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Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Decker Giant or American Gentlemen?

"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier" Compare Rat Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Rat Terrier Boston Terrier
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States
Group Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank9721
Reviews22
User Ratings

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

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Rat Terrier and a Boston Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg) 10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) 17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier? Is a Rat Terrier taller than a Boston Terrier?
Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) 15-17 inches (38-43 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) 16 inches (40.5 cm)

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Rat Terrier and a Boston Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier?
High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier social needs comparison:
Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier?
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Boston 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 vs Boston Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier?
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Boston 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 vs Boston Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Rat Terrier and a Boston Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Boston 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: Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier?
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare activity levels.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier?
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
No data available 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Rat Terrier and a Boston Terrier? Compare fur types.
Dense
Shiny
Fine
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier? Do Rat Terrier dogs shed more than Boston Terrier dogs?
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Good With Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Rat Terrier or a Boston Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Rat Terrier or a Boston 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 Rat Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Rat Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which has larger litters?
5-7 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Rat Terrier and Boston Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Rat Terrier and Boston 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.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Rat Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Rat Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Rat Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?
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
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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