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Pek-A-Rat |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
China <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Pek-A-Rat |
| The Pek-A-Rat is a hybrid breed. Its parent breeds are the Pekingese and the Rat Terrier. Pek-A-Rats are lively, spirited and funny little dogs. He knows how to make his family laugh, and once he knows how to make you laugh, he'll do it again and again. He'll be happy in an apartment or house with a yard, though he may be inclined to dig holes outside. He can be a little difficult to train, but perseverance pays off in the end. He is loyal and affectionate. He is very protective of his family and will alert you by barking whenever he senses something is wrong. |
History of the Pek-A-Rat |
| The Pek-A-Rat is a rare hybrid breed. To understand the origins of the Pek-A-Rat, it's important to understand the history of its parent breeds. |
A little of the Pekingese |
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| The Pekingese is the subject of oriental mythology. Legend has it that the Pekingese is the result of a cross between a lion and a marmoset who fell in love. The lion asked Buddha to reduce his size but allow him to retain his bravery, and Buddha approved. The result of their marriage was the Fu Lin dogs, which became the companions of the nobility. The Pekingese was a favorite of the empress, and when British soldiers stormed the palace during the Opium Wars, the soldiers took the dogs as war prizes. Presented to British royalty, the Pekingese became a favorite of many, including Queen Victoria. Although no one knows exactly how Pekingese came to America, we do know that by 1910, the AKC had registered its first Pekingese. | ||
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| Standard of the Pekingese | ||
A little of the Rat Terrier |
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| The Rat Terrier is native to America. It is thought to be the result of breeding the Fox Terrier, Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier and Old English White Terrier. It was bred to be a farm dog and a hunter. The Rat Terrier made an appearance in Shirley Temple's film “The Little Colonel”, and President Theodore Roosevelt owned one during his time at the White House. In fact, legend has it that Teddy Roosevelt gave the breed its name, although this has not been verified. The breed was very popular until the 1950s, when farmers began using poison to rid their property of vermin. In the late 1970s, the breed became popular again for its hunting abilities. | ||
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| Presentation of the Rat Terrier |
Appearance of the Pek-A-Rat |
| The Pek-A-Rat is a small dog, but its exact appearance will depend on the dominant parent breed. Often, the Pek-A-Rat resembles a larger Pekingese. Its color is often red or fawn with white on the legs and belly. Its muzzle may be black. It's also important to remember that it can be brachycephalic, with a short muzzle. Its ears will be erect and may be feathered. Its tail is often of medium length, curling over its back and downy. Its chest is generally robust and white. It may or may not have white sock feet. Some Pek-A-Rats will have a malocclusion, their bites will be incorrect and the bottom teeth may protrude from the mouth. They may also be red with white on chest, feet and belly. |
Temperament of the Pek-A-Rat |
| The Pek-A-Rat is a cheerful, energetic little dog. He can be a little stubborn and may take a little longer to train than other breeds. Reward him with positive reinforcement such as treats. The Rat Terrier in him can be prone to digging, so remember this when designing an enclosed space for him to play. In addition, he may have the hunting instincts of the parent Rat Terrier breed and may be inclined to chase smaller animals and cars. For this reason, always supervise him when he's outdoors. He's a gentle, affectionate little dog who loves spending time with his family. He's good with children, but early socialization is best. Always an artist, the Pek-A-Rat is an excellent addition to any family. |
Needs and activities of the Pek-A-Rat |
| The Pek-A-Rat is a fairly active dog. He'll need regular exercise, not only for his health, but also because the parent breed Pekingese tends to put on weight if he doesn't get regular activity. Short, brisk walks with you are the perfect exercise for the Pek-A-Rat. Don't forget that he can be brachycephalic, so always keep water to hand while exercising. And he should never be allowed to get too hot or overexert himself. He'll enjoy trips to the dog park, but again, keep water handy for him at all times. If you allow him to play in an enclosed space in the yard, remember that he may be inclined to dig. Plan for this when designing his enclosure. |
Maintenance of the Pek-A-Rat |
| The Pek-A-Rat will require moderate maintenance. His hair will often be medium-length, and may curl around his ears, belly and tail. Brush him weekly to remove any excess hair. He may shed more in spring and autumn. If so, you'll need to increase the amount of brushing to avoid fur getting all over your furniture and clothes. Brush his teeth two or three times a week. This will help prevent tartar build-up and bad breath. However, your Pek-A-Rat may have a malocclusion and you may need to pay special attention to his teeth. To prevent tooth decay and tooth loss, you may need to brush his teeth daily. Trim his nails every two or three weeks. As a general rule, if you hear her nails clicking on the tiled floor, it's time to trim her nails. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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