With their lively personality and zest for life, it’s no wonder that Rat Terrier mixes are becoming increasingly popular. Best known for their highly energetic and playful nature, Rat Terrier mixes are also affectionate and loyal companion dogs.
But what are different Rat Terrier Mixes?
The most popular Rat Terrier Mixes are:
- Cocker Spaniel Rat Terrier mix
- Sheltie Rat Terrier mix
- Puggat
- Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix
- Italian Greyhound Rat Terrier mix
- Shiba Inu Rat Terrier mix
- American Rat Pinscher
- Wire Foxy Rat Terrier
- Rat-Cha
- Border Collie Rat Terrier mix
- Black Lab Rat Terrier mix
- Jack-Rat Terrier
With so many different mixes to choose from you might find it hard to decide which one is the best for you. But don’t worry, we are here to help!
Stay with us till the end of this article to find out more about different Rat Terrier mixes!
12 Popular Rat Terrier Mixes- Complete List
You’ll be surprised to find out that there are many different Rat Terrier mixes you can choose from! Take a look at some of the most popular Rat Terrier mixes that make great pets.
1. Cocker Spaniel Rat Terrier mix
The Cocker Spaniel Rat Terrier mix is small in size and ideal for apartment living. Friendly and affectionate, these dogs like to spend time with their owners and are good family pets.
As an energetic and lively dog, the Cocker Spaniel Rat Terrier mix loves to play and will make a great exercise or hunting partner. And since both its parent breeds are eager to please, this mix is easy to train and learns commands quickly.
2. Sheltie Rat Terrier mix
Fairly rare designer dog, the Sheltie Rat Terrier mix can be small to medium in size, depending on which parent it takes after. The thing that sets this mixed breed apart is its medium-length coat and a powerful sturdy body.
Inheriting both genes for hunting and herding, this highly energetic dog loves to play and run and needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Since they are highly intelligent, the Sheltie Rat Terrier mix is easy to train but can be stubborn at times.
3. Puggat Terrier Mix
The Puggat is a crossbreed between a Pug and a Rat Terrier. While small in size, these dogs pack a lot of spunk and can play all day long.
Highly energetic, friendly, and affectionate, these small dogs are great companions and like to be around their owners. However, while cute and funny, this mix can inherit some serious health problems from its Pug parent, so be prepared for regular vet checkups and some costly medical bills (source).
4. Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix
The highly energetic, strong, and agile Blue Heeler Rat Terrier mix is basically a smaller version of a Blue Heeler. Weighing up to 25 pounds with an average lifespan of 15 years, this crossbreed is ideal for experienced owners.
Due to the strong prey drive and an instinctual need to herd, they aren’t suited for homes with young children or smaller pets. This mix is the happiest when it has a job to do, and can easily become destructive if not properly trained or mentally stimulated (source).
5. Italian Greyhound Rat Terrier mix
While it’s hard to predict how any Italian Greyhound Rat Terrier mix is going to look like, one thing is for sure, these dogs love to run! Since they are capable of incredible speeds, you should keep your pooch leashed at all times while outside.
These smooth-coated, medium-sized dogs are easy to groom, don’t shed a lot and can be a good option if you don’t want to deal with dog hairs. Affectionate, smart, and friendly, this mix makes an excellent family dog if properly socialized from a young age.
6. Shiba Inu Rat Terrier mix
The Shiba Inu Rat Terrier mix is a medium-sized dog with a short coat and a smiling face. Usually, 15 to 18 inches tall and weighing up to 20 pounds, this mix does well in homes with spacious backyards.
Highly affectionate and loyal to its owners, the Shiba Inu Rat Terrier mix is a great guard and watchdog. Fairly easy to train and obedient, this mix has a strong wanderlust potential and a tendency to escape.
So, before you welcome one into your home, make sure that your yard is completely fenced and able to deter this Houdini dog from wandering off.
7. Miniature Pinscher Rat Terrier mix
A cross between a Miniature Pinscher and a Rat Terrier, the Miniature Pinscher Rat Terrier is a small dog with a huge personality. Ideal for apartments without any outdoor space this fun, and playful mix gets along well with children.
Alert and highly energetic, this tiny designer hybrid needs a lot of exercise and is the happiest when playing or cuddling with its owner.
8. Wire Haired Rat Terrier mix
Staying true to its origins the Wire Haired Rat Terrier mix is a great hunting dog. Developed by crossing a Wire Haired Fox Terrier with a Rat Terrier, this small dog will weigh 10 to 25 pounds and be 11 to 19 inches tall.
Very intelligent and easy to train, this mix adapts well to indoor living but will prefer to have a yard to run around and explore. This is a highly energetic dog, so regular walks and play sessions are a must, otherwise be prepared to deal with destructive behavior and chewed shoes.
