Rat Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier

Compare the Rat Terrier to the American Pit Bull Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Rat Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers.

Rat Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Change Breed
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General Details
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-18 Years
12-14 Years
Height
10-18 Inches
17-20 Inches
Weight
10-24 Pounds
30-90 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Origin Country
United States
United Kingdom
Origin Year
1800 AD
1898 AD
Temperament
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Average
None
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Aggressive
Loving
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
No
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
45-80 °F
45-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Energy Level
Medium
Medium to High
Exercise Required
Medium
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
27 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
Low to Medium
Very High
Grooming Needs
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Low to Medium
Low
Shedding
Medium
High
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
None
None to Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
No
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
Yes
Breed Instincts
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Below Average
Chasing
Above Average
Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Above Average
Guarding
Below Average
Average
Herding
None
Average
Hunting
Above Average
Below Average
Protection
Below Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Above Average
Average
Sled Pulling
None
Average
Watch / Guardian
Average
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Average Lifespan
12-18 Years
12-14 Years
Health Concerns
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Heart problems
Eye problems
Hip dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Skin allergies
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Single
Single
Coat Texture
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Short
Short
Coat Coloring
Rat Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Breed Colors
Black and White
Black and White
Black, Tan, and White
Black, Tan, and White
Blue, White, and Tan
Blue, White, and Tan
White
White
White and Apricot
White and Apricot
White and Black
White and Black
White and Blue
White and Blue
White and Chocolate
White and Chocolate
White and Fawn
White and Fawn
White and Lemon
White and Lemon
White and Red
White and Red
White and Silver
White and Silver
White and Tan
White and Tan
White, Black, and Tan
White, Black, and Tan
White, Blue, and Fawn
White, Blue, and Fawn
White, Chocolate, and Tan
White, Chocolate, and Tan
Black
Black
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Black and White
Black and White
Blue
Blue
Blue, White, and Tan
Blue, White, and Tan
Chocolate
Chocolate
Chocolate and Tan
Chocolate and Tan
Fawn
Fawn
Fawn and White
Fawn and White
Light Fawn
Light Fawn
White
White
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