Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small-sized purebred dog that is descended from the British terriers that came with working class immigrants to the United States. Years of interbreeding finally resulted in two different Rat Terriers, the Rat Terrier and the Short-Legged Rat Terrier, dubbed the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier after President Theodore Roosevelt, although rumors the president developed these versatile dogs are not conclusive.

Breed Characteristics

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Build Information

Standing anywhere from 8-15 inches in height and weighing roughly 10-25 pounds, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are small and sturdy with short legs and wide chests. They have pointed ears and straight, rough fur which may be solid white or solid colors with markings and colored patches including bicolored and tricolored variations.

Behaviour and Personality

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers tend to have very loving, cheerful, and playful dogs. They will easily adapt to any situation, being content to with both a quiet lifestyle as well as working environments. Their tendency is to copy their owners, being energetic and busy when their owners are and ready to cuddle or take a nap when it’s time to relax. While they may be weary of strangers, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are very devoted to their family, loving nothing more than being the center of attention and entertaining with their clownish antics. They make great playmates for children, can be trained up as watchdogs, and be wonderful companion dogs.

Appearance

These little dogs are a relatively low maintenance, their short coats only require occasional grooming with a firm bristle brush and bathing only as necessary. They do, however, need to be taken out on daily walks and given plenty of play time to burn up extra energy. As with other dogs, it is also recommended that owners brush their Teddy Roosevelt Terrier’s teeth 2-3 times per week to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Common Health Conditions

Like other terriers, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are generally very healthy dogs. As they get older there are, of course, health conditions that owners should be aware of. They may suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

Personality: loving, loyal, playful. Height/Weight: 8-15 inches; 10-25 pounds. Fur Color: 3 Colors, Black & White, Brown & White. Life Expectancy: 12-18 years. Trainability: intelligent, easy to train. Talent: Agility, Hunting, Obedience, Tricks, Watchdog. Exercise Needs: Highly energetic, daily walks, play.