Pointer vs Rat Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Pointer

Size
45–75 lbs, 23–28 in
Lifespan
12–17 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Loyal Athletic Even-tempered Hardworking

Rat Terrier

Size
10–25 lbs, 10–18 in
Lifespan
12–18 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Intelligent Curious Lively Sensitive

About the Pointer

The Pointer — also called the English Pointer — was developed in England in the 17th century, likely from crosses of Spanish Pointers, Foxhounds, Greyhounds, and Bloodhounds. These elegant, athletic dogs stand 23 to 28 inches tall and weigh 45 to 75 pounds, built with a lean, muscular frame designed for speed and endurance in the field. Their short, smooth coat comes in liver, lemon, black, or orange — either solid or combined with white in striking patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Pointers are energetic, even-tempered, and intensely driven in the field, yet remarkably calm and affectionate at home once adequately exercised. They are friendly with everyone — children, strangers, and other dogs — making them poor guard dogs but excellent family companions. Their strong pointing instinct often appears naturally in puppyhood, and they thrive when given a purposeful outlet for their energy and intelligence.

Pros

  • Outstanding stamina and speed for active owners who run, bike, or hunt
  • Exceptionally friendly and gentle with children and other pets
  • Short coat requires minimal grooming — just occasional brushing
  • Highly trainable for field work, agility, and competitive obedience

Cons

  • Extremely high energy — requires 1 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise daily
  • Can become destructive and anxious without sufficient physical outlets
  • Strong prey drive makes them unreliable around small animals
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and certain eye conditions

An active lifestyle deserves an equally active companion — find your Pointer 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.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Pointer and a Rat Terrier?
The Pointer is 45–75 lbs, 23–28 in sized while the Rat Terrier is 10–25 lbs, 10–18 in sized. They differ in size (45–75 lbs, 23–28 in vs 10–25 lbs, 10–18 in), lifespan (12–17 years vs 12–18 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Pointer or Rat Terrier?
Pointer is generally good with kids. Rat Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Pointer or Rat Terrier?
The Pointer has a lifespan of 12–17 years while the Rat Terrier has a lifespan of 12–18 years.

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