We’ve talked about several different dog mixes, including the Terrier Poodle mix, which includes the Rat Terrier Poodles. Another one is the Rat Terrier/Poodle mix, also known as the Rattle Dog.
It isn’t a common Poodle Mix breed, and it might challenge a dog breeder offering a Rat Terrier Poodle Mix! But if you’re interested in owning one, you can still find a Rat Terrier Poodle Mix from reputable local breeders and animal shelters across the USA.
Before getting a Rat Terrier Poodle Mix, let’s first learn about what they are in this guide.
Poodle and Rat Terrier Parents
We know all about the Poodle parent, an intelligent breed that’s eager to please and craves attention. These dogs originated as waterfowl retrievers with a curly coat we consider hypoallergenic! But what about the Rat Terrier?
The Rat Terrier is another affectionate breed. Like the Poodle, it loves being around its owner. These dogs originated as rat hunters, hence the name. Because of that, they are athletic with a fantastic sense of smell.
Rat Terriers are intelligent, lovable, and loyal family dogs. They are also social dogs that get along with children and other animals. Thiss calm without for aggressive behavior.
The Rat Terrier Poodle Mix most likely originated 30-40 years ago, when breeders started crossing different breeds to create smaller, hypoallergenic dogs with unique personalities of both parent breeds.
Because the Poodle and Rat terrier mix are bred together, they’re not considered a purebred dog by the AKC. However, its parent breeds are members of the club.
Appearance When a Poodle and Rat Terrier are Bred
Though the Rat Terrier and Poodle look different, so it will be challenging to determine what the mixed breed will look like until they become adults.
Some Rat Terrier Poodle mixes will have long, fluffy hair and floppy ears, like Poodle parent breeds. Others would have short pointed ears, with the markings of a Rat Terrier. Expect Poodle and Rat Terrier mix puppies to look different, even if they are from the same litter!
The size would vary as Poodles and Rat Terriers come in three sizes. On average, the Rat Terrier Poodle mixed breed are medium-sized dogs that stand between 12-20 inches tall and weigh between 30-40 pounds.
Poodle Rat Terrier Mix Temperament
The Rattle is a friendly and intelligent dog who makes an excellent family pet. If you socialise him from an early age with the rest of his family and friends, he shouldn’t cause any behavioural problems.
That said, Rattles are highly cautious when around strangers. Plus, Rattlers are vocal dogs, so expect them to have a moderate barking level when suspicious, making them excellent watchdogs.
Expect fun and playful dog that want to spend all its time with loved ones. Rattles will enjoy playing games with children, adults, and other animals with proper socialization.
But remember, Rattles are very energetic and very curious. They love staying busy and don’t enjoy being alone for long periods. If left alone, the whole day with nothing to do, that’s when the Rattle becomes destructive, whether from boredom, frustration, or separation anxiety.
To prevent those issues from happening, ensure you schedule a time to hang out with your Rattle and leave toys or puzzle games to keep it occupied.
Poodle Rat Terrier Mix Health Issues
The Rattle has an average lifespan of 15-18 years, but this breed still has some health risks, which depend on what it inherited from parents.
Here are some genetic health conditions to watch out for in your Rattle:
- Hip dysplasia – Hip dysplasia is a condition that can affect the Rat Terrier mix with Poodle and other breeds of dogs. It is caused by an abnormal formation of the hip joint. This can lead to pain, lameness, and in severe cases, arthritis. The symptoms of hip dysplasia in a Rat Terrier mix with Poodle may include difficulty standing up, difficulty jumping , an abnormal gait, limping, or the inability to walk at all. If you notice any of these symptoms in your Rat Terrier mix with Poodle, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Fortunately, there are some measures that can be taken to prevent hip dysplasia in a Rat Terrier mix with Poodle. These include providing a nutritious diet , not over-exercising puppies, and avoiding breeding dogs that have a family history of hip dysplasia. If your Rat Terrier mix with Poodle is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, the vet may recommend medications or surgery to help manage the condition.
- Elbow dysplasia – Elbow dysplasia is a common inherited condition that can cause lameness due to the improper development of the elbow joint. It can be caused by genetics, poor nutrition, or trauma and can lead to chronic pain and arthritis. Symptoms to look out for include limping, joint stiffness, and leg swelling.
