Rat Terrier Schnauzer Mix (RatZer) – Hybrid Dog Breed Info

RatZer is a hybrid dog resulting from Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mix. Let’s find out their origin, temperament, size, price, and all the information for potential Rat-Zer owners.

Dogs are undoubtedly ideal pets to keep you company and fill your home with fun and joy. Dogs are considered man’s best friend, and if you already are a dog owner, you would agree with me on this statement.

Speaking of raising a dog, we pay attention to a number of factors. The breed of the dog gets prominence out of all aspects because the physical and personality traits of dogs differ significantly from one breed to the other. Therefore you should identify a suitable dog for yourself. 

If you are looking for an active, loyal, and spirited canine, RatZer would be a good pick. This article will provide you with all the essential details that you should know regarding this dog breed. 

Observing the looks and personalities of the parent breeds, it is evident they have apparent differences. However, all put together, it creates a unique hybrid dog.

RatZers are typically small to medium-sized dogs that possess physical and personality traits from both Rat Terriers and Schnauzers. Generally, these mixed-breed dogs are friendly, fun-loving, obedient, and alert and make perfect family dogs.

Before getting yourself a dog, educating yourself on the necessary things you should know regarding the breed is essential. It is normal to feel hesitant to get a hybrid dog breed, especially if you are someone who has no experience in raising a dog.

However, it might not be as complex as you think. The more you know, the easier you can become a great dog parent. 

So let’s explore all the important things about the Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mixes.

Fast Facts : Rat Terrier And Schnauzer Mix (RatZer)

Origin of Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mix

If we trace the origin of the Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mix, the data shows that they have been developed since the 1990s. Although their roots only go back to a couple of decades, their parent breeds have more extensive histories, which are worth knowing. 

Rat Terrier is a Terrier dog developed in the early 1900s in the United States. This breed was specifically developed to hunt rats and other pests on farms.

Due to their impressive skills, in a short amount of time, Rat Terriers became demanding dogs among farmers. Although the breed originally inherits hunting genes, they have become family dogs instead of hunting dogs.

When it comes to the history of Schnauzers’ there are varying opinions. Still, it is believed that this breed initially developed in Germany around the 1500-16000s.

Standard breed Schnauzers have developed as watchdogs and guard dogs. Over the years, this breed has been developed in different ways.

It is hard to trace the roots of RatZers precisely; however, this breed was probably developed in the latter part of the 1900s.

The appearance of Schnauzer and Rat Terrier mix

Rat Terriers and Schnauzers are dogs that can be clearly distinguished from their physical appearance.

This mixed breed, just like any other hybrid dog, might inherit fair proportions of physical characteristics from both parents or perhaps relatively more from one parent.

Either way, it is not easy to precisely describe what a Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mixed would look like. Their look entirely depends on the looks of their parents. Still below are some common characteristics that can be seen among RatZers. 

Typically a RatZer is a small or medium-sized dog. However, this might change as Schnauzers come in three different sizes: giant, standard, and miniature.

Since Rat Terriers belong to small dog groups, they are often crossed with miniature Schnauzers. Hence a RatZer usually weighs around 10-25 pounds and stands up to 12-18 inches tall. Despite the size, RatZers get sturdy bodies.

Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mixes get small faces, and the beard is a unique look they get from Schnauzers.

This hybrid dog breed gets short or medium length fur which could have a straight or a wiry texture.

Coat colors may include black, white, gray, brown, sable, and red. RatZers have vigilant eyes and mostly get erect or semi-erect ears. 

How big do Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mix get?

As mentioned earlier, it is hard to predict the size of a RatZer. Rat Terriers are typically small-sized dogs, whereas Schnauzers come in miniature, standard, and giant sizes.

In most cases, RatZers are small or medium-sized. They may have an average weight of 15-20 pounds and a height of 12-15 inches. Still, these measures could increase or decrease depending on the parent’s genes.

While genes function as the primary factor determining a RatZer’s size, external factors such as quality food and physical activities can considerably impact the growth of a Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mixed dog. 

