Rat Terrier vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Rat Terrier is originated from United States but Dogo Cubano is originated from Cuba. Rat Terrier may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Dogo Cubano. Rat Terrier may weigh 42 kg / 92 pounds lesser than Dogo Cubano. Rat Terrier may live 8 years more than Dogo Cubano. Both Rat Terrier and Dogo Cubano has almost same litter size. Both Rat Terrier and Dogo Cubano requires Low maintenance.

History

rat terrier - historyKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

The Cuban Mastiff which came from Cuba, was developed from breeds of Mastiffs, Bulldogs and cattle dogs, with the breed being thought to be extinct since the end of the 19th century.

The Dogo Cubano had a number of roles to fulfill in its day and they were used for guarding stock, for dog fighting and for chasing runaway slaves. After the abolishment of slavery, the large dog had no real role and it died out.

Known also as the Cuban Mastiff or Mastin de Cuba, there isn’t much accuracy as to its origins, with the most common story for their origin being that they are descendants of the Molossus.

The dogs were later introduced into Western Europe, becoming fairly common in England and Spain. The dog was also was also mentioned in the works of canine authors Stonehenge and George Wood.

Description

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

The Dogo Cubano was generally similar to other Mastiffs and stood at rough 48 – 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 45kg.

He was a large dog, powerfully built, muscular and strong. Images of the dog show that it had strong, straight legs with a long tapering tail and medium-sized floppy ears that were sometimes cropped upwards and close to the head.

The dog breed came in a variety of colors such as brown, tan, fawn and brindle. The muzzle was broad and short and black. The dog had pronounced jowls with its face being fairly wrinkly.

Temperament:

This large dog was known for being a courageous, independent and aggressive dog. He became attached to his owner, showing protective characteristics .In those days the dog would have received simple training and certainly if such a large dog still existed today, it would have to receive training and socialization as well.

The Dogo Cubano was an intelligent dog and easily trainable, requiring an owner with a firm hand. Being an aggressive breed, the dog possibly wouldn’t have been the best companion for children. He also wouldn’t have got on too well with pets in the home as he was trained to be a fighter in his day. Independent and strong-willed, the dog would not have suited a novice dog owner.

Characteristics

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

The Dogo Cubano was bred to be a guard dog as well as for dog fighting, but this large dog, with training and socialization, no doubt became a loyal and devoted family pet.

It was actually a social dog, being aggressive towards other dogs. He would be described as a dog better suited to a home with older children.

He was protective with his human family but not very active, being too big to be leaping around like other dog breeds. It is a pity that this large dog has disappeared as he had some good qualities.

Health Problems

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

The Dogo Cubano was a generally healthy breed, but just like with most other dog breeds, they were also prone to some of the more common dog problems. The chances of him getting sick were slim though.

When the dog first originated, there were unlikely to have been health clearance certificates, but today, you’d want health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

The reason for this is that hip dysplasia is a heritable condition, seen more often in large dogs, where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint properly. The dog suffers with pain and discomfort and the condition can lead to lameness with the dog.

Gastric Torsion or Bloat is a life threatening condition that affects large dogs like the Dogo Cubano and those with deep chests. The stomach is distended with gas and it can twist.

The gas can’t escape and blood flow is hindered. The dog vomits, is lethargic and weak, and immediate veterinary help will be required.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

Exercise:

The Dogo Cubano was a large dog, so if he did become used to living in the city, he would have adapted better to life in the country.

He wasn’t a dog requiring too much exercise but he would have needed to go for walks. They were used as guard dogs long ago, and if he had been in existence today, you wouldn’t have been able to include him in your jogging and cycling as he was a dog that could easily overheat.

Diet:

Not all dogs require the same amount of food. Long ago the Dogo Cubano wouldn’t have had the same variety of dog foods available today. Maybe the dog in those days was fed the same kind of food that his owner ate.

Today, if these dogs were still around, they would require the best quality ‘large dog breed’ kibble.

The better the dog food, the more nourishing it is and the healthier the dog is. The Dog Cubano would likely have been a dog that drooled, leaving quite a bit of backwash in the water bowl, so it would have been important to wash out the drinking bowl and to regularly replace it with cool, fresh water.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
United States
Cuba
Height Male:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Height Female:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
2 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Cuban Mastiff, Mastin de Cuba
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
brindle, Brown, fawn, tan
Coat:
Single coat, short and smooth
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  5. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Rat Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Rat Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  11. Rat Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Rat Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Rat Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Rat Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  16. Rat Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Rat Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Rat Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Rat Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Rat Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Rat Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Rat Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Rat Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  27. Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  28. Presa Canario vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  29. Labrador Husky vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  30. Giant Schnauzer vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  31. Goldador vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  32. Dogo Cubano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  33. Dogo Cubano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  34. Dogo Cubano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  35. Dogo Cubano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  36. Dogo Cubano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  37. Dogo Cubano vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  38. Dogo Cubano vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  40. Dogo Cubano vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Dogo Cubano vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  42. Dogo Cubano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  43. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Dogo Cubano vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  45. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  46. Dogo Cubano vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  47. Dogo Cubano vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Dogo Cubano vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Dogo Cubano vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  50. Dogo Cubano vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds