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Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Daredevil or Decker Giant?

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier" Compare Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Irish Terrier Rat Terrier
OriginsIreland flagIreland United States flagUnited States
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank11497
Reviews22
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier. What other names are these breeds known by?
Daredevil
Irish Red Terrier
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Irish Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Irish Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
25-27 pounds (11-12 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
26 pounds (11.5 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier? Is an Irish Terrier taller than a Rat Terrier?
18 inches (43 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
18 inches (43 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Irish Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier?
Frequent: The Irish Terrier is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare training requirements.
Irish Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
Irish Terrier dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
Irish Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Irish Terrier and a Rat Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Protective
Intelligent
Dominant
Lively
Trainable
Respectful
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier?
Irish Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier?
High: Irish Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
Irish Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier?
Irish Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
Irish Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Irish Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
The Irish Terrier is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Irish Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
Irish Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier?
Irish Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Irish Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Irish Terrier dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Irish Terrier: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Irish Terrier and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
Irish Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier?
Frequent
The Irish Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare activity levels.
Irish Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Irish Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier?
Irish Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Irish Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Red
Wheaten
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The Irish Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
The Irish Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Irish Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Irish Terrier and a Rat Terrier? Compare fur types.
Wiry
Straight
Dense
Shiny
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier? Do Irish Terrier dogs shed more than Rat Terrier dogs?
Irish Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
Irish Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Irish Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier?
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Terrier or Rat Terrier? Can an Irish Terrier and a Rat Terrier be friends? Do Irish Terrier dogs get along with Rat Terrier dogs?
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier?
Yes
Irish Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Irish Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Irish Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Irish Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Irish Terrier or a Rat Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which has larger litters?
4-6 puppies 5-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Irish Terrier vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Irish Terrier and Rat Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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