Rat Terrier vs Border Collie
Breed Compatibility
85% Compatible
Energy Level
Rat Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Border Collie: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Rat Terrier: Easy Training0.8
Border Collie: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
Rat Terrier: Weekly Brushing0.4
Border Collie: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Rat Terrier5/5
Border Collie3/5
Good with Other Dogs
Rat Terrier3/5
Border Collie3/5
Good with Strangers
Rat Terrier5/5
Border Collie4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Rat Terrier
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Dental Issues: Tooth decay risk
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac concerns
Eye Problems: Vision deterioration
Hip Issues: Joint complications
Allergies: Skin sensitivities
Border Collie
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
CEA: Eye development disorder
MDR1: Drug sensitivity gene
TNS: Neurological condition
CL: Neurological disorder
Epilepsy: Seizure disorder
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Border Collie
Pros
Extremely intelligent
Highly trainable
Athletic and agile
Loyal and devoted
Excellent working dog
Cons
Requires extensive exercise
May be too intense for novice owners
Strong herding instinct
Needs constant mental stimulation
Can be overly sensitive
Rat Terrier Fun Fact
During the early 1900s, one Rat Terrier reportedly caught 2,501 rats in a single day on a farm!
Border Collie Fun Fact
Border Collies can learn to recognize over 1,000 words and can understand complex multi-step commands.
Heritage & Purpose
Rat Terrier
Origin:
Developed in America during the 1800s as farm dogs and vermin hunters. These skilled ratters protected grain stores and farmland from rodent infestations across rural areas.
Border Collie
Origin:
Developed in the border country between Scotland and England during the 1700s, these dogs revolutionized sheep herding with their distinctive 'eye' and precise control of livestock.
Special Considerations
Rat Terrier
Regular dental care is crucial. Needs secure fencing due to hunting instincts. Requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Border Collie
Requires extensive daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training. Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Early socialization crucial.
Related Comparisons
Same Group
Rat Terrier vs Wire Fox Terrier →Same Group
Rat Terrier vs Welsh Terrier →Similar Size
Rat Terrier vs Wire Fox Terrier →Similar Size
Rat Terrier vs Schipperke →