The Rat Terrier Poodle Mix is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Rat Terrier and the Poodle. It is also called a Roodle, Ratdoodle, Radle Terrier or Ratpoo. It is a friendly but feisty little dog. We will examine some common questions about the different Rat Terrier Poodle mixes below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Rat Terrier Poodle Mix. Note that this hybrid can consist of the brindle or other iterations.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Rat Terrier Poodle Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Rat Terrier Poodle Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Poodle History
The Poodle originally came from Germany, just like the Rottweiler. So, this is a German sucker. They were initially bred for collecting waterfowl for hunters. They are known for being extremely intelligent as well as very good swimmers. Their funky haircuts came about to make them more buoyant in the water. While there are three sizes of Poodle they are not individual breeds just small Poodles bred to get small Rat Terrier Poodles. They are hypo-allergenic so are good for families with allergies and are highly intelligent and eager to please which means they are good at training and learning. They are loyal and good natured dogs but highly energetic so need a lot of stimulation and exercise.
Rat Terrier History
This is an American bred dog bred to be a working dog. Being that they are so small, they were bred to act as a hunter and a farm dog to hunt pests like rats and other vermin. They needed them to be fast and able to catch animals as quick as rabbits. Today the Rat Terrier is a stubborn but intelligent dog who is wary of strangers. While they will be good with a family even if not properly socialized they may be aggressive to other pets and strangers. They have a lot of courage and are very good at detecting the mood you are in. They want to please and are affectionate but he needs a lot of exercise or he can become poorly behaved.
Poodle
Height: 18-24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 45 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 8 -15 years
Rat Terrier
Height: 10 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 10 - 24 lb.
Lifespan: 15 - 18 years
This is an easy to love and extremely friendly dog. This should make a very friendly, family oriented dog. It could be a small but feisty dog. Just because they are small doesn’t mean they don’t want to be in charge. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be Bostonher affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you.
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Rat Terrier Poodle mix might be prone to: Addison's, Bloat, Cushings, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Legg-Perthes, Patellar Luxation, Eye problems, Von Willebrand's, Hip dysplasia, skin problems, allergies, incorrect bites, demodectic mange
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements?
The Rat Terrier Poodle mix should be a relatively easy maintenance dog. Neither of these dogs are very aggressive shedders. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the exercise requirements?
Like all dogs they will do better if they get plenty of exercise. This should be a rather high energy dog that will need regular exercise. Plan on exercising them daily to keep their energy level down. He might be bouncing off the walls so get ready. A tired dog is a good dog. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
Though intelligent, it might be stubborn and demanding. It will need a strong, firm handler that is consistent and won’t let this dog take advantage of them. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.