American Rat Pinscher
10-15 yrs
15-25 lbs
10-15"
United States

American Rat Pinscher

Home > Dog Breeds > American Rat Pinscher

15-25 lbs

10-15"

United States

Free Dog Walk * Free Dog Walk *

Rat-a-Pin

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 dog or hunting dog, and eventually he became a companion dog. The Miniature Pinscher’s origins are not as clear as that of the American Rat Terrier. We do know that the modern Mini Pin found a home in Germany. It is believed that Mini Pins are related to Italian Greyhounds and Dachshunds. Experts believe that the German Pinscher was also mixed into the bloodline at some point. Pinschers were using for ratting, so it is reasonable to believe that an American Rat Pinscher will tend to chase small prey and objects. They are small dogs, and do well inside an apartment without a yard. They are very active dogs, however, so daily exercise is a must.

                
                Purpose
              
Companion

                Date of Origin
              
Unknown

                Ancestry
              
American Rat Terrier, Miniature Pinscher

American Rat Pinscher Health

Average Size

Height: 10-15 inches Weight: 15-25 lbs

Major Concerns

Patellar Luxation
Demodectic Mange
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

Allergies

Occasional Tests

Hip X-Rays
Skin Scraping
Eye Examination
Allergy Tests
Skin Evaluation

American Rat Pinscher Breed History

The American Rat Pinscher is a combination of the American Rat Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher. When researching the origins of this feisty character, documentation points to evidence that the American Rat Terrier has roots based in England. In the early 19th century, early settlers to America originated the breed, which is actually a mixture of crosses such as the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Manchester Terrier. It is even thought that the Beagle and the Chihuahua played an early part in the development of the breed. The American Rat Terrier found its purpose as as a hunter, first to keep rabbits from damaging and ravaging crops in the fields. In the 1900's this canine honed its skills as a hunter of vermin. The Miniature Pinscher, on the other side of this breed's parentage, is thought to have originated in Germany. Also trained as a ratter, the German Smooth Haired Pinscher was crossed with the Italian Greyhound and the Smooth Dachshund to form a fast, sleek hunter. Owners of the American Rat Pinscher first used the breed as companions on the hunt as they had speed and agility on the run. Today, this same breed is now a loyal companion and even a lap dog to some. Though both parents are recognized by the American Kennel Club, the hybrid breed of the American Rat Pinscher is not.

American Rat Pinscher Breed Appearance

The American Rat Pinscher is a mixture of a medium-sized dog and a toy-sized dog; the resulting offspring is generally classified as a small dog. There are no uniform colors or markings, but generally the dog will be black with white markings. Its fur is short and fine. The American Rat Terrier generally has short, smooth, dense, shiny fur. The American Rat Terrier is a mixture of many colors; most Rat Terriers have some white markings on the body. The Miniature Pinscher also has a short, fine, smooth coat. The primary colors of the breed are black, red, and rust. Expect your American Rat Pinscher to be a mix of the two.

American Rat Pinscher Breed Maintenance

The American Rat Pinscher is a combination of two breeds which are very easy to groom. Brushing once a week with a soft bristle brush or even a grooming mitt keeps the coat of the American Rat Pinscher sleek and shiny. Bathe the American Rat Pinscher only when necessary. Some Mini Pin pet parents merely take a wet 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 the teeth of your dog 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 if you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, it is time to trim them. It is important to begin a grooming regimen with your American Rat Terrier at an early age so that he becomes accustomed to it.

American Rat Pinscher Temperament

The American Rat Pinscher is described as a great apartment dwelling dog for active families. To get a good idea of expected temperament, let’s explore the personalities of the parent breeds. The American Rat Terrier is highly intelligent, but can be stubborn and often does not like strangers. It has the reputation of being a great family pet, and it is known to follow its master throughout the day. The Miniature Pinscher is known to be very spirited and is highly active. He is also quite fearless. The Mini Pin is very curious, and the hunter instinct may lead him to chase small animals or pounce on small objects. Expect the American Rat Pinscher to be curious and intelligent, even mischievous at times. Training and socialization should start early. Mini Pins can be quite headstrong, so it is important to be firm and consistent with your American Rat Pinscher.

American Rat Pinscher Activity Requirements

The American Rat Pinscher is a very active dog. It is recommended that you ensure he gets a moderate amount of exercise in order to keep the dog from getting into mischief in the house. Both the parent breeds are described as curious and highly active; it is best to spend an hour or more exercising your dog. If not, he can become destructive as a way of releasing the pent-up energy. Both parent breeds are prone to chasing smaller animals, and they do not do well off a leash, so be cautious when out and about with your American Rat Pinscher. It is also not a good idea to leave him in a fenced-in yard for a long period of time. The American Rat Terrier is known to dig under fences, so it is not unconceivable that the Rat Pinscher wouldn’t do the same. American Rat Terriers are also known to climb fences, so leaving the American Rat Pinscher in a fenced-in area for a long period of time is not a good idea. One expert said that “a good dog is a tired dog” – this might be the key to keeping your American Rat Pinscher active and out of mischief.