Objective To compare the differences in behavior characteristics among SHR, WKY and SD rat models of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and explore an ideal control model of SHR rats. Methods Using open field test to analyze the rat movement distance, speed, wearing numbers and the number of grooming to evaluate the spontaneous movement in SHR, WKY and SD rats. Using the Morris water maze to test the learning and memory ability among the three rat groups. Results The result of open field test showed that the SHR rats had significantly increased (P< 0.01) total amount of exercise, average speed and wearing numbers than WKY and SD rats. Compared with the WKY rats, SD rats had a significantly higher movement distance (P< 0.01), slightly higher movement speed and wearing number (P< 0.05). In the Morris water maze hidden platform period test, the SD rats had a significantly longer latency than the SHR rats (P< 0.05). SD rats showed longer latency distance on the first, third and fourth days of training, as compared with the SHR rats (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). Compared with the WKY group, SD rats showed a shorter latency distance in each training time (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). In the probe trial period, the SD rats showed shorter time and distance ratio to the target quadrant than SHR rats (P< 0.05), while significantly longer than the WKY rats (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). Conclusions There are significant behavioral differences between SHR and WKY rats, showing certain disadvantages in comparison of the two types of rats. To add SD rats as a control group for SHR rats can improve the comparability of behavior characteristics of SHR rats, and to get more objective evaluation of the behavior characteristics of SHR rats.