Did you know that in the 1920s and 1930s, Rat Terriers were considered one of the best dogs for protecting farms and homes against rodents? They were even endorsed by none other than the President of the United States at the time, Teddy Roosevelt himself! In this blog post, we’ll explore if these small, energetic and remarkably intelligent dogs truly deserve the crown as the smartest breed on the planet.
Rat Terriers have been a popular breed in the US since the 20th century, initially bred to catch rats and pests in farms. Popular for their compact build, sharp reflexes, and seemingly endless energy, these dogs are also known to be quick learners with a keen intelligence that often surprises first-time owners.
So, are Rat Terriers really as smart as they are portrayed? Might they be the Einsteins of the dog world? Hold onto your hats, because what we’re about to discover may just blow you away!
First, let’s look at what makes a dog “smart”. Dog intelligence is typically measured in two ways: adaptive intelligence (the ability to solve problems and learn from experience) and working and obedience intelligence (the ability to learn and execute commands). Both forms of intelligence are admired in dogs, but they often manifest differently across various breeds.
Stanley Coren, a professor emeritus in the department of psychology at the University of British Columbia, conducted a comprehensive study on dog intelligence. He found that the smartest dogs tend to be those that can understand new commands after fewer than five repetitions and obey the first command 95% of the time.
So, where does our Rat Terrier friend fit into this intelligence scale?
Surprisingly, Rat Terriers are not listed in Coren’s top 10 list of the smartest dog breeds. Border Collies, Poodles, and German Shepherds took the top spots. However, before you dismiss the intelligence of Rat Terriers altogether, it’s important to note that Coren’s research primarily focused on working and obedience intelligence. This may not necessarily account for the unique strengths and abilities of Rat Terriers – particularly their exceptional adaptive intelligence, often seen in their hunting skills and problem-solving abilities.
Consider this: Rat Terriers are notoriously good at puzzling out solutions to problems, especially if it involves getting into (or out of!) places. From digging tunnels, maneuvering through tight spaces, to even opening doors and gates, Rat Terriers prove how they’ve earned their debunked reputation: ‘A Rat Terrier does not have an owner; it has staff.’
Moreover, anyone who’s played a game of fetch with a Rat Terrier can vouch for their exceptional capacity to understand human gestures. Toss a ball into a bush, and a Rat Terrier will quickly understand your pointing gesture to navigate towards the hidden toy, a sure-fire sign of canine intelligence.
Certainly, it would seem then, that while the Rat Terrier may not necessarily outperform other breeds in terms of obedience and working intelligence, their adaptive intelligence, problem-solving skills, and ability to read human cues may rank them higher than initially thought.
If you’re thinking of bringing a Rat Terrier into your life, here’s a useful tip: These dogs thrive on routine and structure, but also require plenty of mental stimulation to keep their active minds content. Interactive toys, agility training, and even doggy puzzles would be excellent choices for a Rat Terrier.
Remember, at the end of the day, intelligence can vary even within a single breed. Each dog is unique and has its own strengths and weaknesses. What’s important is that a dog fits well with your lifestyle and that you can provide a loving, stimulating environment for it. It doesn’t matter whether your four-legged friend is a mustachioed Einstein or a lovable goofball, the bond you share will be just as rewarding.
In conclusion, while Rat Terriers might not headline the list of ‘the smartest breeds’ according to conventional ways of measuring canine intelligence, their unique problem-solving skills and remarkable adaptability could very well earn them a spot in the Doggy Honor Roll. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, their ‘intelligence, courage, and vigilance make them the best and most useful of the entire lot’.
