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American Rat Pinscher |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
U.S.A. <> Germany -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
Rat-a-Pin
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A brief presentation of the American Rat Pinscher |
| The American Rat Pinscher is a combination of the American Rat Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher. The American Rat Terrier was originally bred as a farm or hunting dog, and eventually became a companion dog. The origins of the Dwarf Pinscher are not as clear as those of the American Rat Terrier. We do know that the modern Miniature Pinscher found a home in Germany. Dwarf Pinschers are thought to be related to Italian Greyhounds and Dachshunds. Experts believe that the German Pinscher was also mixed into the lineage at some point. It is therefore reasonable to believe that an American Rat Pinscher will tend to hunt small prey and objects. They are small dogs and do well in an apartment without a yard. They are very active dogs, so daily exercise is a must. |
History of the American Rat Pinscher |
| The American Rat Pinscher is a combination of the American Rat Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher. American Rat Pinscher owners first used the breed as hunting companions, as they had speed and agility while running. Today, this same breed is a faithful companion and even a pet dog for some. Although both parents are recognized by the American Kennel Club, the American Rat Pinscher hybrid breed is not. |
A little of the Rat Terrier |
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| When researching the origins of this feisty character, documentation indicates that the American Rat Terrier has roots based in England. In the early 19th century, early settlers in America originated the breed, which is actually a mix of crosses such as the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Manchester Terrier. The Beagle and Chihuahua are even thought to have played an early role in the breed's development. The American Rat Terrier found its purpose as a hunter, initially to prevent rabbits from damaging and ravaging crops in the fields. In the 1900s, this dog breed perfected its vermin-hunting skills. | ||
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| Presentation of the Rat Terrier | ||
A little of the Miniature Pinscher |
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| The Miniature Pinscher, on the other side of the breed's lineage, is thought to have originated in Germany. Also trained as a ratter, the German Smoothhaired Pinscher was crossed with the Italian Greyhound and Smooth Dachshund to form a fast, elegant hunter. Already at the beginning of the 20th century, the number of Dwarf Pinschers was great, and by 1925, the stud book already contained 1,300 entries for this breed. From the many color varieties, as with the German Pinscher, black dogs with lighter markings and red to brownish solid colors were selected. The Miniature Pinscher is a scale model of the German Pinscher, free of any dwarfism. Elegant, with a smooth, short coat that highlights its square shape. They are alert, lively, confident and well-balanced. These qualities make them a pleasant family and companion dog. | ||
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| Standard of the Miniature Pinscher |
Appearance of the American Rat Pinscher |
| The American Rat Pinscher is a mix of a medium-sized dog and a toy-sized dog, with the resulting offspring generally classified as small dogs. There are no uniform colors or markings, but generally the dog will be black with white markings. The coat is short and fine. The American Rat Terrier generally has a short, smooth, dense and glossy coat. The American Rat Terrier is a mixture of several colors, most rat terriers have white markings on the body. The Miniature Pinscher also has a short, fine, smooth coat. The breed's primary colors are black, red and rust. Expect your American Rat Pinscher to be a mix of both. |
Temperament of the American Rat Pinscher |
| The American Rat Pinscher is described as an excellent apartment dog for active families. To get a good idea of the temperament expected, let's explore the personalities of the parent breeds. The American Rat Terrier is highly intelligent, but can be stubborn and often dislikes strangers. It has a reputation for being an excellent pet, and is known to follow its owner around all day long. The Miniature Pinscher is known for being very feisty and active. They are also quite fearless. The Miniature Pinscher is very curious, and its hunting instinct can lead it to chase small animals or jump on small objects. Expect the American Rat Pinscher to be curious and intelligent, even mischievous at times. Training and socialization should start early. Miniature Pinschers can be quite stubborn, so it's important to be firm and consistent with your American Rat Pinscher. |
Needs and activities of the American Rat Pinscher |
| The American Rat Pinscher is a very active dog. It's a good idea to make sure it gets a moderate amount of exercise, to avoid the dog getting into mischief around the house. Both parent breeds are described as inquisitive and very active, so it's best to spend an hour or more exercising with your dog. Otherwise, it can become destructive as a way of releasing pent-up energy. Both parent breeds tend to chase small animals, and they don't do well on a leash, so be careful when taking your American Rat Pinscher out. It's also not a good idea to leave him in a fenced-in yard for long periods. The American Rat Terrier is known to dig under fences, so it's not inconceivable that the American Rat Pinscher won't do the same. American Rat Pinschers are also known to climb fences, so leaving the American Rat Pinscher in a fenced area for a long period is not a good idea. One expert has said that a good dog is a tired dog, so this could be the key to keeping your American Rat Pinscher active and out of mischief. |
Maintenance of the American Rat Pinscher |
| The American Rat Pinscher is a combination of two very easy-to-care-for breeds. Brushing once a week with a soft bristle brush or even a grooming glove keeps the American Rat Pinscher's coat smooth and shiny. Bathe your American Rat Pinscher only when necessary. Some parents of Miniature Pinschers simply take a damp washcloth and rub it over their dog, paying attention to the eyes and ears. This can be done every few days to keep your American Rat Pinscher clean and healthy. Brushing his teeth two or three times a week will help prevent tooth decay and bad breath, however, daily brushing is optimal for preventing gum disease. Trim your American Rat Pinscher's nails at least every two weeks. A general rule of thumb is that if you can hear your dog's nails clicking on the floor, it's time to trim them. It's important to start a grooming regime with your American Rat Terrier at an early age so that he gets used to it. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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