The Rat Terrier, often known as the “Rattie,” is a beloved breed famous for its energetic personality, intelligence, and versatility. Originally bred for farm work, these dogs have an innate hunting ability and a keen nose, making them excellent at chasing down vermin. Their adaptability and family-friendly nature make them popular crossbreeding candidates, leading to various interesting and unique mixes.
If you’re considering adding a Rat Terrier mix to your family, here’s a guide to 20 popular Rat Terrier crossbreeds. Each hybrid has unique characteristics, blending the best traits of the Rat Terrier with another breed.
Understanding Rat Terrier Mixes
The Rat Terrier is a compact, muscular dog with a playful spirit and boundless energy. Developed by crossing various terrier breeds, including the Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Smooth Fox Terrier, they are known for their tenacity and charm. Over time, crossbreeding has introduced many variations that combine the Rattie’s personality with unique traits from other breeds.
Most Rat Terrier mixes require ample exercise, mental stimulation, and high-quality dog food to stay healthy and happy. With proper care and attention, these mixes can thrive in various living environments, from apartments to spacious homes with yards.
20 Most Popular Rat Terrier Mixes
1. Chihuahua Rat Terrier Mix (Rat-Cha)
The Rat-Cha, also called the Ratchua, is a small dog with a big personality. This crossbreed is often protective of its family, making it an excellent watchdog despite its size. They are affectionate and loyal and typically have a short coat, though some may inherit a slightly longer coat from their Chihuahua parent.
2. Beagle Rat Terrier Mix (Beagat)
The Beagat is a friendly, affectionate mix with a playful spirit. They may inherit the Beagle’s strong prey drive, so they might enjoy chasing small animals. Known for their curiosity, they may need patient training to manage their independent nature.
3. Jack Russell Terrier Rat Terrier Mix (Jack-Rat)
The Jack-Rat, sometimes called the Jersey Terrier, is a lively and loyal companion. They have a high energy level and enjoy being active, making them ideal for families with an active lifestyle. However, they are known to bark and may require daily brushing due to their double coat.
4. Dachshund Rat Terrier Mix (Dachrat)
Combining the elongated body of the Dachshund with the spunky Rat Terrier, the Dachrat is a charming mix. Care should be taken with their back, especially if they have inherited the Dachshund’s long spine. They are great with kids, playful, and enjoy both attention and some alone time.
5. Poodle Rat Terrier Mix (Poorat)
The Poorat combines the intelligence of the Poodle with the feisty nature of the Rat Terrier. Known for being affectionate and friendly, they are also easy to train with consistent positive reinforcement. Early socialization is essential for the Poorat to get along well with other pets.
6. Labrador Retriever Rat Terrier Mix (Labrador Terrier)
This mix may vary in size, from small to medium, depending on the Rat Terrier parent’s size. They are playful, energetic, and intelligent, making them a wonderful family dog. With minimal grooming needs, they are low-maintenance and have a strong prey drive, so supervision around smaller animals is recommended.
7. Whippet Rat Terrier Mix
The Whippet Rat Terrier mix is a friendly and curious dog with a strong prey drive. Known for their affectionate nature, they are quick learners who need early training and socialization. Depending on their coat, grooming needs can vary.
8. German Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix (German Terrier)
A medium to large dog, the German Terrier combines the German Shepherd’s loyalty with the Rat Terrier’s playful spirit. They are lively and intelligent and love to dig, so be mindful if you have a garden.
9. Shih Tzu Rat Terrier Mix (Shizurat)
The Shizurat has a long, thick coat that requires daily brushing. Known for their independent nature, they are affectionate and enjoy family life but may bark to alert their owners to unfamiliar sounds or people.
10. Australian Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix (Ratterrier Aussie)
This mix combines the herding instinct of the Australian Shepherd with the Rat Terrier’s hunting skills. They are energetic and require ample exercise. With their friendly and playful nature, they make great family dogs.
11. Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix (Pitrat)
The Pitrat is a sweet and intelligent crossbreed known for its loyalty. With minimal grooming needs and a relatively healthy disposition, they are an excellent choice for families, though they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
12. Australian Cattle Dog Rat Terrier Mix (Blue Terrier)
This mix, also known as the Rat Terrier Blue Heeler, is strong and energetic. They require plenty of exercise and are known for their high prey drive, so they should be supervised around smaller pets. A fenced yard is ideal for them to release their energy.
13. Shiba Inu Rat Terrier Mix
A medium-sized dog, this mix has a short coat and makes an excellent watchdog. They are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal but can be escape artists, so a secure yard is necessary.
14. Yorkie Rat Terrier Mix (Ratshire)
The small-sized Ratshire combines the playfulness of the Yorkshire Terrier with the loyalty of the Rat Terrier. They have moderate grooming needs and a high prey drive, so early training and socialization are beneficial.
15. Siberian Husky Rat Terrier Mix (Ratsky)
This mix requires ample exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Known for their intelligence, they are easy to train but may require more attention due to their high energy and potential for moderate grooming needs.
16. Boston Terrier Rat Terrier Mix
The Boston Terrier Rat Terrier mix is a small, family-friendly dog with a strong prey drive. They are generally easygoing and get along well with other pets but need consistent grooming.
17. Corgi Rat Terrier Mix (Corgi Terrier)
Known for their loyalty and protective nature, the Corgi Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog with moderate grooming needs. They enjoy exercise and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
18. Pug Rat Terrier Mix (Puggat)
The Puggat is a friendly and affectionate crossbreed that enjoys playtime and may inherit the Pug’s short nose, which can lead to breathing difficulties. Keep an eye on them during warmer weather to avoid overheating.
19. Rat Terrier Border Collie Mix (Collie Terrier)
Combining the intelligence of the Border Collie with the Rat Terrier’s hunting skills, this mix is energetic and easy to train. They make excellent family pets and may need regular brushing depending on their coat type.
20. Cocker Spaniel Rat Terrier Mix (Spaniel Terrier)
The Spaniel Terrier is a lively and affectionate dog that loves attention. They require a secure yard for play and can adapt well to family life with proper training and socialization.
Choosing the Right Rat Terrier Mix for Your Family
With so many Rat Terrier mixes to choose from, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, the amount of space you have, and your willingness to meet their exercise and grooming needs. If you’re contemplating getting a dog, consider the unique combination of traits each mix has, like the playful spirit of the Rat-Cha to the energy of the German Terrier.