Adopting and parenting pure breed dogs is easy when trying to understand your canines. However, a mixed breed can come as a whole new set of behavioral patterns, temperament, and everything else.
Therefore, it becomes even more essential to know more about the dog that you might parent.
Pitbulls are universally loved as a people-oriented breed globally. In comparison, the Rat Terriers are not the most friendly or social dog breed. And Pitbull Rat Terriers is a unique designer breed that is widely loved all around the world.
This article will walk you through the different aspects of both breeds, Pitbulls and Rat Terriers, that affect their mixed breed. To know more about them, keep reading!
At a Glance
- Weight: 20 to 65 pounds
- Height: 14 inches to 1 foot 4 inches tall at the shoulder
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Funny, loyal, courageous, friendly, protective, intelligent
- Most Suitable For: Families
Recommended: 45 Adorable Pitbull Mixes That Will Melt Your Heart
What is a Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix?
The Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix (also called Pit Rat Terrier) was the hybrid result of a crossbreed between a rat terrier and a Pitbull in the USA. Pitbull Rat Terriers are loved profoundly all around the world.
Since they are the progeny of a Pitbull, it goes without saying that they are affectionate and stubborn. Furthermore, Pitbulls are some of the most aggressive dogs globally, so, yes, you can expect some of those traits as well.
Rat Terriers, on the other hand, are lovable, funny dogs and not at all stubborn. Therefore, if the mix is most of the terrier and less of the Pitbull, you can expect some of these traits.
Appearance
Physical appearance highly depends on which breed the dog inherits the most from. It could be more like a Pitbull if they inherit from their side and vice versa.
It has been observed over time that Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix looks much like Pitbulls.
Coat
Since both the Pitbull and the Rat Terriers tend to have a pretty smooth silk-like layer with very short hair; furthermore, both are single-layered coat breeds, so that you can expect that kind of coat from your Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix.
Color
Pitbulls come in various colors, like brown, black, red-brindle mixture, and some other colors. In contrast, rat terriers mostly sport tan, black, white, tan-orange, and chocolate.
If we balance them out, it is fair to say that both the parents have various colors. Thus, we can expect something similar from their offspring.
So, yes, the color of your Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix depends on what color the parents are. However, some of the most common colors are brown, orange, white, brindle-mixture, black, and tan.
Size
Anything or any trait of the mix breed depends on the breeds that were crossed together. Here, the size depends on the Pitbull’s and the Rat Terrier’s size. The Pitbull is a medium-sized dog breed. The rat terriers, on the other hand, are small-medium-sized breeds.
And that’s why it is not hard to comprehend that your Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix could vary from small to medium in size. It also depends on the health and physique of the parents.
Pit Rat Terrier Mix Characteristics
While one can never entirely predict characteristics, it is most likely that your Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix will acquire the character traits of the parent they acquired their physical traits from. But, again, some research proves this, and there is no guarantee about it whatsoever.
That is because every puppy is different, just like each parent dog can be different. It depends on what traits the parents possess. Suppose, unlike other pitbull dogs, the parent is not aggressive at all. In such a case, it could be possible that the Pitbull Terrier Mix could be meek just like the parent.
The characteristics of the hybrid also depend on various genetic and environmental slants. So, yes, you can even analyze the characteristics of the parents and jot down the common ones. These common ones will most likely be the traits of the hybrid.
Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix Temperament
We have already discussed how puppies inherit the characteristics and behaviors from their parents. Similarly, temperament also depends on these factors.
However, you can rest assured in the case of intelligence because both Pitbull and Rat Terriers are intelligent dog breeds, so the hybrid will surely be smart. In this segment, we will first break down their individual temperament.
- Pitbulls: Intelligent, aggressive, courageous, obedient, and stubborn.
- Rat Terriers: Friendly, funny, affectionate, intelligent, biddable, and loyal.
- Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix: Loyal, courageous, funny, intelligent, protecting.
Note that the traits mentioned above are subject to change and may vary in some cases. However, these are the most common ones, and at least one if not all can be seen in the Pitbull Rat Terrier hybrids.
- Training: Training Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix can be pretty easy if done rightly. They adapt to changes and are always open to learning and training. Furthermore, they are obedient, which makes training them a cakewalk.
- Prone to Anxiety and Depression: Well, if you are thinking of leaving your canine friend alone for 6 hours or more, consider the decision once again because Pitbull Rat Terriers cannot stand being left alone. They are prone to anxiety and depression, and leaving them home in your absence would only trigger it further. The hybrids might even try to relieve their anxiety levels by destroying or breaking things around the house.
- Attention: Do not be a miser here. Be it intentional or unintentional, make sure that your furry friend in no way feels ignored by you or any other family member. Pitbull Rat Terriers will chew the soul off your belongings if you ever made them feel abandoned. Therefore, lookout. Such behavior is nothing but their solution to grabbing the owner’s attention.
- Friendly and lovable: If you want your dog to be your evening walk partner and guard your house at all times, the Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix is the best choice. They are socially active, meaning you won’t have to drag them out when it is playtime. Instead, they will happily hop out before you.
Health Issues
Much like the traits and behaviors, the hybrid might also acquire some parents’ health problems and genetic issues. To closely understand such health complications, always understand the parents’ genetic conditions and health issues.
Here is a list of the possible issues that your hybrid canine might have. The list is a balanced blend of both the Pitbull and Rat Terrier’s genetic conditions.
- Thyroid disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Retinal atrophy
- Chronic allergies
- Mitral valve disease
- Dental problems
- Knee problems
- Microvascular dysplasias
- Allergies
- Heart problems
- Skin infections
- Epilepsy
- Gum diseases
- Primary lens luxation
- Cataract
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Ichthyosis
- Dilution alopecia
- Gastric torsion
- Hernias
Remember that the hybrid puppy is prone to health implications, as mentioned above. Therefore, always consult a veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of unusual behavior. It may be nothing, but it is best to have a professional opinion.
Dietary Routine
Consult a qualified veterinarian for this because the dietary routine of a hybrid varies from the dietary routines of the parent or original breed.
A vet can help you craft a balanced routine, inclusive of all the essential nutrients.
However, it is advisable to feed class A quality food, and you should always avoid cheap or unbranded foods. Furthermore, make sure the diet is protein-rich and loaded with nutrients.
Grooming
Grooming keeps the canines in decent health. Therefore, do not miss out on this. The Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix coat may be sleek and single-layered, but it still requires grooming and regular brushing.
Regular brushing prevents shedding and dander formation. Not to mention the difference it brings to the appearance.
Furthermore, try to find out the perfect brush that suits your pet because grooming is unmissable. Considering they have short hair and a single-layered coat, the Pitbull Rat Terriers are better off with a slicker brush.
To Wrap It Up
With that, we come to an end to this comprehensive guide about the Pitbull Rat Terrier Mix hybrid. The hybrids entirely depend on the traits of the parent; even the health conditions can be similar. Therefore, it is advisable to check the parents’ health closely.
Pitbull Rat Terriers are an amazing breed with some unique traits and temperament, and if you are planning on having one, go ahead because they are adorable. However, never leave them alone at the house!
