When the types were separated by the Rat Terrier Club of America , the short - legged variety was named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt .
Theodore Roosevelt never owned Rat Terriers nor was Theodore Roosevelt instrumental in developing the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier .
When the types were separated by the Rat Terrier Club of America , the short - legged variety was named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt , although he never owned Rat Terriers nor was he instrumental in developing the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier .