No single animal species reflects the complete range of human respiratory anatomy, physiology and - often not mentioned - age-related changes. The rat was the first experimental asthma model, but was overtaken in numbers by murine models many years ago. Data will be compiled to document that the rat model still has an important role in the research of bronchial asthma and other lung diseases. In pharmaceutical research for new drugs the rat model is still indispensable. Here specific aspects will be highlighted where the rat offers advantages in comparison to other species: the anatomical feature of the proprietary bronchial circulation, genetics and proteomics, lung function and finally economical considerations.