It is lower-set, with shorter legs, and is more muscular with heavier bone density than the related American Rat Terrier.

Although they tend to be aloof with strangers, they are devoted companion dogs with a strong desire to please and be near their owners at all times.

In one of his letters to his children, President Roosevelt writes, "There is a very cunning little dog named Skip, belonging to John Goff's pack, who has completely adopted me.

He likes to ride on Dr. Lambert's horse, or mine, and though he is not as big as Jack, takes eager part in the fight with every bear and bobcat.

"[7] Often confused with Skip the black and tan feist, the Roosevelts also had a dog named Scamp.

Scamp is the only dog mentioned in Roosevelt's letters as ever hunting rats while in the White House, "Scamp is really an extraordinary ratter and kills a great many rats in the White House, in the cellars and on the lower floor and among the machinery.

In Mr. Roosevelt's letter dated July 27, 1902, to Mrs. Roswell Field, he writes, "It is a real pleasure to send you a photograph of my boy Kermit, with Jack, the Manchester Terrier, who is absolutely a member of the family."

The first standard for the breed was developed by the now-defunct Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Club of America in 1996.

In August 2016 the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Services.

The preferred ratio of length of body (prosternum to point of buttocks) to height (withers to ground) is 10:7.

They can adapt to almost any lifestyle, whether shown in conformation rings, working in agility trials, or just a great companion for home or farm.

Today, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is gaining a solid following and becoming a popular household companion.