The Rat Terrier Dachshund mix is a unique and lovable breed. They typically weigh between 15-30 pounds and stand between 10-14 inches tall.
This mix is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are highly social and love to be around people.
Rat Terrier Dachshund mixes are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a short, smooth coat that requires only occasional brushing.
Appearance and Personality
The Rat Terrier Dachshund mix is a unique and lovable breed. Their body shape is likely to be similar to a Dachshund's, with a long and low-slung build.
Their ears are usually large and floppy, a trait inherited from the Dachshund parent. Their legs might be a bit longer than you'd expect, which is a plus for their health.
Their coloring can vary, and they may be uniformly colored or have a mix of colors from both parent breeds. This mix of colors can result in a truly one-of-a-kind appearance.
A unique perspective: Rare Rat Terrier Colors
Their personality is one of their best features - they're sweet-tempered and relatively easy to manage. However, they may retain some of the Dachshund's stubbornness.
Here's a rough idea of what to expect from your Rat Terrier Dachshund mix's personality:
Remember, with proper training and socialization, you can curb some of their negative traits and bring out their best qualities.
They Are Easy to Groom
They have a short coat that's easy to maintain, so you won't need to spend hours grooming your pet.
You can brush them once or two times a week, depending on your preference. Their nails grow fast, so regular trimming is a must.
Dental issues are common in Rat Doxies, so it's essential to brush their teeth two or three times a week and provide high-quality dental chews.
Their low-shedding coat makes them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.
Health and Conditions
The Rat Terrier Dachshund mix is a unique and lovable breed, but like any dog, it's not immune to health issues. Intervertebral disc disease is a common problem in this breed, causing back pain and possible paralysis.
Regular check-ups with your vet are essential to catch any health issues early on. Be aware of the signs of discomfort or reluctance to use the hind legs, and take your pup to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual.
Bloat is another serious condition that can affect your Rat Terrier Dachshund mix. This happens when the stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself, causing further pain. If you notice any bloating, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Hip and elbow dysplasia can also be a problem in this breed, causing discomfort and pain. If you notice your dog is limping or seems unwilling to go up or down the stairs, see your vet to check the joints. Tailoring perfect, every-day nutrition can help keep your dog's joints healthy.
Check this out: Rat Terrier Diseases
Eye-related problems are common in both parent breeds, so it's essential to keep an eye out for any signs of eye issues. Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch any problems early on.
Here are some common health issues that can affect your Rat Terrier Dachshund mix:
By being aware of these potential health issues and taking steps to prevent or catch them early on, you can help keep your Rat Terrier Dachshund mix happy and healthy for years to come.
Diet and Nutrition
Your Rat Terrier Dachshund mix is a small dog with big needs. They'll eat about one cup of dry dog food each day, so it's essential to choose a high-quality food that meets their nutritional requirements.
One key consideration is their susceptibility to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be alleviated with supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega fatty acids.
For a healthy diet, consider the following top picks: Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, and Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry.
These foods are rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, which can improve joint and bone health, and are made with high-quality ingredients that cater to your pup's specific needs.
As your pup grows, their dietary needs will change, so be sure to switch to senior dry dog food when they reach that stage.
Here are some key factors to look for in a dog food:
- High-quality protein sources like chicken, lamb, and beef
- Calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
- Glucosamine for joint health and mobility support
- Vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants for immune system health
- No corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meals
Training
Training a Rat Terrier Dachshund mix can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can overcome their stubbornness and independent nature. They are highly trainable, but it's essential to start early and be consistent.
The key to training a Rat Terrier Dachshund mix is to use positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and affection. This breed thrives on attention and affection, so make sure to reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior.
Be prepared for a lot of energy and enthusiasm, as these dogs are naturally curious and love to dig, jump, and run. They require regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, to keep them happy and healthy.
Explore further: Rat Terrier Behavior Problems
To avoid common mistakes in dog training, make sure to use high-quality treats and avoid punishing your dog for bad behavior. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior and providing a stable and loving environment.
Here are some essential tips for training your Rat Terrier Dachshund mix:
- Start training early, ideally from an early age
- Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise
- Be consistent and patient
- Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
- Avoid punishing bad behavior and instead focus on rewarding good behavior
By following these tips, you can help your Rat Terrier Dachshund mix become a well-behaved and loyal companion.
Size and Activity
The Rat Terrier Dachshund Mix is a lively companion that requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They have endless amounts of energy, which they'll use in daily explorative sessions.
You'll need to take about an hour every day to walk and entertain them, split into two walks and one high-energy playing session. This will help keep your shoes safe and your dog content. They love being active, but keep the exercise regime in moderation, especially if your pup has back problems or other health concerns.
Here's a quick rundown of their physical activity needs:
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and your dog's specific needs may vary.
How Big Do They Get?
They're a great size for apartment living, typically standing between 11 and 14 inches tall at the shoulders.
Their weight is usually around 30 pounds, but can go up to 32 pounds.
