Rat Terrier vs Afghan Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Rat Terrier
Terrier Group
Afghan Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
Afghan Hound Overview
Afghan Hounds possess a regal bearing with their distinctive long, silky coat and proud head carriage. Their elegant frame combines strength and agility, featuring a deep chest, prominent hipbones, and a curved tail. These aristocratic sighthouds display a unique combination of speed, power, and grace in their movement, with their flowing coat creating a striking spectacle as they run.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Rat Terriers are less energetic than Afghan Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Rat Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Afghan Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Rat Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Afghan Hounds.
- Trainability: Afghan Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Afghan Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Rat Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Afghan Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Rat Terrier and Afghan Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-18 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable | Dignified, Profoundly Loyal, Aristocratic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is known for being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Afghan Hound Temperament
The Afghan Hound is characterized by being dignified, profoundly loyal, aristocratic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Rat Terrier and Afghan Hound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Rat Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Afghan Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Afghan Hounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Afghan Hounds require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Afghan Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Chylothorax
Pros & Cons
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
Afghan Hound
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Independent nature
- Low shedding coat
- Athletic ability
- Loyal to family
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Challenging to train
- Strong prey drive
- Expensive upkeep
- Requires significant exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Rat Terrier and Afghan Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.