Rat Terrier Grooming Tools: What Each One Is For
The five tools that cover a short, shedding coat, how they compare, and the ones you can skip.
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You need five things to groom a Rat Terrier at home: a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt, a soft bristle brush, nail clippers or a grinder, a dog toothbrush with dog toothpaste, and a mild dog shampoo. Everything else is optional.
We have not tested individual products. This guide explains what each tool is for, with links to current options.
The short kit list
- Rubber curry brush or grooming mitt, to lift loose hair
- Soft bristle brush, to sweep it away and add shine
- Small nail clippers or a quiet nail grinder, plus styptic powder
- Dog toothbrush or finger brush, and dog toothpaste
- Gentle dog shampoo and an absorbent towel
Tools compared
| Tool | Job | Good to know | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber curry or mitt | Loosens dead hair on a short coat | Gentle; most dogs enjoy it | Hair clings to the rubber; rinse it off |
| Soft bristle brush | Removes loosened hair and dust | Finishing step | Does little on its own during a heavy shed |
| Scissor-style clippers | Trims small nails | Quick and quiet | Easy to take too much on dark nails |
| Nail grinder | Files nails gradually | Smooth edges; less risk of hitting the quick | Noise and vibration need introducing slowly |
| Toothbrush and dog toothpaste | Daily plaque removal | The most useful item here | Takes patience to train |
| Dog shampoo | Occasional bath | Mild, fragrance-light formulas suit sensitive skin | Over-bathing dries the skin |
Skip slicker brushes with sharp wire pins and de-shedding blades designed for thick double coats. They are harsh on thin skin and unnecessary on this coat.
Rubber curry brush or grooming mitt
Best for: Weekly brushing and seasonal shedding
Advantages
- Lifts loose hair without scratching
- Doubles as a bath scrubber
- Inexpensive and durable
Limitations
- Needs a second brush or damp cloth to finish
- Static in dry weather
Use small circles and go lightly over the belly, where the coat is thinnest.
Quiet nail grinder
Best for: Dogs and owners nervous about clippers
Advantages
- Removes a little at a time
- Leaves smooth edges
- Easier to judge on dark nails
Limitations
- Some dogs dislike the vibration
- Slower than clipping
Let your dog hear it and take treats near it for a few days before touching a nail.
Dental kit
Daily brushing with a dog-safe toothpaste is the standard veterinary recommendation; human toothpaste must not be used. If you want chews or other products to help, the Veterinary Oral Health Council lists those that have met its standard. Browse dog toothbrush kits on Amazon (Amazon affiliate link, opens in a new tab).
Nice to have
- Non-slip bath mat so the dog feels secure.
- Lick mat to keep a wriggly dog busy during nail trims.
- Grooming wipes for muddy paws between baths.
- Lint roller. For you.
For how to use all of this, see our Rat Terrier grooming guide. The Grooming Tracker keeps a private record of what you did and when.
