Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is described by the AKC as intelligent, playful, versatile, a member of the Terrier Group, originally from United States.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 8-14 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8-25 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 14–16+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Intelligent / Playful / Versatile [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | United States [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 236 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an energetic breed with seemingly boundless energy. Options for exercise could include play time in the backyard, preferably fenced, or being taken for walks several times a day. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or learning new tricks. [1]
Grooming
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is very low maintenance and easy to groom. A seasonal shedder, he only requires weekly brushing with a soft brush or rubber curry mitt. The occasional bath will keep him clean and looking his best. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The majority of Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as patellar luxation and eye disease. Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Primary Lens Luxation(PLL), Chondrodystrophy. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- It ranked No. 236 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Teddy.” [1]
- The AKC lists United States as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Teddy Roosevelt Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 14-16 years.
How big does a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 8-14 inches and weight 8-25 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.