What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Rat Terrier?

The Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Rat Terrier is 10–25 lbs, 10–18 in sized. They differ in size (55–80 lbs, 21–25 in vs 10–25 lbs, 10–18 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–18 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Labrador Retriever or Rat Terrier?

Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids. Rat Terrier is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Rat Terrier?

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Rat Terrier has a lifespan of 12–18 years.

Labrador Retriever vs Rat Terrier — Breed Comparison

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

About the Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is an American original, developed in the early 20th century on farms across the United States by crossing Fox Terriers with Beagles, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, and other breeds. They come in two sizes — Miniature (10 to 13 inches, 10 to 18 pounds) and Standard (13 to 18 inches, 12 to 25 pounds) — both with a compact, elegant build. Their short, smooth coat is always pied (white with patches of one or more other colors), and President Theodore Roosevelt is credited with naming the breed after his own terrier cleared the White House of rats.

Temperament & Personality

Rat Terriers are intelligent, curious, and remarkably versatile — combining terrier tenacity with a more biddable, people-oriented temperament than many of their terrier cousins. They bond deeply with their families and are generally good with children, often choosing one person as their particular favorite. Rat Terriers tend to be less dog-aggressive than other terriers, though they retain a strong prey drive toward rodents and small animals.

Pros

Excellent farm and homestead dog with natural pest control abilities
More trainable and less stubborn than most terrier breeds
Minimal grooming needs — short coat requires only occasional brushing
Generally healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 18 years

Cons

Can be diggers — will excavate impressive holes in gardens and yards
High energy level requires daily exercise and mental engagement
Prone to patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and cardiac issues
May be wary of strangers and needs early socialization to prevent timidity

A Rat Terrier could be the spirited, loyal companion your household needs — find one on Puplister today.

Labrador Retriever vs Rat Terrier