Canis lupus familiaris
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Featured phototeddy-roosevelt-terrier.jpgThe Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small, short-legged American rat terrier type developed in the United States from a blend of small working terriers brought by immigrant communities in the late 19th century. The breed is the low-legged variant of the American Rat Terrier lineage and is named in honour of President Theodore Roosevelt, who reportedly kept similar dogs at the White House. The UKC recognised the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier in 1999. Males stand 20–30 cm.
Quick facts
- AKC group
- Terrier
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- Late 19th century
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- White with coloured patches (bicolour or tricolour), All colours accepted except merle and albino
- Average lifespan
- 14-16 years
- Recognition
- UKC 1999
Origin
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier descends from the varied small terriers and hunting dogs brought to the United States by English, German, and Italian immigrant farmers in the 1870s–1890s. The base stock included smooth Fox Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Bull Terriers, Beagles, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds — all crossed with the pragmatic goal of producing an all-purpose small farm ratter and hunter. The shorter-legged variant emerged from working lines that found shorter, more compact dogs better able to pursue small prey into burrows and rocky dens. The short-legged type is sometimes called 'Type B' in American Rat Terrier literature.
Recognition
The United Kennel Club recognised the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier as a distinct breed separate from the Rat Terrier in 1999, acknowledging the short-legged type's consistent and distinct physical form. The AKC has not granted full recognition; the breed is in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS). The FCI does not currently register the breed. The name honours President Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919), who was known for his affection for working terriers during his time at the White House from 1901 to 1909.
Standard
The UKC standard describes a small, sturdy, compact dog with notably short legs relative to its body length, a wedge-shaped head, and a strong, muscular build. The coat is short, smooth, and dense. All colours are acceptable except merle and albino; most commonly the breed appears in bicolour or tricolour white-based patterns with black, tan, brown, red, blue, or lemon markings. Males stand 20–30 cm and weigh 3–7 kg. The short legs are a defining breed characteristic, not a fault.
Sources & further reading (3)
- kennel-club-registry — accessed 2026-05-27
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
- breed-club — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
How is the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier connected to President Roosevelt?
President Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) was known for his interest in working dogs and the outdoor sporting life. Contemporary accounts mention that similar short-legged working terriers were kept at the White House during his presidency (1901–1909). American fanciers of the short-legged Rat Terrier type named the breed in his honour. The connection is commemorative rather than documented as direct Roosevelt breeding.
What is the difference between the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and the Rat Terrier?
Both breeds descend from the same American mixed terrier working stock of the late 19th century. The key distinction is leg length: the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier ('Type B') has notably shorter legs relative to its body length, resembling a short-legged terrier build, while the Rat Terrier ('Type A') has longer legs and a more upright stance. The UKC recognised them as separate breeds in 1999.
Is the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier AKC recognised?
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is not fully recognised by the AKC but is listed in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS). The UKC recognised the breed in 1999 as a distinct breed separate from the Rat Terrier. The FCI does not currently register the breed.
