Rat Terrier Size Compared to a Person
A Rat Terrier stands 12″ at the shoulder and weighs about 18 lb — that puts it at 19% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #204 by shoulder height and falls into the small-breed size class (Small breeds, 11–15").
How a Rat Terrier compares
| Rat Terrier | Person | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder height | 12″ | 64″ | -52″ |
| Weight | 18 lb | 135 lb | -117 lb |
Save the chart
About the Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a quintessential American farm dog with a rich history as a versatile hunter, vermin controller, and loyal family companion. Developed in the United States from a mix of terrier breeds, the Rat Terrier was named by President Theodore Roosevelt, who kept these skilled ratters at the White House. They are compact, muscular, and remarkably athletic, with a smooth coat, erect or tipped ears, and an alert, intelligent expression.
Similar-size breeds
The 8 breeds in the Small size class with shoulder height closest to the Rat Terrier.
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi — 12″ / 34 lb (same height)
- Carnauzer — 12″ / 18 lb (same height)
- Cesky Terrier — 12″ / 19 lb (same height)
- Cheagle — 12″ / 18 lb (same height)
- Chidale — 12″ / 14 lb (same height)
- Chinese Crested — 12″ / 10 lb (same height)
- Crustie — 12″ / 10 lb (same height)
- Denmark Feist — 12″ / 14 lb (same height)
Frequently asked
- How tall is a Rat Terrier?
- An adult Rat Terrier stands about 12 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
- Is a Rat Terrier considered a small dog?
- Yes — at 12" / 18 lb, the Rat Terrier falls into the small-breed size class (shoulder height 11–15"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #204 tallest.
- How does a Rat Terrier compare to a person?
- At 12" tall, a Rat Terrier stands about 19% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.
More on the Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier dog names & full breed page · All small-size breeds · Visual atlas (Small section) · Size comparison home