Here's a breakdown of their size:
They're a great fit for small to medium-sized homes, and they'll appreciate regular walks to stay happy and healthy.
Physical Activity Needs
Dachshund Rat Terrier Mix dogs are naturally active and energetic, and they'll need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They'll take their enthusiasm out on everything if you neglect to exercise them properly.
You'll need to take about an hour every day to walk and entertain them, split into two walks and one high-energy playing session. This will help keep your shoes safe and your things unchewed.
Their recommended daily activity level is moderate, with about 9 miles of walking per day. This breaks down to 60 minutes of activity per day.
If your pup has back problems or other health concerns, it's best to keep the exercise regime in moderation. In this case, 15-30 minutes of walking twice a day would be enough.
Here's a summary of their physical activity needs:
Small Breed Dog
Small breed dogs, like the Dachrat Terrier, require extra care to prevent back illnesses and injuries due to their Dachshund heritage.
Their compact size can make them more prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get regular exercise.
The Bichpoo, a Poodle and Bichon Frise mix, needs frequent grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Dachrat Terriers, being a mix of Rat Terrier and Dachshund, are generally energetic and require daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
Small breed dogs, such as the Miniature Schnauzer, can be quite intelligent and require regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Top Picks
When choosing accessories for your Rat Terrier Dachshund Mix, consider their comfort and style. A durable stainless steel collar is a great option, as it won't rust or corrode.
You can customize your dog's collar with up to 4 lines of text engraved on the back, which will stand up to all their adventures. This thoughtful touch will make their collar truly special.
If you're looking for a stylish collar, consider one with a head-turning enameled camo design that won't fade. These vibrant colors will add a pop of personality to your dog's look.
Here are some key features to look for in a collar:
Family and Lifestyle
Rat Doxies can be wonderful family pets, but they do require some special considerations. They don't naturally get along with young children, so it's essential to supervise interactions closely.
Their hunting instincts can lead to nipping if they feel threatened or challenged, which is why it's crucial to teach kids how to play with dogs gently. Never leave a Rat Doxie alone with a toddler who doesn't know how to interact with dogs safely.
Older children and teenagers can get along just fine with Rat Doxies, as long as they're taught how to treat a dog with respect.
Does a Good Family Pet Make a Good Pet?
A good family pet is not just about how cute or playful they are, it's about how well they fit into your family dynamics. Some breeds, like the Rat Doxie, can be wonderful pets for families with older kids and teenagers.
Children need to learn how to interact with dogs gently and respectfully. If they don't, it's not the dog's fault if they get snapped at.
Toy Dog Specifics
The Toy Rat Doxie is a relatively new designer breed, making it quite rare and difficult to find.
Dachshunds, one of the parent breeds, are the 12th most popular dog breed in the US, which is a great indicator of their popularity.
Rat Terriers, the other parent breed, are generally more affordable than Dachshunds.
These small dogs have big personalities, which is why they're not recommended for first-time dog owners.
They will need plenty of time commitment and training for them to grow into happy and healthy dogs.
Puppy Traits and Needs
They need a lot of devotion, which includes regular training and walking sessions. This can be challenging, but with patience and consistency, you can help your rat terrier dachshund mix puppy thrive.
Their high energy levels require daily playtime, but be sure to keep the exercise regime in moderation, especially if your pup has back problems or other health concerns. A good starting point is 15-30 minutes of walking twice a day.
They are prone to barking, so be prepared for some noise, especially since both Terriers and Dachshunds are loud by nature.
Toy Puppies
Toy puppies can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially with rare breeds like the Toy Rat Doxie.
The Toy Rat Doxie is a relatively new designer breed, making it hard to find a puppy to purchase. One-half of the Toy Rat Doxie's genes come from a Dachshund, which is the 12th most popular dog breed in the US.
These small dogs have big personalities and quite a lot of energy, which is why they're not recommended for first-time dog owners.
They will need plenty of time commitment and training for them to grow into happy and healthy dogs.
Three Worst Puppy Traits
They need a lot of devotion, not just love and affection, but also regular training and walking, and visits to the vet due to potential health conditions.
This mixed breed puppy will bark a lot, just like its parent breeds, as they are hunting dogs and bark at anything that draws their attention.
First-time owners should be aware that this puppy can be quite challenging to train, as both Terriers and Dachshunds are strong-willed breeds.
Their high energy levels and strong will make them a handful for inexperienced owners, so it's essential to have some training experience under your belt.
If you're considering bringing one of these puppies home, be prepared for a lot of barking, and make sure you have a good training plan in place to help them thrive.
On a similar theme: Border Terrier Mixed Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dachshund Rat Terrier mix called?
A Dachshund and Rat Terrier mix is commonly known as a Toy Rat Doxie. This unique breed combines the characteristics of both parent breeds in a fun and energetic companion.
What is the temperament of a rat doxie dog?
Rat Doxie dogs are intelligent and curious, requiring direction and attention to thrive. With proper socialization, they can make wonderful family pets
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