Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Also called Type B Rat Terrier, Short-legged Rat Terrier, Bench-legged Feist

Bright, lively and funny, with a real talent for making its family laugh, yet happy to curl up on a lap when playtime is over.

Size	Small
Weight	3.6 to 11 kg (8 to 24 lb)1
Height	20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)2
Lifespan	15 to 16 years2
Coat	Short, smooth coat
Origin	United States.2 1

Recognised breedShort profile

playful clown

devoted companion

keen ratter

2 1

Personality what they are like

Bright, lively and funny, with a real talent for making its family laugh, yet happy to curl up on a lap when playtime is over. It is protective and will announce visitors.2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A compact, short-legged, longer-than-tall hunting terrier with solid bone. The coat is short and dense, ranging from medium-hard to smooth with a soft sheen.2

Coloursany bi-colour or tri-colour with some whitepiebaldtuxedo pattern2 1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High energy and a strong hunting drive; it needs daily play and walks, and enjoys digging and searching games.2 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy care: the short coat needs only an occasional brush and wipe-down.2

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to houses or apartments with daily exercise; a securely fenced yard helps because of its hunting drive.1

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and loyal to its family; it matures slowly, becoming fully adult at around 2-3 years.2

The story where it all began

The breed grew out of the working terriers and feists of American farms, blended from British terriers and small hounds. When the Rat Terrier Club of America separated the types, the short-legged dogs were named after President Theodore Roosevelt, and the UKC recognised them as a breed in 1999.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Theodore Roosevelt never owned this breed; the name honours his well-known love of ratting terriers.1
2
Roosevelt wrote that his dog Scamp killed a great many rats in the White House.1
3
Its ancestry is thought to include Smooth Fox Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Beagles, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds.2
4
It hunts both above and below ground.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was known for his love of dogs and his efforts to rid the White House of vermin, which led to the association with the Rat Terrier type.3

Name ideas for your new friend

ScoutButtonsRascalDaisySparkyTeddyPepperSkipperMollyGizmoCocoBuster

A day in the life told by a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

I am a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. Morning starts with a happy dance by the door, then a brisk walk where I chase leaves and sniff every bush. Back home, I entertain everyone by rolling on my back and barking at my squeaky toy. After a quick cuddle on my human's lap, I dig a small hole in the garden just for fun. When visitors come, I announce them with a cheerful yip. By evening, I'm curled up, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC: Recognised as a separate breed on 1 January 1999; Terrier Group.2
AKC: Entered Foundation Stock Service in August 2016 and the Miscellaneous Class in July 2019; Wikipedia states it had become fully recognised by 2026.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier tip

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers can be prone to weight gain, so keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories and opt for low-calorie options like apple slices or carrot sticks. Because some dogs in this breed have food allergies, introduce new treats one at a time and watch for any reaction, if you see signs of a sensitivity, ask your vet.

Source: akc.org

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your adult Teddy Roosevelt Terrier two meals a day, and give a puppy three to four smaller meals. Exact times can vary with your routine; your vet or breeder can help set a schedule that works for your dog.4

What should a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality, balanced dog food that suits your dog's age and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and raw dough; always keep these away from your Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.4 5

How often should I bathe a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. You can bathe more often if your terrier gets especially dirty or has skin issues, but avoid overbathing to keep the coat healthy.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier need brushing?

A weekly brushing keeps the short, smooth coat in good condition and removes loose hair. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every seven days, which matches general advice for short-coated dogs.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim the nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain and bleeding.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier need?

This lively terrier has high energy and a strong hunting drive, so it needs daily walks, playtime, and games like digging or searching. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily exercise, and a securely fenced yard is wonderful for letting it run safely.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush the teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check the ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer part with a damp cloth or vet-recommended cleaner.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier live?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers typically live 15 to 16 years, making them a long-lived companion. With proper care, regular vet checkups, and a loving home, they often enjoy many happy, healthy years.2

Is a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier good with children and other pets?

This breed is bright, funny, and very people-oriented, so it usually does well with respectful children in the family. However, because of its strong hunting drive, it may not always get along with small pets; early socialisation and supervision are key.2 1

Can a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier be left alone?

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are very loyal and people-oriented, so they prefer company and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. If you need to leave them, gradually accustom them to alone time and provide toys or a comfortable space; ask your vet or a good breeder for personalised advice.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.