Showing 4 dogs
About Rat Terriers in Calgary
Rat Terriers are smart, energetic little dogs originally bred as farm ratters, and that working heritage shows in their drive and quick minds. They are alert, affectionate, and highly trainable, making them excellent companions for active Calgary owners who can keep them busy with walks, play, and games. Their short coat is easy to care for, but their high energy means a bored Rat Terrier can become mischievous.
Rat Terriers are not common in Calgary rescues, and those that are surrendered often come from situations where their energy outpaced the owner's lifestyle rather than any flaw in the dog. Before adopting, plan for daily exercise and mental enrichment, and be ready to manage a strong prey drive around small pets and wildlife. Early training and socialization help channel their intelligence in positive directions.
All Rat Terriers listed below are sourced from 15+ Calgary-area rescues. Listings are updated regularly. Purebred Rat Terriers appear infrequently in local rescues, so consider setting up an adoption alert or browsing all available small dogs to find a Rat Terrier or Rat Terrier mix when one becomes available.
Looking at all small dogs in Calgary?
Browse every available small dog from 15+ Calgary rescues — including Rat Terriers, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Cavaliers, Boston Terriers, and small mixes — in one place. Listings refresh regularly.
Browse all Calgary small dogs → Read the small dog adoption guide →Rat Terrier Adoption FAQ
Are Rat Terriers good family dogs?
Yes, Rat Terriers are typically affectionate, playful, and good with children when properly socialized. Their energy makes them a fun match for active Calgary families who enjoy outdoor activities. Supervise them around very small children and other small pets due to their terrier prey drive.
How much exercise does a Rat Terrier need?
Quite a lot. Rat Terriers are high-energy dogs that need a couple of good walks plus play and mental stimulation each day. Calgary owners often pair them with off-leash park trips, fetch, and training games to burn off energy. A well-exercised Rat Terrier is a much calmer housemate.
Are Rat Terriers good for first-time owners?
They can be, especially for first-time owners with an active lifestyle who are committed to daily exercise and training. Rat Terriers are eager to learn and respond well to positive methods, which makes them rewarding to train. The main challenge is meeting their energy and enrichment needs consistently.
Where can I adopt a Rat Terrier in Calgary?
Check the listings on this page, which pull from 15+ Calgary-area rescues such as Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, and ARF Alberta. Rat Terriers are uncommon locally, so an adoption alert is the best way to be notified when one is listed. Rat Terrier mixes show up more often than purebreds.
Are these Rat Terriers for sale in Calgary?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Rat Terrier here comes from a Calgary-area rescue or shelter, not a breeder, pet store, or classified seller. Adoption fees are typically a few hundred dollars and already include spay or neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip, versus roughly $2,000 to $5,000+ to buy a Rat Terrier from a breeder. If you searched "rat terrier for sale calgary," adopting gets you a healthy, vetted dog for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Rat Terrier in Calgary, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable Rat Terrier breeder typically charges $2,000 to $5,000+ and often has a waitlist, while a rescue Rat Terrier costs a few hundred dollars fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap "for sale" ads on classified sites and marketplaces, which are frequently backyard breeders or puppy-mill resellers with unvetted, sometimes sick animals and no health guarantee. If you do buy, insist on meeting the parents, seeing where the litter was raised, and getting vet records. For most Calgary families, adopting a rescue Rat Terrier is cheaper, faster, and gives a dog in need a home.
Need to rehome a Rat Terrier?
If you can no longer keep your Rat Terrier, you can list them for free on LocalPetFinder. Your dog stays in your home until you find the right family, you screen who applies, and there is no surrender fee. Not sure yet? Our guide to surrendering a dog in Canada walks through every option first.
List your dog for free →Free tools for Rat Terrier owners
Need to rehome your Rat Terrier?
If you are on the other side of this page and need to find your rat terrier a new home, we have a breed-specific guide: the rescues worth contacting first, realistic timelines, and how to screen adopters. Listing on LocalPetFinder is free.
How to rehome a Rat Terrier responsibly →