Appearance of the Pek-A-Rat
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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. |
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