To prevent elbow dysplasia in a Rat Terrier mix with Poodle, make sure the dog’s diet is balanced and nutritional. Additionally, keep an eye on your pup’s activity level and make sure it isn’t over-exercised or subject to any trauma or injury that could damage its joints. If your Rat Terrier mix with Poodle is diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, the vet may prescribe medications or recommend surgery to correct the issue. - Dental Issues – common in Rat Terriers, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your dog’s teeth and gums. Regular brushing is essential for preventing tartar build-up and bad breath, as well as other conditions like periodontal disease. The vet may also recommend professional dental cleanings if needed. Aside from regular brushing, there are a few other things you can do to help keep your Rat Terrier mix with Poodle’s teeth healthy. Provide chew toys or treats that are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar, and make sure your pup has access to freshwater throughout the day.
- Eye issues – common in Rat Terriers, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your pup’s vision. Signs of eye problems can include redness, discharge, excessive blinking, squinting, or pawing at the eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms in your Rat Terrier mix with Poodle, take them to the vet for an examination and treatment. The vet may recommend tests such as an eye exam, blood tests, or an ultrasound to diagnose any underlying problems. Treatment for eye issues can range from medications to surgery depending on the diagnosis.
- Patellar Luxation – a common condition in dogs that causes the kneecap to slip out of place. It can be caused by genetics, trauma or injury, joint weakness due to arthritis, or improper conformation of the knee joint. Symptoms to look out for include limping and an abnormal gait.
To prevent patellar luxation in your Rat Terrier mix with Poodle, make sure they get plenty of low-impact exercise and are not overweight. Additionally, trim their nails regularly to help maintain proper form when walking. If your pup is diagnosed with patellar luxation, the vet may recommend surgery to correct the issue or prescribe medications to reduce pain and inflammation. - Bloat – a dangerous condition in which the stomach becomes filled with air or gas, causing it to twist and potentially cut off blood flow to other organs. It can be caused by consuming too much food or water too quickly, exercising shortly after eating, stress, or genetics. Symptoms of bloat include a distended belly, excessive drooling, restlessness, and labored breathing. To prevent bloat in your Rat Terrier mix with Poodle, make sure you feed your pup smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal and avoid exercising them right after they eat. Additionally, provide plenty of water for your pup and make sure there is no stress present when they eat. If your pup is suspected of having bloat, take them to the vet immediately as it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Cushing’s Disease – a condition caused by an overactive adrenal gland. It can cause an increase in thirst, urination, appetite, and panting as well as thinning of the skin and hair coat. It is important to have your pup regularly monitored for Cushing’s disease as it can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes if caught early. If left untreated, however, it can lead to more serious health issues. Some signs to watch out for include increased drinking and urination, excessive hunger, fatigue or listlessness, hair loss or thinning of the fur, and pot-bellied appearance. If you suspect your Rat Terrier mix with Poodle may have Cushing’s disease, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Hypothyroidism – an endocrine disorder that occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include lethargy, weight gain, hair loss, and dull coats. If your Rat Terrier mix with Poodle shows any of these signs, it’s important to take them to the vet for a full examination. The vet may recommend blood tests and urine tests to diagnose the issue. Treatment for hypothyroidism usually includes daily medication and regular follow-ups with the vet. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to more complicated health problems.
- Skin Issues – Skin issues are also common in Rat Terriers, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any allergies or skin irritations. Allergies can range from food sensitivities to environmental triggers like pollen and dust mites, while skin irritations can include dryness, itching, scaling, or bumps. If your pup is showing signs of skin irritation or allergy-like symptoms, take them to the vet for an exam and treatment. Treatment may include medications, shampoos, and dietary changes.
Because of that, we highly recommend getting a healthy guarantee from the parent breeds’ owners. That way, you’re aware of what your Rattle can inherit in the future.
It’s essential to not only care for your Rattle adequately, but to take it to the veterinarian to update his vaccinations and maintain regular check-ups. That way, you can catch, treat, or prevent any health conditions early on for your dog to live a long and healthy life.
Poodle Rat Terrier Mix Proper Training and Exercise Requirements
The Rat Terrier and Poodle are active dogs bred as hunting companions and retrievers. Not only does that make them intelligent, but it also means the mixed breed needs lots of exercise!
