adapt to any different types of lifestyle and they are suitable in an apartment living as well. their loyal, energetic and playful personality will make them as a member of its human family. The majority of this breed are healthy and can have a long life span.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier History
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier appeared around the 1800s. Many believe that this breed is the descendant of small hunting and terrier breeds called Smooth Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Beagle, Whippet, Italian Greyhound and now extinct breed called White English Terrier. Breeders created two types of Rat Terriers. Breeders distinguish this dog by the length of their leg.
Many people believed that President Theodore Roosevelt helped to developed the breed but their is no evidence that he did.
Where did the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Come From?
English miners and working class immigrants developed the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier in the United States from the various terriers of the time.
Historians called the ancestors of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier English Black and Tan, Smooth-Coated Fox Terrier, Standard Manchester, Old Bull Terrier, the now extinct English White Terrier, and the American Bench-Legged Feist.
Breeders formed two types of Rat Terriers during their creation. People called the long-legged ones Type A and short-legged ones Type B. Around 1990s, breeders worked again to segregate the two breeds. In 1999, the Type B changed it’s name to the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier in the honor of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th much-loved President of United States. Dog registries recognized and acceptedthe Rat Terrier and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier by the United Kennel Club.
What Were They Bred For?
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was originally developed for ratting and farm work. Due to the times most of these breeds were hunting and farm working dogs. Owners selected these breeds because of their hunting ability and peaceful nature in the home. This multipurpose companion breed is excellent for hunting rats and pests above and below the ground. This working terrier has agility, speed and strength.
Are They a Pure Breed?
Yes
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers at a Glance
[table “TeddyRooseveltTerrier” not found /]Physical Traits
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small stocky hunting breed. They are longer than they are tall. It has a broad head, and slightly round stocky body. This breed has “V”shaped ears that are bent in the middle. The breed has a docked tail. Some dogs have a natural bob tail that curves upward.
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are ussually mostly white. They can have marking with other solid colors with a variety of colored patches. This breed is versatile, strongly-built with an appearance of agility and balance. They are a great companion. This breed is a well muscled dog.
Breed Standard
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Size
- Male: 12-15 inches
- Female: 11-14 inches
Height measurements are always from the ground to the highest point of a dog’s shoulder blades. The highest point on a dogs shoulder-blades are known as the withers.
Weight
- Male: 12-25 pounds
- Female: 10-23 pounds
Grooming
These dogs are very easy to groom! They only need an occasional light brushing to remove loose hear. Owners should brush these dogs more during shedding season.
Make sure to check their nails and clip as needed to prevent cracking and breaking. Also make sure to check your dogs ears regularly to remove wax and debris.
Do They Drool?
No
Best Climate for the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can bear moderate warm and cold weather. Because of their size and coat extreme conditions would not be good for this dog.
Temperament
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is intelligent, lively, alert, friendly and affectionate. This dog likes with it’s human family and is loyal to it’s master. A bonus is these dogs are easy to train and have a strong protective nature. These dogs can be vocal and alert owners to intruders of any kind.
This is a great human companion and loves to share activities with it’s owner. This breed can make it’s own fun, and will dig and find other stuff to make itself busy. Proper training is very important to ensure he knows the boundaries in the house. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can also be trained as a guard dog.
How Easy are They to Train?
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a strong and fearless hunter but fun-loving, friendly, and a great companion. This breed is generally intelligent, intuitive, and eager to please and it make them easy to train. Exercise can be a perfect bonding between dog and the handler. Teddies became an excellent house dog and beyond their intelligence, they are strangely instinctive, anxious to please, and determined.
Do They Tolerate Other Pets?
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier generally good with other animals. Therefore this breed is cat and dog friendly.
Are They Good for Families?
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers is affectionate dog breed. Because of this, they are great companion and bond too closely to their owners. Teddies are playful and love to play with children which made them a perfect family. They can get along with other pet in the house. They can easily adapt in all kinds of living. They can be good apartment dogs.
Do They Have a Strong Prey Drive?
Teddies has high level with instinct in prey drive. They can easily chase and catch small animals like squirrel.
Are They Social With Other People?
The Teddy Roosevelt Terriers love to socialize with humans and other animals. However, socialization should start when they are young.
Is The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Good for New Owners?
Teddies are affectionate and friendly. This breed is has no problem with a new owner.
Health
A majority of These dogs are healthy. However, responsible breeders should watch for health conditions like patellar luxation and eye disease. Those who wish to own a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier or any dog breed need to learn the proper care of the dog especially in health concerns.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Lifespan
14 – 16 years
Health Issues
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers generally healthy dogs but some health issues may occur like; allergies, bite problems (malocclusions), hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and subluxating patella, as these are problems that appear in the related Rat Terrier. Ectopia lentis, a congenital condition, also affects this breed. Regular vet checkups are needed.
Exercise
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an active dog with limitless energy. This breed will enjoy play time in the backyard, preferably fenced, or a walking several times a day. They also enjoy indoor activities such us hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or learning new tricks. Swimming, climbing, and retrieving balls or flying discs can offer them a good outlet for expending energy. If living in the apartment, walk your Teddies in a hallway.
