Determining which breed is the best fit for your lifestyle can be difficult. With so many options, how do you choose? If you’re looking for a small, compact dog who’s playful and intelligent, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier might be the right breed for you.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier’s Temperament
Inquisitive and affectionate, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a hearty dog with a cheerful demeanor. The breed originated as a short-legged variety of the Rat Terrier and shares many of its ancestors. Before they were named for President Theodore Roosevelt — an avid outdoorsman who is thought to have had these little ratters — Teddies were known as the “type B” variety of the Rat Terrier, the Short-Legged Rat Terrier, or the Bench-Legged Feist because of their little legs.
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are highly trainable and seamlessly adapt to a variety of households and lifestyles. They thrive on human companionship and are devoted members of the family. Teddies can be reserved with strangers and naturally protective, but will quickly warm up to new friends.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a sturdy, muscular, short-legged hunting terrier. The breed has a kind, lively expression, with ears that may stand up, tip, or fold down. When fully grown, Teddies can weigh between 8 and 24 pounds, and stand 8 to 14 inches tall. Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, but they do shed — weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or curry comb can help remove loose hair.
How Much Training Do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers Need?
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier’s small size and stocky build make him a great sidekick for all types of adventures. Teddies are curious, enthusiastic learners who excel in a variety of dog sports, from agility to Dock Diving to AKC Scent Work. While they benefit from plenty of physical exercise and mentally stimulating activities, Teddies are also happy to curl up on the couch with their owners for some downtime.
As a member of the Terrier Group, the breed has a strong prey drive and will eagerly hunt critters when given the chance. Activities like Barn Hunt, Earthdog, and Fast CAT are a fun way for your Teddy Roosevelt Terrier to channel these instincts.
Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers Good for Families?
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers make wonderful playmates for kids, especially if they’ve been raised alongside them. As hunting terriers, they have strong pack instincts and a protective nature. They’ll bark to alert their family to the presence of strangers, but are generally curious about other dogs without being belligerent. Teddy Roosevelt Terriers typically get along with dogs of all sizes — even breeds much larger.
How Social Are Teddy Roosevelt Terriers?
While good-natured and affectionate to their owners, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are known to be skeptical of strangers and can sometimes exhibit protective behaviors. They are devoted to their families, but some can be a “one-person dog” and prefer the company of one family member over the rest. With proper socialization and an understanding of the breed’s natural temperament, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are wonderful, intelligent companions for all their owners’ adventures, from neighborhood walks, high levels of competitive dog sports, and everything in between.
Every dog is different, even within the breed, so talk to your breeder about whether the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier would be a good fit for you and your lifestyle. To meet a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and learn more about life with Teddies, consider attending an AKC Meet the Breeds event.
Three new dog breeds have received AKC breed recognition in 2026! Meet the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.