We recommend giving your Rattle regular exercise. When we mean plenty of exercise, these dogs require about 45-60 minutes of it a day. You don’t need to give your Rattle long walks each day, but you can focus on other activities, such as running, training, and playing games to boost mental stimulation.
Play ball games with dog-safe tennis balls, test your dog’s hunting instinct with hide-and-seek, and meet their activity levels with low-impact exercises like swimming. You can do many things with your Rattle to keep up with its energy level!
It’s best to have a fenced-in yard for your Rat Terrier Poodle Mix to play around in during the afternoon. But if you live in budget apartments without a yard, that’s fine. As long as you give your dog adequate daily exercise around the neighborhood, it will thrive with playful confidence.
That said, these dogs are escape artists, so monitor them while they’re playing outdoors. Rattles take on their love for the chase from Rat Terriers, so make sure you keep your dog leashed if not in a fenced-in yard.
Now, let’s talk about the Rattle’s sufficient training needs.
Unlike the Poodle, Rat Terriers work independently from people. With the Poodle’s high intelligence and Rat Terrier’s independence, the Poodle mix can be tough to train. However, the personality will make up for any training issues.
However, the slight stubborn streak of a Rat Terrier Poodle Mix will make it difficult for first-time owners.
But not to worry, with patience and positive reinforcement, obedience training will go smoothly. Make sure you train your Rattle as a puppy to prevent that stubborn streak.
Start with house-training, leash training, and obedience training. Once your Rattle understands the basic commands, you can begin teaching more complex tricks. The Rattle is very intelligent and will love to please, so keep a consistent training schedule to maintain mental stimulation.
Poodle Rat Terrier Mix Food Requirements
Rattles are active dogs that require high-quality foods appropriate for their age, activity needs, and size. Go for nutrient-rich dog food brands recommended by your pet’s veterinarian to keep your dog healthy and nourished.
You can also choose to feed your Rattle a raw food diet, though talk with the veterinarian about your dog’s individual needs, so you are giving it enough vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.
Since Rattles are susceptible to bloat, we recommend feeding your dog 2-3 small meals a day than bigger servings. Doing so will also prevent overeating, as Rattles are also at risk of obesity and joint issues because of their size and parent breeds.
Poodle Rat Terrier Mix Moderate Grooming Requirements
The Rat Terrier and Poodle mix has a low to non-shedding coat when it comes to the coat.
Even then, this dog has higher grooming requirements, like the Poodle. If the Rattle inherits the Poodle’s curly hair, it will require daily brushing to maintain its curly, low-shedding coat.
But if the Rattle takes on the coat of the Rat Terrier, you can be a bit more lenient with the grooming. Weekly brushings will do, though it’s better to brush your dog’s coat every other day.
Besides regular brushing for a smooth coat, we also recommend bathing your dog and trimming every 4-6 weeks or whenever he gets dirty from exercise and traveling! Have your Rattle get a shorter trim for better maintenance to make coat brushing easier.
To prevent dental issues, make sure you give your dog regular tooth brushing. Every other day will keep your dog’s teeth clean and free from any related health condition.
Be sure to trim your dog’s nails and clean the sensitive areas (eyes and ears) weekly to prevent infection.
How Much is a Poodle Rat Terrier Mix?
The price will depend on the breeder, purebred parents, location, demand, environment, and other vital factors. On average, the Rat Terrier Poodle Mix will cost between $250 to $800.
We recommend asking for health clearances and other necessary documents from a reputable breeder. If the breeder can’t give you appropriate answers or papers, then it’s best to continue your search for a responsible breeder who cares for his dogs and puppies well.
Avoid backyard breeders at all costs. Backyard breeders would raise their dogs and puppies in poor environments to make a quick buck, selling their pups for low prices.
You can also adopt a Poodle Rat Terrier mix from the local animal shelter. You can search the Heaven and Earth Animal Rescue Team, which may have a Rat Terrier rescue up for adoption. While you will most likely adopt an adult Poorat Terrier, they come at less low prices, and you get to give the dog a new home for a second chance of a good life.
Overall, the Rat Terrier Poodle Mix is a great companion dog for any pet owner. Whether you’re a single owner, couple, or entire family, the Rat Terrier Poodle Mix will thrive as long as you train and exercise it regularly.