Rat Terrier vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Rat Terrier vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBoth Rat Terrier and Miniature Australian Shepherd are originated from United States. Rat Terrier may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Rat Terrier may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Rat Terrier may live 5 years more than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Both Rat Terrier and Miniature Australian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Rat Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Miniature Australian Shepherd requires Moderate 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.

miniature australian shepherd - historyUnlike some miniaturized pure dog breeds, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed of its own. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club recognize that the miniature Australian Shepherd is the same as the miniature American Shepherd.

Certain breeding programs to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd have been established and this dog is a small version of the Australian Shepherd. You can say that the Mini Australian Shepherd was developed in the 1960s and hails from the USA. American ranchers bred small Australian Shepherd dogs to create smaller replicas of the breed.

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.

miniature australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat is medium-length and is straight or wavy. It comes in a range of colors such as blue or red merle and red or black tricolor. There are white or tan markings as well. He is a small dog, standing at 33 - 46 cm in height and weighing 6 – 16kg.

They have blue or brown eyes but some will even have one eye blue and the other brown. The ears are semi erect, semi floppy and the tail, while essentially left long and feathery, is sometimes docked.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing dogs who love being with their human families. They get on well with children in the home and are always willing to jump right in for a game.

They’re lively and agile and if its not games they’re busy with, they want to be on a walk. They’re loving and loyal and also eager to please, sensing what their owner wants.

They’re intelligent dogs too and easy to train so it is sure to go well with training and socialization, which is important for any dog. This training and socialization can actually help with problems a dog has such as being very nervous or being too active indoors. They become obedient and manageable wherever they are.

He is also willing to get on with other pets in the house. Just like the larger dog, the mini Australian Shepherd loves to be active and at work.

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.

miniature australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe wonderful friendly nature’s of these dogs make them excellent family pets, especially when they have been trained and socialized. They can live in the city or country but they will certainly require being exercised as they are an active breed, wanting to be busy with his human family.

You can’t describe these dogs as low maintenance as they have long, thick hair that sheds and which will also need to be brushed regularly.

If you’re able to provide a good home for this beautiful, lively dog, then he will make you a splendid pet.

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.

miniature australian shepherd puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Australian Shepherd can enjoy good health if you make sure he has a nutritious diet, he is well exercised and he is happy and content because of the attention you give him. He can easily reach 13 years of age.

Also, say what you like, human beings constantly tampering with animals to produce certain looks has its drawbacks and can create health problems in dogs.

As a pure breed however, these dogs will be more susceptible to some common canine health problems such as hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, obesity, hip dysplasia, vision problems and cancer.

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.

Grooming:

miniature australian shepherd dogs - caringThe mini Australian Shepherd has a long coat with seasonal shedding. You will need to give the coat a good brush twice a week to keep it untangled and to remove loose hair.

Other grooming for your pet will be to check his eyes and ears for infection, check for unusual lumps when you brush him and check for fleas and ticks. Keep his nails trimmed and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid plaque build up.

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog well groomed for the enhancement of this health, people such as your vet or professional groomers will do these grooming tasks for you.

Diet:

Top quality commercially manufactured dog food packed with vitamins and minerals needs to be your choice if you're going to be using these dog foods. Avoid the cheaper brands that use lots of fillers, sugar, salt, colorants and preservatives.

Home-made food is a wonderful treat for a dog and delicious, nutritious and simple ingredients such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables chopped up into his dry kibble from time to time will do him wonders.

Sometimes it will also be good to add in a little bit of raw meat too. Make sure there is a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet constantly.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Height Female:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
5 - 9
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Aussie
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
red or black tri-color, Blue or red merle
Coat:
Single coat, short and smooth
Long and thick
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  29. Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Corgi vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Pomeranian vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Pug vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Miniature Schnauzer vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Papillon vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  37. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  39. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  42. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  48. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds