50 Rat Terrier Dog Names

Reviewed By Kim •  Updated: 03/11/21 •  10 min read
The contents of the OurFitPets.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase this item or service, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.

Have you just adopted a Rat Terrier but are having trouble finding the right name for them? Have you completely run out of name ideas for your new fur baby? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.

Online Veterinary 24/7
Chat With A Veterinarian Online

Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.

We’ve put together a list of dog names that are perfect for Rat Terriers!

Male Rat Terrier Dog Names

Here are some great names for boy Rat Terriers!

1). Ace: this is the first dog in the pack. You might say he’s the one in charge and likes to rule the house! This would be a great name for your dog if he likes to be in control.

2). Sarge: this name comes from the military rank of sergeant. This rank signifies a non-commissioned army officer who is above the rank of corporal.

3). Gizmo: this is a cute name for a Rat Terrier who is filled with energy and mischief! If you choose this name for your dog, expect to have many adventures and be sure to take him on frequent walks.

4). Chief: this is another name that signifies one who is in charge. Does this fit your fur baby? Then why not choose this name for him?

5). Tank: this is the name of a military heavy armored vehicle that’s used in battle. If your dog likes to win, then this might be a great name for him.

6). Rambo: this is the name of the Sylvester Stallone character. In the movies (of which there are several), the character is described as a loner, who is reckless, disregards orders, and uses violence to solve problems. We hope that your fur baby isn’t like this; however, the name would be cute for a Rat Terrier!

7). Zulu: this is the name of a tribe of people who come from South Africa. They are part of the Nguni ethic group, and mainly live in KwaZulu-Natal. One of their famous leaders, Shaka, was the ruler of their nation back in the 1818.

8). Hunter: this is a very appropriate name for a Rat Terrier, as this is what they were created to do! Does your fur baby like to hunt? Does he go on hunts with you?

9). Hendrix: this name is inspired by Jimmi Hendrix. He was a famous instrumentalist, considered one of the greatest electric guitarists of all time.

10). Leon: this is a Greek name, which means “lion.” Rat Terriers are known for being fearless, much like a lion.

11). Amp: this name is inspired by the word “ampere,” also called an “amp.” This is the basic unit of electrician current in the International System of Units (SI). The name also comes from Andre-Marie Ampere (1775-1836), who was a French mathematician and physicist, who is considered to be the father of electromagnetism. Does your dog have an electrified personality?

12). Attilla: is the name of a ruler of the Huns, Attilla the Hun, who ruled the tries from 434 until 453. He ruled over several tribes in central and eastern Europe. He was one of the most feared persons in the Western and Eastern Roman Empires.

13). Bixby: this name is inspired by the actor Bill Bixby who played the Incredible Hulk in the American TV series. The Hulk character is known for being quite a nice guy in human form; however, when he changes into the Hulk, he quickly becomes violent and independent.

14). Jesse: this name comes from the famous American outlaw, Jesse James. He was well known for robbing banks and trains, as well as being the leader of a gang called the Younger Gang.

15). Basil: this is a great name—it’s the name of a spice you’re probably familiar with. It’s leaves are used often used in Mediterranean foods. Why not choose a spicy name for a dog that has a spicy character?

16). Bruno: is an Old German name that means “brown.” If your Rat Terrier is a combination of brown and white, this would be a really cute name for him.

17). Pluto: this is a Greek name that means “rich.” It’s also the name of the Roman god of the underworld. You consider this name for your canine companion if he really has a penchant for digging.

18). Teddy: this name is a Greek name, which means “wealthy protector, brave people, or God’s gift.” Your dog might be all three! So, why not choose this name for him?

19). Persis: this is a Greek name that means “from Persia.”

20). Bobby: is a German name, which means “bright fame.”

21). Duke: is a German name that means “the leader.” This is a fitting name for most Rat Terrier boys!

22). Dylan: is a Welsh name that means “son of the sea.” Does your canine companion happen to enjoy water?

23). Sparky

24). Bandit: is a word that means “thief.” If your Rat Terrier has stolen your heart, then why not choose this name for him?

25). Max: is short for Maximilian or Maximus, which is a Latin name that means “the greatest.”

Female Names for Girl Rat Terriers

Here are some great names for girl Rat Terriers:

26). Mara: this is a Hebrew name, which means “bitter” but can also refer to someone who is strong. This would be a great name for your fur baby!

27). Lady: is a term of respect for a woman and it was once a formal title used in Britain.

28). Casey: is an Irish name, which means “vigilant or watchful.” What a great and fitting name for your girl dog!

29). Emma: is a German name, which means “whole or universal.”

30). Tasha: is a name that means “born on Christmas Day.” This is also the name of a strong female character from Star Trek Next Generation.

31). Phoebe: is a Greek name, which means “bright.”

32). Reba: is a Hebrew name, which means “fourth born.” This is also the first name of the country singer Reba McEntire.

33). Misty: is an American name that means “covered with mist or dew.”

34). Abby: this name is short for Abigail, which is a Hebrew name that means “my father is a source of great joy.”

35). Maddy: is a Hebrew name, which means  “woman from Magdala, maiden, young, unmarried woman.”

36). Pepper: is an English name, which means “berry.”

37). Coco: is a name that means “chocolate bean.” This would be a pretty name for a girl Rat Terrier is is mostly a dark brown color.

38). Missy: is an American name that means “bee.” If your dog is as busy as a bee, then why not choose this name for her?

39). Minnie: is a name that means “of the mind, intellect.” It’s also the name of Mickey Mouse’s girl friend!

40). Bailey: is an Old English name that means “berry clearing, bailiff, city fortification.” These would be apt names for a cute Rat Terrier girl!

41). Zoe: is a Greek name that means “life.” If this doesn’t describe your Rat Terrier girl, nothing does!

42). Sheba: is a Hebrew name, which means “daughter of an oath.” This was also the name of a queen from the land of Sheba, in the Bible.

43). Duchess: is a Latin name that means “leader, commander,” and is a person who is a member of the nobility or a royal family.

44). Molly: is a Hebrew name for “Mary,” which means “sea of bitterness, or star of the sea.”

45). Flora: is a Latin name that means “flower.” This was also the name of the Roman goddess of springtime.

46). Honey: this is an American name that refers to honey made by bees. If your dog has a personality that’s sweet as honey, then you might choose this name for her.

47). Precious

48). Katie: is a Greek name that means “pure.”

49). Candy: is an American name that means “bright.” However, it can also be a great name for a dog who has a very sweet nature.

50). Gracie: is a Latin name that means “favor, blessing.” This was also the name of Gracie Allen, a famous comedian who was known for being a bit zany.

What is a Rat Terrier?

A Rat Terrier is a dog breed, where the dogs are small and adorable. And they love to dig. These little lively dogs are were first bred in the US. They are a combination of Buller Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Old English White Terrier, and a Fox Terrier, amongst others.

These dogs were meant to be farm dogs and hunters. Their job was to catch pests, as well as prey. In the Midwestern US, they were bred with Whippets and Greyhounds. The reason was to create a dog that was must faster, and able to run after jackrabbits, which were a problem in that part of the country. This “new” Rat Terrier was able to keep up with rodents and other animals quite easily.

Rat Terriers were once common on farms; however, by the 1940s farmers began using poison to keep rodents under control. It was about this time that Rat Terriers went down in popularity. However, they made a huge comeback in the 1970s.

Rat Terriers are small dogs that usually stand about 13 to 16 inches in height. This dog comes in other sizes, too, including the Decker Rat Terrier (16-19 inches high), the miniature Rat Terrier (no larger than 15 inches high), and the toy Rat Terrier (no larger than 12 inches high).

When it comes to personality, these little dogs are packed with it! They’re intelligent, stubborn, and filled with energy. They are usually wary of strangers, but once they know you can warm up fast. However, if they’re not properly socialized, they can be quite aggressive with strangers, or even other animals. Another feature of these small dogs is that they’re not afraid of anything, which is what makes them more aggressive.

Rat Terriers are known to be very intuitive and for tuning in to their pet parent’s moods. They love to please. In fact, these small dogs are known to follow their pet parents around the house. They want to be where you are.

Because they’re full of energy, Rat Terriers need quite a bit of exercise. Remember, these dogs were made to be work dogs, which means they need something to do. Or they need a lot of exercise to wear off all that energy!

This is generally a healthy breed, but they can suffer from hip and/or elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, thrombopathia, and more.

When it comes to grooming, Rat Terriers have short, smooth fur that comes in different colors. They only need to be brushed about once a week. You can expect they will shed quite a bit in the spring and fall. And they only need a bath if they become really stinky and dirty.

Rat Terriers are pretty patient with kids, if they’re used to being around kids. However, never leave a Rat Terrier, or any other dog, alone with young kids. It’s just not safe. Because these dogs have a strong prey drive, they’re not good to have around small pets such as rodents.

There you have it! We hope you’ve enjoyed this article, and that you’ve found the perfect name for your Rat Terrier fur baby!

(Visited 826 times, 1 visits today)
Online Veterinary 24/7
Chat With A Veterinarian Online

Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.

Kim

Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.

Keep Reading