Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix are becoming increasingly popular as family pets. They are known for being friendly, intelligent, and easy to train.
They also make great guard dogs, and with the right training can be very reliable protectors of your home and property.
In this detailed post, we will take a look at some of the key things you need to know about Rat Terrier Shepherd Mix before you decide to bring one into your family. You will learn how to groom them, how to train them and how big do they get? How much does a German Shepherd Terrier puppy cost and do they make good guard dogs?
Written By Sergey Uhanov – Certified Veterinarian.
Sergey Uhanov is a certified veterinarian for dogs over 20 years, breeding 3 dogs. He loves dogs and has his own pet clinic in Israel. He likes to help other people with their dogs by sharing his experience and knowledge.
Rat Terrier German Shepherd
German Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix are known for being very intelligent and easy to train. With a little bit of patience and consistency, you should be able to teach your dog most basic commands quite easily.
Grooming is also relatively easy, as these mixes typically don’t shed too much.
One of the most important things to consider before getting a Rat Terrier GSD Mix is how big they will get. Rat Terriers typically weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, while German Shepherds can weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. So if you are looking for a small dog, the Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix may not be the right choice for you.
German Shepherd Rat Terrier are not without their health problems. Some of the most common health issues seen in them include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and gastroenteritis. They can also be prone to allergies and ear infections.
So it is important to be aware of these potential health problems before you bring a Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix into your home.
Overall, they are great family pets and make excellent guard dogs. They are friendly, clever, and easy to train.
Short Facts about Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix
Breed Type | Mixed |
Purpose | Family pet, guard dog, or active companion |
Height | 15 to 21 inches |
Weight | 40 to 65 pounds |
Average lifespan | 13 to 16 years |
Temperament | Intelligent, tenacious, loyal, energetic, and clever |
Shedding | Moderate; requires moderate grooming |
Common coat colors | Black and tan, tan, liver, blue, black |
Activity level | High; requires up to 60-120 minutes of exercise daily |
Suitable for families | Yes, for active families that can meet the exercise requirements |
Dietary needs | High-protein diet; adults require approximately 1,000 to 1,600 calories per day depending on activity level |
Potential health issues | Hip dysplasia, allergies, Patellar Luxation, arthritis, elbow dysplasia, and cataracts |
History of Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a breed of dog that was developed in the United States from a mixture of English Fox Terriers, Manchester Terriers and Smooth Fox Terriers. The Rat Terrier was initially bred for hunting rats and other vermin but is now also used as a family pet.
As their name suggests, they were used to hunt rats in the US. However, when mouse baits and poison were invented in the 1950s, their popularity declined. In the 1990s, Rat Terriers again were in demand when they were crossed with other toy breeds like Chihuahua.
History of German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a breed of dog that originated in Germany. The breed’s official name is Deutscher Schäferhund, which means “German Shepherd dog” in German.
The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States.
Appearance
The Rat Terrier Shepherd Mix is a medium to large sized dog that has a coat that can be black, tan, sable, or gray in color. They have long tails and erect ears.
They are considered an alert and active breed that is known for being loyal and protective of their family.
Size
The Rat Terrier Shepherd Mix is a medium-sized crossbreed that typically weighs between 40 and 65 pounds. This hybrid is known for being energetic, playful, and loyal.
They make great family pets and are often used as service dogs. Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mixes are very versatile dogs and can be easily trained.
Temperament
The German Rat Terrier is a cross between the Rat Terrier and the German Shepherd. This dog is known for being an energetic and playful breed that is great with children.
They are also very clever and protective of their family. The GSD Rat Terrier mix requires plenty of exercise and can make a great watchdog.
Grooming
German Shepherd cross Rat Terrier Mix is a popular mixed breed dog. They have a lot of energy and need lots of exercise and stimulation. Grooming is also important for these dogs, as they tend to shed heavily.
Rat Terrier x German Shepherd should be brushed at least once a week to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. In addition, they should be bathed regularly and have their nails trimmed.
Lifespan
The German Shepherd x Rat Terrier is a crossbreed of the Rat Terrier and the German Shepherd. This dog has a lifespan of about 13 to 16 years.
They are considered medium-sized dogs, and they weigh anywhere from 40 to 65 pounds. These dogs are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and loyalty.
Feeding
German Rat Terrier is a crossbreed of the Rat Terrier and the GSD. This mix can be great for families with children, as they are known to be protective and loyal.
