Rat Terrier vs Damchi - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Rat Terrier is originated from United States but Damchi is originated from Bhutan. Rat Terrier may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Damchi. Rat Terrier may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Damchi. Rat Terrier may live 4 years more than Damchi. Both Rat Terrier and Damchi has almost same litter size. Rat Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Damchi requires Moderate maintenance

History

rat terrier - historyKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

The exact origin of the Damchi isn’t particularly well documented but those who are interested say that the Damchi actually dates back as far as the 17th century, descending from different ancient Terrier- and Spaniel breeds.

It appears the dog comes from the Himalayan village of Damchi. The former King of Bhutan owned a Damchi and this dog has been featured on one of the country’s postage stamps. Today it is a loved dog in Bhutan, Asia while a few are found in Germany.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Toy dog
Origin:
United States
Bhutan
Height Male:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
39 - 43 cm
15 - 17 inches
Height Female:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
39 - 43 cm
15 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
9 - 13 kg
19 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
9 - 13 kg
19 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
3 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Bhutan Damchi or Bhutanese Damchi
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
Tan, Black, Brown, Red, Fawn
Coat:
Single coat, short and smooth
Long, silky and soft
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

The Damchi is a small to medium breed dog and is part of the toy group. The dog stands up to 43cm tall and can weight 13kg.

His silky coat comes in different colors such as black and white or tan, brown and fawn. He has a lot of long soft fur but its a dog that doesn’t shed much. He has ears which are high set and which flop down and the tail is long and feathery, curling over the back of the dog.

People who know the dog say that they are similar looking to the Tibetan Spaniel, although the Damchi is a bit longer and more sturdy.

Temerament:

Known also as the Bhutan Damchi or Bhutanese Damchi, the Damchi is an active dog that is intelligent and devoted to its human family, although he is known to be aloof with strangers.

Known for his playful, jaunty nature, he is a small dog that is full of character, wanting to be with- and to please his human family. Sweet and gentle, he gets on well with children and pets in the home and will turn out to be a good watchdog too.

They are intelligent dogs and easy to train and will easily respond to tasks given to him. He will benefit from being trained and socialized. He becomes obedient and will easily adapt to life in the city or the country, so long as he is close to his human family, providing them with ongoing entertainment.

He is a social, friendly breed that can suffer with separation anxiety and he will simply pine away if he is left in the backyard and ignored.

Characteristics

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

The Damchi dog is such a robust, amicable little canine friend for anyone who appreciates his characteristics. Loving, loyal, social and friendly, the Damchi is one hang of a little dog.

He is fairly low maintenance, he won’t eat you out of the house and he isn’t a sickly dog. When you think of all the wonderful years of friendship he offers, anyone who chooses him won’t have one single regret.

Health Problems

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

The Damchi is known to be a robust dog who doesn’t suffer from many health problems, but there are some common health issues that are good to know about so that you can get your pet some help.

Some of the common health problems are hip dysplasia, hypoglycemia, brachycephalic airway syndrome, epilepsy and dental disease.

Hypoglycemia:

A drop in blood sugar can be brought on by stress and this condition is more prevalent in toy breeds. If you find your Damchi lethargic, battling to walk properly or shivering, be aware of this drop in blood sugar as it can send your little dog into a fatal coma.Get him to the vet immediately.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

The Damchi is an active breed, who loves to be involved with everything his family is involved in. He will need to be provided with games and exercise as he is full of beans and will just love to go with you on your walks. Indoors or outdoors, he is always looking out for a game.

Grooming:

The Damchi has a long coat and to keep it silky and shiny it will require brushing twice a week to ensure no tangles and matting.

Dental disease is more prevalent in small dogs so prevent plaque build-up by ensuring you brush your pets teeth 2 or 3x a week.

Diet:

Your Damchi might have entertained you so much you may want to just give him one treat after the next. Be careful of feeding a small dog too much as a leaner dog lives a healthier, longer life free of many diseases.

Make sure you have your pet with you for 12, 13 or 14 years by ensuring he gets a bowl of nutritious food according to his size and age. With a well planned diet which consists of kibble, some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and chicken you’ll be doing your pet a tremendous favor by promoting good health. Never leave your pet without a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  5. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Rat Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Rat Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  11. Rat Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Rat Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Rat Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Rat Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  16. Rat Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Rat Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Rat Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Rat Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Rat Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Rat Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Rat Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Rat Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Pomeranian vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltipoo vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  30. Papillon vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Chin vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature English Bulldog vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  33. Italian Greyhound vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  34. Jug vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  35. Miniature Pinscher vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  36. Dorgi vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  37. Dorkie vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  38. German Spitz (Klein) vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  39. Doxiepoo vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  40. Damchi vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Damchi vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  42. Damchi vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  43. Damchi vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  44. Damchi vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  45. Damchi vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Damchi vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  47. Damchi vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  48. Damchi vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  49. Damchi vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  50. Damchi vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds