The Pit Rat Terrier is a cross between a Rat Terrier and Pitbull. They are designer dogs that are gaining popularity recently due to their affectionate yet strong-willed nature.
The hybrid’s characteristics may be unpredictable as one parent may dominate the other. However, when breeders cross Pitbull with Rat Terriers, they expect to have a smaller dog but with the strength and agility of a Pitbull.
The Pitbull Rat Terrier mix is known for its affectionate nature, loyalty to its owner, and pleasing temperament. If you are looking for a new addition to your family, this breed may be your best bet.
What is a Rat Terrier Pitbull Mix?
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The Pit Rat Terrier is a mix between a Rat Terrier and Pitbull dog breed. Both parents of this hybrid are loyal and lovable dogs with excellent hunting instincts. As expected, the Rat Terrier Pitbull mix adopts the athleticism and wits of its parents. They also make good companions and guard dogs.
The Rat Terrier Pitbull mix can get stubborn and strong-willed, which they inherit from their Pitbull parent, but despite being headstrong, they are also sweet and easy-going.
They are low-maintenance and easy to groom; they also don’t require much playtime and exercise because of their size, but they have a high prey drive and might not get along well with small animals.
Their characteristics and features depend on which genes played a predominant role. In most cases, the parent they resemble more is also likely the parent they got their characteristics from.
Although there are studies that support this claim, there is still no way of knowing, for sure, which traits they would inherit.
Rat Terrier Pitbull Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Pit Rat Terrier Come From?
The Pit Rat Terrier is a cross between a Pitbull and a Rat Terrier. This hybrid was first bred in the United States and is often regarded as a pet, but they could also train to be guard dogs.
To understand more about this mix, let’s take a look at its parents’ history and origin.
The Rat Terrier is the smallest of the terrier breeds. They were originally bred to eradicate rats in barns and homes. They are used as pest control as well as a family companion.
For more information about Rat Terriers, watch this short documentary below:
ALL ABOUT RAT TERRIERS: THE ULTIMATE RATTER!<a href="https://youtu.be/aYvdzh8Jnwg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FaYvdzh8Jnwg%2F0.jpg" alt="ALL ABOUT RAT TERRIERS: THE ULTIMATE RATTER!" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Meanwhile, Pit Bulls are a blend of a terrier’s insane courage and a bulldog’s strength. They are athletic dogs and need plenty of exercise. In the past, they were originally used for blood sports like bull-baiting and bear-baiting.
Being a Pitbull’s offspring, they can get stubborn. However, Pit Rat Terriers are widely known and loved for being affectionate and easy-going. They are superb family dogs and inherited the intelligence of both of their parents.
Rat Terrier Pitbull Mix Appearance: What Does a Pit Rat Terrier Look Like?
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The appearance of a Pit Rat Terrier may vary since they can resemble each parent depending on which gene is more dominant. However, in most cases, they inherit the physical traits of their Pitbull parent.
Typically, they have squarish faces adorned with a broad jaw. They also have slim bodies with muscular chests.
Pitbulls come in many colors and markings like black, brown, brindle, and many others, while a Rat Terrier can be black, tan, white, tan-orange, or chocolate. You can expect their offspring to exhibit these colors as well.
Since both Rat Terrier and Pitbull tend to have silky, short hair and a single-layered coat, their offspring are bound to inherit the same fur.
Furthermore, their appearance also depends on the health and fitness of the parents.
Rat Terrier Pitbull Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Pit Rat Terriers Get?
The Pit Rat Terrier typically weighs from 20 to 65 pounds and measures 14 to 16 inches from its withers. Due to their size, they could adapt well to apartments and homes without large yards.
The size of the Pitbull Rat Terrier mix is quite unpredictable. Pitbulls are medium size, while Rat Terriers are small to medium.
Although there is a common ground of them being medium-sized, there is still no way to know how small or big they could get. However, it comes down to the health and physique of the parents.
Rat Terrier Pitbull Mix Temperament: Are Pit Rat Terriers Good Family Dogs?
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The Pitbull Rat Terrier mix is an excellent family dog. They are playful, easy-going, and love playing with children. They are also moderately energetic and could play catch with your kids.
They thrive on attention and may develop destructive behavior when ignored for long periods. They are prone to separation anxiety and shouldn’t be intentionally or unintentionally ignored.
They tend to chew on stuff as a coping mechanism when feeling worried and anxious, and they also use this to get your attention.
Having intelligent parents, this mix is expected to be easily trainable. Their obedient nature and eagerness to learn are also admirable qualities.
However, both parents have a high prey drive, which is passed on to their offspring, making it hard for this breed to get along well with smaller animals.
Aside from that, they are great companions during walks and are great watchdogs. They are socially active and would not make it hard for you to take them out to play.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Pitbull: Which Is Better?
Rat Terrier Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Pit Rat Terriers Healthy Dogs?
Pit Rat Terriers are relatively healthy dogs; they could live for as long as 10 to 18 years when properly taken care of.
However, their exact life expectancy still depends on the exact breed of the Pitbull parent and the overall health of its Rat Terrier parent.
Usually, the American Staffordshire Terrier has the longest lifespan among the Pitbull breeds, while the American Bully and American Pit Bull Terrier have the shortest.
Regardless of these factors, however, the Pit Rat Terrier may still develop life-altering health issues.
The following are some health-related issues that may affect a Rat Terrier’s well-being and lifespan:
Skin Problems: The most common health concern of a Pit Rat Terrier is allergies. Their Terrier parent is prone to itching, while their Pitbull blood can give them frequent bouts of hot spots and other skin irritations. They are also predisposed to ichthyosis, so watch out for excessive itching and hair loss.
Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease is a type of canine gum disease. This issue is caused by bacteria build-up that infects a dog’s oral cavity. Pit Rat Terriers that are affected by this usually exhibit symptoms such as inflamed gums, discolored teeth, bad breath, and weight loss.
Knee Problems: Dogs of all sizes experience knee problems, and it is also the most common health issue among them. The Rat Terrier Pitbull mix is predisposed to genetic knee problems, and because of that, regular consultation with the veterinarian is necessary.
Eye Problems: It is pretty common for dogs to have eye problems. While some are mild and can be managed at home, others can have a grave effect on your pets’ sight. Pit Rat Terriers are predisposed to cataracts, primary lens luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Observe your pup for signs of odd behavior and symptoms of the mentioned illnesses. It is also best to seek a professional opinion from a veterinarian while caring for hybrid dogs.
Frequent testing of the hips, elbows, and knees is mandatory to ensure they won’t develop bone-related health problems.
How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix
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Pit Rat Terriers are not hard to maintain. All they need is enough exercise, a balanced diet, and regular grooming. They would also need lots of your attention to live a healthy life.
Training would also be an easy task because this breed is intelligent and eager to learn rules and tricks.
To give you an idea of what kind of care a Pitbull Rat Terrier mix needs, I specified some helpful guides and tips below that you can follow.
Food and Diet
When feeding a Pit Rat Terrier, It is best to avoid a grain-containing diet as it may lead to dental issues and gum disease. Stay away from cheap dog foods because they might lack the proper mix of nutrients this breed needs.
Adult Rat Terriers eat ½ to 1 ½ cups per day. However, adult Pitbulls eat two to 2 ⅔ cups of dog food per meal and require two meals each day. With this, you can expect their mix to consume 1 to 2 cups per day, depending on their size.
Dietary habits differ from one dog to another. Seeking advice from a reputable veterinarian is best to determine which foods are likely to be safe for them to eat and how much they should intake every day.
However, fish oils are wonderful for fur and skin health. Omega 3 and fatty acid supplements are also recommended.
Feeding these could prevent the development of skin allergies, heart disease, infections, and other health issues.
Cleaning and Grooming
Even though the Pit Rat Terrier has a sleek and single-layered coat, they still need regular combing and brushing. Brushing their hair will keep them from shedding too much and limit the amount of dander to a minimum.
Using a high-quality slicker brush suitable for their coat needs is advisable. Brushing it in the direction of their hair growth is recommended.
This pooch needs a bath once every six weeks, depending on how active they are outdoors. However, bathing them might be a challenge since they are naturally averse to water.
Brushing their teeth three times a week is enough to prevent bacterial infections, keep tartar from building up in their mouth, and eliminate bad breath.
Cleaning the ears of a Rat Terrier Pitbull mix should be done weekly. Check their ears to catch any early signs of infection, such as redness or an odd odor.
Training and Exercise
Establishing your role as a leader and parent during the first few days you bring them home is imperative to make training easier. It is also best to involve everyone in the family when guiding them.
The Rat Terrier Pitbull mix enjoys having rules and setting limitations where they can feel safe and secure. They adapt well to changes and are obedient when taught well.
They don’t require that much activity, contrary to dogs that are larger than them. Forty minutes of daily walks or agility training during the day is usually enough for them.
How Much Does a Rat Terrier Pit Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
A Rat Terrier Pit mix puppy costs $200 to $1,500. The most expensive one could reach up to $5,000. However, these prices depend on the quality, availability, and location.
Prices may rise if you are searching for specific colors and if you want a puppy that comes with health insurance.
Buying or adopting a puppy also means you would have to invest in dog foods, leashes, food bowls, vaccines, and many others. It is important to know how much these items would cost to prepare yourself financially.
We listed below the initial expenses of a Pitbull Rat Terrier mix:
Learning how much a pup would cost will help you adjust your budget before purchasing them. Getting a pup is a commitment, and one should prepare themselves in all aspects before having one.
Places to Find Rat Terrier Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Looking into reputable breeders around your area is one of the best choices to get your Pit Rat Terrier. Having them near you would be convenient whenever you need assistance with your pooch.
Importing them is also a possible choice, especially when there are not many breeders in your location or there are no litters available.
Listed below are sources where you could look for Pitbull Rat Terrier mix puppies:
Lancaster Puppies – This website is where dog breeders and puppy sellers put up their puppies for sale. They provide advertisements for them in addition to stud dog services and other puppies for sale-related items. You can very likely find available Rat Terrier Pitbull mixes here.
PetClassified – This website brings together buyers and sellers of different dog breeds, including Rat Terrier Pitbull mixes. They act as a bulletin board where puppy sellers could post ads about their pups. It is required to register before putting up an ad and going through with a purchase.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies has been finding loving homes for different dog breeds for over a decade. You may find a few listings of Rat Terrier Pitbull mix for sale on this advertising website.
As interested dog owners, it is your responsibility to look for reputable breeders to make sure you are getting a healthy pup. Our article on how to safely purchase puppies online will give you tips on how to do this.
If you are trying to adopt a Pitbull Rat Terrier mix, below are some places you could check out:
NoKill Network – This organization was established to promote the no-kill model and the organizations that support it. They have a ton of Rat Terrier mixes available, and a Pit Rat Terrier might just be one of them.
Pit Bull Rescue Central – The goal of this organization is to rescue abandoned dogs and prevent cruelty to them, especially Pit Bulls and their mixes. They provide additional web exposure to Pit Bulls that need a second chance for family and home.
New Rattitude – New Rattitude is a non-profit organization with a mission to rescue Rat Terriers and Rat Terrier mixes. They are dedicated to giving their rescued dogs a second chance to belong in a new family. Reach out to them to see if they have a Pitbull Rat Terrier mix.
If you are unsuccessful in finding a Rat Terrier pit mix in these sources, you can try looking into our article on Pitbull rescues.
If you are new to adopting, you should check out our ultimate dog adoption guide. It contains common guidelines and general requirements set by shelters and rescues.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix
There are advantages and disadvantages of owning mixed breeds. That is why it is not unusual that there are people who are still unsure about getting a Pitbull Rat Terrier mix.
Below are some advantages of having a Rat Terrier Pitbull mix:
Perfect family dogs: They are playful and easy-going dogs that love playing with children. They are also loyal and enjoy gaining the attention of the people around them.
Great walking companions: Despite its slightly smaller size, a Rat Terrier Pit mix is protective and courageous. They are perfect walking buddies during the day or night.
Suitable for apartment living: Because of their size, they fit in households that do not have lots of space. They also have moderate energy levels and won’t require too much activity to keep them at bay.
Easy to train: This breed is intelligent, which they inherited from both parents. They are obedient and are always open to learning and training.
One should also take note of the following disadvantages of owning a Pit Rat Terrier:
Prone to separation anxiety: If you consider leaving your pet alone for six hours or more, think again. This Pitbull Rat Terrier mix can stand being alone and might trigger anxiety.
Need lots of attention: They love being the center of attention, and when they feel like they are getting neglected or isolated, they tend to exhibit destructive behavior. They may chew on your stuff as a way of catching your attention.
Unpredictable adult size: A Pitbull is a medium-sized dog, while a Rat Terrier is a small to medium canine. There is no sure way of knowing the size of your full-grown pup. Genetics and other factors could affect the growth of this breed.
Evaluating the pros and cons of owning a Rat Terrier Pitbull mix is an important step you should not neglect. It is your basis whether or not this designer dog is a perfect fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Rat Terrier Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
No, the Pit Rat Terrier is not an aggressive breed. They are calm and complacent most of the time. Despite their Pitbull parent’s reputation, this mixed breed is not as aggressive as their parent.
Do Rat Terrier Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
No, they do not shed a lot. Pit Rat Terriers are somewhat low-maintenance dogs. You just need to brush their coats from time to time.
Regular combing and brushing, once or twice a day, are necessary to keep their hair shiny, lessen shedding, and limit dander.
Are Rat Terrier Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Having both non-hypoallergenic dog parents, it is safe to assume that the Rat Terrier Pitbull mix is also non-hypoallergenic.
However, there are still chances that they would inherit their parents’ recessive genes, making them hypoallergenic.
Final Thoughts: Is a Pit Rat Terrier the Right Dog for You?
This Pitbull and Rat Terrier mix is a crossbreed that’s becoming more and more popular. They are amazing designer dogs with unique traits and temperaments.
They are not aggressive, but they are brave and protective, making them great guard dogs. They are also obedient, love having rules, and are open to training.
They make excellent family dogs and pets for children as long as they undergo proper training. Although they can be stubborn at times, these lovable mutts would surely add flavor to your home.
Have we piqued your interest? This article should provide you with all the information you need before deciding whether or not the Pit Rat Terrier is the perfect fit for your home.
Are you considering adding this Rat Terrier Pitbull mix to your family, or do you already have them as a pet? Let us know in the comment section below.
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