 |
Mini Ratzer |
|
He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
U.S.A. <> Germany -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Mini Ratzer |
| The Mini Ratzer is a specific cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Rat Terrier, both of which are small dogs. This hybrid can vary in size as the Rat Terrier is available in miniature and standard sizes, but they generally measure around 28 to 38 centimeters and weigh around 9 kilos. They have a short, thick, stiff coat that can be just about any color mixed with white. Mini Ratzer make excellent pets because they love children and other animals. However, don't leave them alone with young children or small animals like hamsters or guinea pigs. |
History of the Mini Ratzer |
| Although the Mini Ratzer hybrid hasn't been around long, you can check out the history of the parent breeds to get an idea of their history. |
A little of the Rat Terrier |
||
| The Rat Terrier is one of the few American breeds and was developed as a small vermin hunter in the 1800s from a mix of Beagle, Greyhound, Whippet, Fox Terrier, Manchester Terrier, English White Terrier and Bull Terrier. The breed is well known for its excellent scenting ability, speed and friendly disposition. In the 1900s, the Rat Terrier was one of the most popular dog breeds found on American farms. Theodore Roosevelt had a few Rat Terriers and brought them to the White House when he was President, and his dogs were called “Teddy's Terriers”. Curiously, they were only officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013, where they are the 96th most popular dog breed. | ||
 |
||
| Presentation of the Rat Terrier | ||
A little of the Miniature Schnauzer |
||
| The Miniature Schnauzer is of German origin and was the smallest and most popular Schnauzer. They were discovered as excellent rat-hunters in the 1800s and were considered working dogs in Europe and other countries. In the United States, however, they are grouped with Terriers, unlike their larger relatives, the Giant and Standard Schauzers. They were originally called Wirehaired Pinschers and continued to remain in the Terrier group even after their name change. The Dwarf Schnauzer is thought to have been bred from smaller Standard Schnauzers, Toy Poodles and Affenpinschers. Their name, Schnauzer, means little beard, referring to the beard they have that covers their muzzle, making them look like an old man. In 1926, the Miniature Schnauzer was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club and is now the 17th most popular dog breed in America. | ||
 |
||
| Standard of the Miniature Schnauzer |
Appearance of the Mini Ratzer |
| Unlike most dogs, the Mini Ratzer can have almost any eye color, including brown, hazel, green, gray or blue. Their nose is usually black, but can be brown in lighter-colored dogs. Their coat can be just about any color, such as black, gray, brown, red, white, sable, brindle, cream, piebald or fawn. Their size can vary considerably, depending on whether the Rat Terrier is standard or small. These dogs have triangular ears that perk up when they listen, a light beard, a small head and short legs. Their tails are generally of medium length, curving over the back. |
Temperament of the Mini Ratzer |
| The Mini Ratzer is a fun, lively dog that likes to be with people all the time. They are also good watchdogs and will protect their family from anything they consider a risk. Although they love children and other pets, they need to be closely supervised with young children and can chase small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. This breed is easy to train and learns quickly, so they make good first pets for someone who has never owned a dog before. They listen well and generally don't have obedience problems unless they're properly trained. |
Needs and activities of the Mini Ratzer |
| The Mini Ratzer has a lot of excess energy and will need about an hour to 90 minutes of exercise a day. If they don't get enough physical activity, they may start to become nervous, anxious or bored. Once this happens, they can become aggressive or develop bad habits like barking too much or chewing things. Your Mini Ratzer is an excellent hunting companion, so if you enjoy hunting, this is a good activity for both of you. Some of the other activities your Mini Ratzer can enjoy are playing with other dogs at the dog park, taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood, swimming, hiking or playing fetch. |
Maintenance of the Mini Ratzer |
| Your Mini Ratzer should be brushed at least two or three times a week to prevent excessive shedding and promote good circulation. Because of his rough coat, your dog will need to remove his coat every six to eight weeks. You can do this with a stripping tool or by hand, plucking dead hairs individually to keep their coat healthy. Once a week, you'll need to clean your Mini Ratzer's ears and check for mites, excess wax and other debris. In addition, you should clip your dog's nails with a nail clipper every six weeks or when you hear them clicking on the floor. |
English (United Kingdom)