9. Chi Rat Terrier mix
Also known as Rat-Chas, the Chi Rat Terrier was developed by crossing a Chihuahua with a Rat Terrier. Extremely cute and small, these affectionate and attention-seeking dogs love to spend time with their owners and are great family dogs.
Loyal and devoted to a fault, this mix is fiercely protective of its owners and will use a high-pitched bark to alert you if anything is amiss.
10. Border Collie Rat Terrier mix
The Border Collie Rat Terrier mix is a medium-sized dog with a medium-long coat and a constant supply of energy. Best suited for homes with some kind of outdoor space, this mix is a great family dog and companion.
Very intelligent and easy to train, they love to play with their owners and to have a job to do.
11. Black Lab Rat Terrier mix
Depending on which parent it takes more after, the Black Lab Rat Terrier mix can be 10 to 18 inches tall and be completely black or sport a mix of colors. Playful, friendly, and smart, they get along with everyone and are great companion dogs.
Keep in mind that some Lab Terriers puppies can inherit a strong prey drive and a tendency to dart after animals and small pets. Furthermore, this mix is prone to hip dysplasia so you should ask the breeder to show you hip scores for both parenting breeds.
12. Jack-Rat Terrier Mix
Developed by crossing a Jack Russell with a Rat Terrier, the Jack Rat Terrier Mix is a small dog with a big attitude. Active and fun to have around, these loyal and affectionate dogs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children.
Although apartment-friendly, the Jack Rat Terrier mix is a big-time barker! You can curb your dog’s barking tendencies with regular play sessions and exercise (source).
Other less popular Rat Terrier Mix Breeds:
| Breed | Name |
| Poodle x Rat Terrier Mix | Poorat Terrier |
| Dachshund x Rat Terrier Mix | Dachrat Terrier |
| Pitbull x Rat Terrier Mix | Pitrat Terrier |
| Newfoundland x Rat Terrier Mix | Newfoundratterier |
| Australian x Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix | Ratterrier Aussie |
| Shih Tzu x Rat Terrier Mix | Shizurat Terrier |
| German x Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix | German Terrier |
| Beagle x Rat Terrier Mix | Beagat Terrier |
| Corgi x Rat Terrier Mix | Corgi Terrier |
| American Bulldog x Rat Terrier Mix | American Bullrat Terrier |
| Boxer x Rat Terrier Mix | Boxrat Terrier |
| French Bulldog x Rat Terrier Mix | French Terrier |
| Bull Mastiff x Rat Terrier Mix | Mastiff Terrier |
| Husky x Rat Terrier Mix | Ratsky Terrier |
| Great Dane x Rat Terrier Mix | Ratdane Terrier |
| Doberman x Rat Terrier Mix | Doberat Terrier |
| Shar Pei x Rat Terrier Mix | Shapreit Terrier |
| Golden Retriever x Rat Terrier Mix | Golden Terrier |
| Catahoula x Rat Terrier Mix | Catarat Terrier |
Brief Rat Terrier History
Originally bred as a farm dog and hunting companion, the Rat Terrier is an American dog breed. Breeds such as Beagles, Italian Greyhounds, and Manchester Terriers were bred in the original stock to create a more versatile and faster dog who will keep pests at bay.
Some say that president Teddy Roosevelt named the breed after his dog who was called Rat Terrier. However, not everyone agrees, and there are still some debate if that original dog was in fact the same Rat Terrier we know today.
While the Rat Terrier was a frequent dweller on farms between till the 1940s, their popularity started to decline with the invention of modern pest control. Nowadays, many Rat Terrier breeding programs are trying to promote and preserve this all American dog breed.
Why you should consider a Rat Terrier Mixed Breed?
If you are a fan of Rat Terriers due to their look and tenacity but don’t know how to deal with their stubborn nature, you should consider getting a Rat Terrier mix. There are so many amazing Rat Terrier mixes you can choose from that finding the right dog for you shouldn’t be hard.
While you can never know for sure how a mixed breed dog is going to look or behave your Rat Terrier mix will likely be:
- Highly energetic and active
- Loyal and devoted companion
- Working dog
- Generally healthy
- Alert and full of life
- Very intelligent
Conclusion
The Rat Terrier mixes are becoming highly sought after designer dogs, and for a good reason! Known for their love of life, energetic and playful nature, these lively dogs are excellent companions and loving pets.
Small to medium in size, most of these mixes are suitable for apartment living and considered low-maintenance dogs.
However, a highly energetic and fun-loving Rat Terrier mix can be a handful for people who value peace and quiet. But if you are looking for a dog who will make you laugh or a tireless exercise buddy you should check out Rat Terrier mixes.
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