The temperament of RatZers

Dogs own different personalities. Hybrid dogs get some extra uniqueness as they combine the personality traits of two separate dogs.

Both Rat Terriers and Schnauzers are people-oriented dogs, making their hybrid version a great human companion. RatZers are spirited dogs with high-energy levels. They will never miss playing and having fun with their owners.

They can be somewhat moody around toddlers and other pets, which is why they require early socialization. Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mixes are obedient, so you will be able to efficiently train them even though you aren’t someone with professional knowledge regarding it.

Due to the genes they inherit, RatZers are also remarkable watchdogs; they are alert and very protective of their masters. Overall it is fair to comment that RatZer is a hybrid breed with an extroverted personality. 

How long do Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mix dogs live?

Rat Terrier and the Schnauzer mix generally have a long life span as a hybrid dog. Rat Terrier is a dog breed with one of the highest life expectancy ranges, 14-18 years.

The lifespan of a Schnauzer may differ based on the category they belong to; however, a standard breed Schnauzer has a life expectancy range of 13-16 years.

This may slightly change in miniature and giant Schnauzers. Usually, the mix of these two breeds, RatZer gets to enjoy a maximum of 12-16 years.

How much do Schnauzer and Rat Terrier mix puppies cost?

The price of this breed can vary based on the parent dogs’ bloodline and the breeder’s reputation.Typically a purebred Rat Terrier costs around 700-1500 US Dollars, and Schnauzers 500-2000 US Dollars.

The cost is relatively high if the puppies descend from reputed bloodlines. When you get a dog, especially a crossed breed dog, you must get them from a certified breeder.

So if someone sells Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mixes for a low price, make sure to find out why rather than just buying them because they are less costly. 

Tips for raising Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mixes

Maintenance is a crucial aspect you should be aware of as a dog owner. Maintenance levels and requirements of dogs differ from breed to breed. RatZer is not a breed that is intricate to maintain.

However, there are essential things that you must know regarding their maintenance. Below you can find some valuable tips for general maintenance and care of a Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mix. 

• Pursue a grooming routine 

RatZers are not high-maintenance dogs, but you must groom them according to a proper schedule. As discussed, RatZers can get either straight or wiry coats.

To maintain a smooth, healthy coat, you must brush them a couple of times a week. If they have a wiry texture in their fur, you can brush them daily; also, be gentle with brushing as their fur could get tangled.

Cleaning their teeth and ears and trimming nails also should be a part of their grooming routine. 

• Give them a healthy diet 

A well-balanced diet is a must for a RatZer. The amount of food should be decided by the weight of your Rat Terrier and Schnauzer mixed. Usually, 1-2 cups of dog food would be sufficient for a day.

Overfeeding makes them easily vulnerable to obesity; hence always be mindful about the amount of food you provide. You can also eventually add raw food to their meals. 

• Make them exercise 

A RatZer will not deny going on a long walk and spending their time actively. This breed requires plenty of physical activities to stay fit and healthy.

Providing them with daily exercises for at least an hour is essential for RatZers. Physical activities are equally important for their physical and mental health.

If you ignore their activity requirements, they could easily get bored and anxious. 

• Do occasional veterinary check-ups

RatZers are prone to some common health issues they inherit from both parent breeds. To name a few, cataracts, bladder stones, joint dysplasia, alopecia, and patellar luxation are some such health concerns.

Spotting them at the earliest stage will help overcome them without severe consequences. Be observant of your RatZer’s typical behavior; if you notice sudden and frequent changes, do not wait to take them to a vet. 

Final thoughts about the RatZer hybrid breed

RatZer is the hybrid version developed through Rat Terriers and Schnauzers cross-breeding. Inheriting genes from two outstanding dog breeds, RatZer becomes a dog full of life.

They are unique in their appearances and also in their personalities. Nevertheless, Rat Terrier And Schnauzer Mix is a great family dog for anyone from a first-time owner to an experienced dog owner.

Stay tuned with Jack Russell Owner for more interesting posts about our four-legged furry friends.