# Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Also known as: Roosevelt Terrier, Bench-legged Feist
- **Group:** Terrier (FCI group 3)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** United States
- **Height:** 20–30 cm
- **Weight:** 3.6–11 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–15 years
- **Temperament:** Devoted, Intelligent, Energetic, Playful, Watchful

A low-set, muscular American ratting terrier, shorter-legged and heavier-boned than the Rat Terrier. It is smart, playful and a devoted shadow to its people.

## Overview

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small to medium hunting terrier from the United States. It is built lower and sturdier than the related Rat Terrier.

It is a farm dog turned family companion: keen and clever outdoors, happy to curl up in a lap afterwards.

## History

The breed shares roots with the Rat Terrier, descending from farm terriers and feists crossed with breeds such as the Beagle, Manchester Terrier, Whippet and Smooth Fox Terrier. The short-legged, bench-legged type appeared regularly in Rat Terrier litters.

In the 1990s breeders began separating the two types and named the short-legged one for Theodore Roosevelt, although he did not develop it. The UKC accepted it as a separate breed in 1999, and the AKC has since recognised it.

## Appearance

Low-set, muscular and active, with body length to height of about 10 to 7. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, with V-shaped ears that may be erect or button. A docked or short tail is preferred, though a natural upward-curved tail is acceptable.

It stands about 20 to 30 cm tall and usually weighs between 3.6 and 11 kg.

## Temperament

Very attached to its family, it follows its people around and craves affection. It is smart, eager to please and playful, with antics that make owners laugh.

It has a strong prey drive, may be aloof with strangers and makes an alert, sometimes territorial watchdog.

## Care and exercise

Give it daily walks, play and mental work such as agility or scent games. A secure fence is wise, as it will chase squirrels, rats and cats, and dig after anything that moves underground.

Its size suits apartments if exercise needs are met. Brushing is minimal.

## Health

Generally sound. Allergies, bite problems, hip and elbow dysplasia and kneecap luxation can occur, as in the Rat Terrier. The inherited eye condition ectopia lentis is seen in small numbers.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 4
- Exercise needs: 3
- Grooming: 1
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/teddy-roosevelt-terrier
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Roosevelt_Terrier · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39412
Photo: Dkm1987 (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adult_Male_Teddy_Roosevelt_Terrier.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.