How much exercise does a Rat Terrier need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Rat Terriers need about 45–60 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session.

HighEnergy

1.5–3 miDaily distance

ModerateHeat tolerance

LowCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Rat Terrier's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Rat Terriers need this much exercise

Rat Terriers were American farm dogs bred to clear barns of rats and other vermin. They are quick, agile, and smart.

Rat Terrier exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	45–60 min	2 walks, plus a play or training session
Senior (10+ years)	25–45 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Rat Terrier puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
8 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
10 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
12 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a small breed.

Best exercise for Rat Terriers

Brisk leash walks
Fetch
Agility
Barn hunt

Walking tips for Rat Terriers

Rat Terriers are athletic for their size. Brisk walks and play are a must.
Short coats mean they get cold. Use a sweater in winter.
Keep them leashed. The prey drive is right there in the name.

Rat Terriers in hot and cold weather

Heat: Rat Terriers handle heat about as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks. Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Rat Terriers feel the cold. A coat helps once it’s near freezing, and walks should get shorter below about 20°F (−7°C). Wipe paws after walking on salted sidewalks. Check today's cold risk.

Rat Terrier exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Rat Terrier?

A healthy adult Rat Terrier needs about 45–60 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can a Rat Terrier walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 1.5–3 miles (2.5–5 km) a day for a healthy adult. Fit adult Rat Terriers can build up to longer hikes. Increase distance gradually and check paws and joints.

When can a Rat Terrier puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a small breed like the Rat Terrier. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Rat Terriers handle hot weather?

About as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks.

Do Rat Terriers need a coat in winter?

Usually, yes. A coat helps once it’s near freezing, and walks should get shorter below about 20°F (−7°C). Wipe paws after walking on salted sidewalks.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.