Dachshund Rat Terrier Mix, popularly known as the Toy Rat Doxie, is an adorable and spunky breed that many dog owners love.
This breed is a cross between the Dachshund and the Rat Terrier, and it has all the qualities that make it a great family pet.
If you’re considering getting a Toy Rat Doxie, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.
BASIC TRAITS
Height
8-18 inches
Weight
6-35 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Group (of Breed)
Crossbreed
Best Suited For
active families with kids and other pets, experienced dog owners
Temperament
affectionate, loyal, playful, fearless, active, curious
Origin
The Dachshund Rat Terrier Mix is a relatively new breed believed to have been created in the United States.
This breed was created by crossing purebred Dachshunds and Rat Terriers.
The goal was to create a breed with the classic looks of the Dachshund and the Rat Terrier’s lively and energetic personality.
This crossbreeding produced the excellent Toy Rat Doxie breed.
Coat
The Dachshund Rat Terrier mix can have a range of coat colors, including black, brown, white, tan, and brindle.
Their coat is typically short and smooth, like their Dachshund parent, which makes them low maintenance in terms of grooming.
While the Toy Rat Doxie is not a heavy shedder, they do shed moderately throughout the year.
You must brush their coat once a week to remove loose fur and keep their coat looking healthy. Bathing once every few months is usually enough to keep them clean.
Temperament/Behavior
The Toy Rat Doxie is a fun-loving and energetic breed that can quickly become a family favorite.
It has a fearless and confident personality and is always up for playtime and cuddling.
This breed is highly social and loves to be around people, making it a great companion for families with children or older individuals.
The Toy Rat Doxie is inherently curious and loves to explore, which can make it an excellent watchdog.
Due to its Rat Terrier parentage, it has a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, including cats and squirrels.
Therefore, training it from a young age is essential to avoid unwanted chasing behavior.
Exercise Requirements
Toy Rat Doxies are energetic dogs that need a moderate amount of exercise.
They enjoy daily walks or playing outside. Since they are small dogs, you won’t need to take them for long walks.
A couple of 45-60 minute walks daily should be enough to meet their exercise needs.
Playing a game of fetch or chase can also help to burn off their energy.
Food/Diet
As a small breed, the Toy Rat Doxie requires a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
Its diet should consist of high-quality dog food appropriate for the size, age, and activity level.
Ensuring that you provide the correct serving size is essential, as exceeding this can lead to obesity, which can cause health issues such as diabetes.
Common Health Problems
Like any other breed, the Toy Rat Doxie is susceptible to several health issues, such as:
- Dental Issues: Small dogs are predisposed to dental problems, and it’s essential to ensure that you brush their teeth regularly and provide them with dental chews.
- Back Problems: The Toy Rat Doxie is prone to back problems, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to its long spine. To avoid this, it’s crucial to ensure that you don’t allow it to jump from high places or engage in any activities that can strain its back.
- Allergies: The Toy Rat Doxie is also prone to allergies, affecting its skin and coat. Keeping it clean and providing a high-quality diet can help prevent allergies.
Conclusion
The Dachshund Rat Terrier Mix, popularly known as the Toy Rat Doxie, is an adorable and spunky breed that makes an excellent family pet.
It’s a low-maintenance breed that requires minimal grooming and exercise, making it perfect for apartment living.
It has a great personality and is always up for playtime and cuddles.
However, it’s always essential to ensure that you provide it with the right diet, exercise, and care to avoid any potential health issues.