Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Decker Giant or American Gentlemen or Borders? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier" Compare Rat Terrier and Boston Terrier. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier or Border Terrier?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Rat Terrier	Boston Terrier	Border Terrier
Origins	United States	United States	England Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	97	21	92
Reviews	2	2	1
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier breeds.	Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier	American Gentlemen Boston Bull Terrier Boxwood Boston Bull	Borders
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)	10-25 pounds (6-11kg)	Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)	17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)	Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier or Border Terrier? Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier height comparison:	Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	15-17 inches (38-43 cm)	Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 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)	Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm)

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.	$300-$500	$600-$800	$1200-$1400
Availability Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier or Border Terrier?	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which is easiest to train?	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Border Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which breed is most alert?	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which breed is most protective?	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.	Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier? Compare temperaments.	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive	Playful Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Aggressive	Alert Intelligent Affectionate Obedient Outright Tempered Fearless
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border 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.	High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier social needs comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.	Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	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.	The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Border Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?	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.	Border 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 or Border 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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?	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.	Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Border Terrier bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Border Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?	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.	The Border Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Average The Border Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border 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	Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Hypothyroidism Cryptorchidism Seizures Malocclusions Pulmonic Stenosis

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which needs most food?	No data available	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. What colors are available?	Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor	Black White Brindle Seal	Tan Red Blue Grizzle Wheaten
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which drools least?	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.	The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Shiny	Fine	Rough
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier or Border Terrier? Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier or {name3 shedding:	Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.	Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which is best with kids?	Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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.	Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier or Border Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier or Border Terrier?	Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or Boston Terrier or Border Terrier?	Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border 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.	Yes Border 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.	No Border 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.	Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?	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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?	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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?	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.	Not really Border Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier vs Border Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which has most puppies?	5-7 puppies	3-5 puppies	2-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	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 vs Border Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. How are they classified?	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.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Border Terrier. Which has most recognition?	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	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 Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc. Club Espanol De Terriers

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