A Bit of Our Breed History
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was developed in the United States from the various small and medium breed dogs that accompanied early American immigrants. Most were small hunting and terrier types whose job it was to clear the home and farmsteads of vermin, generally rats and mice. They were owned by families who had little time or money to invest in the luxuries of show dogs and breeders of the day focused on the utilitarian aspects of their dogs. While history didn't record exactly what other breeds played a role, it is believed that the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the Beagle, the Whippet, the Italian Greyhound, and the now extinct white English Terrier, each lent to the creation of the modern day Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.
Prior to 1999 the Teddy was known as the Type B Rat Terrier, those Rat Terriers that expressed the short-legged gene (CDPA). In 1999 breed enthusiasts received recognition from UKC to separate the two leg lengths of Rat Terriers into separate breeds. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was on its own. In August 2016 the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Services. In July 2019, the breed advanced to Miscellaneous Class.
The ATRTC is dedicated to preservation and protection of this wonderful breed.
Everyone interested in this goal is welcomed to join.
Prior to 1999 the Teddy was known as the Type B Rat Terrier, those Rat Terriers that expressed the short-legged gene (CDPA). In 1999 breed enthusiasts received recognition from UKC to separate the two leg lengths of Rat Terriers into separate breeds. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was on its own. In August 2016 the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Services. In July 2019, the breed advanced to Miscellaneous Class.
The ATRTC is dedicated to preservation and protection of this wonderful breed.
Everyone interested in this goal is welcomed to join.
Responsive and Sociable.These little dogs are delightful companions in the home. They learn quickly and are ready for any activity in which their owners engage in. While they will still keep the family farm and home free of rats and mice, they also excel in companion sports such as agility and obedience. These dogs pack and are not sparred in the ring; they get along with other dogs without belligerence. Teddies have retained their prey drive without obsessive compulsion. At the end of the day they love nothing better than to share the love and companionship of their owners.
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What's in a name?In review of historical articles and writings, we find several descriptions of dogs resembling the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. They went by names such as bob tail, bench fice, wry leg and the turnspit. Abraham Lincoln penned a poem titled "The Bear Hunt", which includes the short legged fice. (excerpt)
"The tall fleet cur, with deep-mouthed voice, Now speeds him, as the wind; While half-grown pup, and short-legged fice, Are yelping far behind." |
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