Rat Terrier Mix with Poodle: Traits, Care, and More

The Rat Terrier Mix with Poodle is a unique and lovable breed. They typically weigh between 15-30 pounds and stand between 10-18 inches tall.

This mix is known for being intelligent, friendly, and energetic. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their grooming needs are relatively low, but they do require regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. A weekly brushing session can also help prevent matting and tangling.

Their lifespan is approximately 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

The Rattle dog, also known as a Rat Terrier Mix with Poodle, is a hybrid breed that doesn't have a standard for its breeding. This means you need to look at the two parent breeds to understand what they may be like.

The Rat Terrier is a combination of other breeds that have been standardized over the years, so you can expect certain characteristics from them. However, since there is no standard for the Rattle dog, it's essential to consider the traits of both the Poodle and the Rat Terrier.

The Poodle is also a hybrid breed, making the Rattle dog a cross between two breeds that are themselves mixes. This can make it challenging to predict the exact characteristics of a Rattle dog, but it also means they can bring unique and exciting traits to the table.

Since the Rattle dog doesn't have a standard, you'll need to research the characteristics of both the Poodle and the Rat Terrier to get a sense of what to expect from this breed.

Recommended read: Bull Terrier Breed

Rat terrier mixes with poodle are known to be intelligent, brave, active, and independent, traits that are characteristic of their terrier heritage.

They have a natural instinct to hunt, which can make them keen on chasing small prey, so it's essential to keep them on a leash outside of enclosed areas to prevent them from getting distracted.

Rat terrier mixes with poodle can be friendly and playful, but their independence might lead to a bit of a power struggle between them and their owner.

They require a lot of energy and need to stay active, so finding ways to channel their energy is crucial to prevent mischievous behavior.

Terriers are intelligent, brave, active, independent, and playful dogs. Many terriers are also friendly, mischievous, and fearless.

Their independent nature is rooted in their breeding history of hunting rodents without human guidance, which might lead to a power struggle between the dog and its owner. This independence can make it challenging to train and manage their behavior.

Terriers need to stay active, as they are full of energy and prone to mischievous behavior if they don't get enough physical and mental stimulation. Without proper outlets, they might resort to destructive behavior or get into trouble.

Terriers can adapt to living with other dogs if raised together from a young age, but they may prefer being the only pet in the household. If they're not socialized to other pets, they might show aggressive behaviors towards other animals, including cats.

Their hunting drive can overpower their obedience, making it challenging to recall them when distracted, especially if they're off-leash in an enclosed area.

See what others are reading: Rat Terrier Behavior Problems

Our Rat Terrier Poodle mix has a single coat of soft wavy hair, which is a notable characteristic of this breed.

The coat of our Rat Terrier Poodle mix is not odor free, but it doesn't trigger off allergies like some other dogs we've lived with.

Rat Terrier Poodle mixes, like our own, may not be completely hypoallergenic, but they can be a good choice for people with allergies who want a dog with a low-shedding coat. Their single coat of soft wavy hair is a good indication that they are likely to be a good fit for those with allergies.

Discover more: Yorkshire Terrier Coat Type

The physical appearance of a Rat Terrier mix with Poodle can be quite diverse.

You won't know what your puppy will look like until they're fully grown, as the two breeds look so different.

Take a look at pictures of Rat Terrier-Poodle puppies to get an idea of what they might look like.

Their appearance can range from long, fluffy hair and floppy ears to short, straight hair and pointed ears.

Some puppies may inherit the markings of a Rat Terrier, while others may resemble a Poodle more closely.

Their physical appearance will likely change as they grow and mature.

Related reading: Yorkshire Terrier Ears

A Ratdoodle's grooming needs will depend on their coat type - if they have a wavy or curly coat, daily brushing and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks are a must.

They'll require daily brushing to prevent matting and knotting, as well as the occasional trim if they inherit their Poodle parent's coat.

Short-haired Ratdoodles will shed more, but they need less grooming.

Keep an eye on their nails - if they get too long, they can cause pain and discomfort, and even lead to infection.

Regular tooth brushing will help prevent dental issues in the future.

A Ratdoodle with a short and coarse coat will only need occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Intriguing read: Silky Terrier Grooming

Rat terrier mixes with poodles are generally a hardy bunch, thanks to the hybrid vigor that comes with being a mixed breed. This means they're less likely to suffer from genetic predispositions of their parent breeds.

Their parent breeds, the Poodle and American Rat Terrier, are both relatively healthy, but there are some conditions to keep an eye out for. Patellar luxation is a common issue in medium and larger dogs like poodles, where the kneecap can slip out of place.

Hip dysplasia can also affect these dogs, and it's found in both Poodles and Rat Terriers. This is a condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.

Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's disease, and epilepsy are other major concerns to look out for in rat terrier mixes with poodles. These are all serious health issues that require regular check-ups and monitoring.

Some minor disorders to watch out for include bloat, allergies, and eye issues. These can be managed with proper care and attention, but it's essential to catch them early.

Here are some health issues to keep in mind:

And some more serious health concerns:

A well-balanced diet is crucial for the overall health and longevity of your rat terrier mix with poodle.

Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount and type of food for your dog based on their age, weight, and activity level.

Feeding your rat terrier mix with poodle high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for small to medium-sized breeds will provide them with the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

Avoid overfeeding and monitor their weight to prevent obesity, as extra pounds can lead to various health issues.

Always provide your dog with fresh water.

Table scraps and foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, onions, and grapes, should be avoided.

Rat terrier mixes with poodle can make wonderful pets, but it's essential to remember that every dog is unique.

Their high energy levels require regular exercise, such as the 30-minute daily walks mentioned in the "Exercise Needs" section.

A balanced diet is crucial, and as discussed in "Nutrition and Feeding", a mix of high-quality dog food and occasional treats will keep them happy and healthy.

Their intelligence and trainability make them great for first-time dog owners, as highlighted in the "Training and Socialization" section.