They are also very active dogs and need plenty of exercises. In terms of feeding, Rat Terrier cross German Shepherd should generally eat around two cups of food per day. This can be split between two meals, or given all at once.
These dogs are prone to obesity, so it’s important to keep an eye on their diet and make sure they’re getting the right amount of exercise.
In general, German Terrier does well on high-quality dog food, though they may also enjoy a good home-cooked meal every once in a while.
Rat Terrier Shepherd Mix should never be given table scraps, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Exercise
One of the best exercises for Rat Terrier Shepherd Mix is playing fetch. It’s a great way to get them moving and burn off some energy. Plus, it’s really fun for both of you!
You can also take your Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix for walks or runs. Just make sure to start out slowly and work your way up to longer distances.
These canines are also great at agility training, so if you’re looking for a fun and challenging activity for your pup, agility is the way to go!
Rat Terrier Shepherd mix make great pets because they are so versatile and can adapt to any situation. They are always up for a good game of fetch, a long walk, or an agility course.
So if you’re looking for a fun and active pet, a Terrier German Shepherd Mix is a perfect choice!
Training
German Rat Terrier are a great new addition to your family. They are full of energy and love to play, but they also need plenty of training. Here are some tips on how to train your Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix.
– Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and down. GSD Terrier mix are smart dogs and will learn these commands quickly.
– Be consistent with your training. These dogs need to know what is expected of them, and they need to be able to rely on you to give them direction.
– Use positive reinforcement when training your Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix. Treats and praise work best and will help your dog learn faster.
– Be patient when training your dog. It may take a little time for them to learn what you are asking of them, but they will eventually get it.
German Shepherd Rat Terriers make great pets, and with a little training, they will be the perfect addition to your family.
Common diseases among German Terrier Mix
One of the diseases that is common among Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix is hip dysplasia. This disease can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your dog and can eventually lead to arthritis.
It’s important to get your dog checked out by a vet if you think they might be suffering from hip dysplasia.
Another common disease among Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix is allergies. Allergies can cause your dog to have a lot of skin problems, and they can also be very itchy.
If you think your dog might have allergies, take them to the vet so they can get some medication to help clear them up.
Finally, another common disease among Rat Terrier cross breeds is cancer. Cancer is a very serious disease, and it can be tough to treat. If you think your dog might have cancer, take them to the vet as soon as possible so they can start getting treatment.
These are just some of the common diseases among Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix. Make sure you keep an eye on your dog and take them to the vet if you think they might be suffering from one of these diseases.
Is German Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix a good guard dog?
Rat Terrier x German Shepherd are not often used as guard dogs, but they can be. They are very protective of their family and home and will bark to let you know when someone is coming.
They may not be as big as some other breeds, but they will certainly let intruders know that they are there. Rat Terrier cross German Shepherd are also very clever and can be easily trained to do whatever you need them to do.
If you are looking for a good guard dog, they may be the perfect choice for you!
Is Rat Terrier German Shepherd a good family dog?
Rat Terrier Shepherd mix makes great family pets because they are so loving and protective of their family. They are also very intelligent and can be easily trained to do whatever is required of them.
If you are looking for a good family pet, a Shepherd Terrier may be an ideal choice.
How much does a Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix puppy cost?
Rat Terrier puppies mix typically costs anywhere from $300 to $600 (€270 – €545). Some may be less, some may be more, depending on the breeder.
Be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder who has healthy dogs with good temperaments. Remember, you get what you pay for!
Is Rat Terrier German Shepherd Mix right for you?
If you’re considering adding a Rat Terrier German Shepherd to your family, there are some things you should know first. This breed is known for being high energy and very active, so they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a calm and lazy pet.
They also require a lot of exercise and training, so make sure you’re prepared to put in the time and effort. However, if you’re up for the challenge, a German Shepherd Rat Terrier Mix can make an excellent pet and companion.
If you’re still not sure if this breed is right for you, consider talking to someone who has one. They can give you firsthand insights into what it’s like to live with a German Terrier and how much work is involved.
By doing your research and getting to know this breed, you can make an informed decision about whether or not a German Rat Terrier is right for you.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in adding a Rat Terrier Shepherd Mix to your family, be sure to consider the pros and cons of owning this type of dog.
They can be great companions, but they do require a lot of exercise and plenty of training. With the right care, however, they can make wonderful pets.