American Rat Pinscher

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15-25 lbs
10-15"
United States
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American Rat Terrier
Miniature Pinscher
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
Male American Rat Pinscher size stats
Height: 10-15 inches Weight: 15-25 lbs
Female American Rat Pinscher size stats
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.
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Written by Darlene Stott

Published: 10/09/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

American Rat Pinscher Owner Experiences

Doobie Dude
6 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Going on drives
Playing fetch
going on walks
Adventuring
Very quick learner. Stubborn at times. Very friendly . Picky eater. Needs a lot of attention. Very loyal. Very loving. Sensitive.
3 weeks, 4 days ago
Anni
3 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Good experience overall. She was very michevious when she was young but thankfully grew out of it.
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Harper
6 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking he’s an eager companion
We adopted Harper from a rescue group. He spent his first 6 years with a hoarder and some 39 fellow animals. He was rescued in a sad state. We’ve had him 6 weeks and earning trust was hard.
1 year, 1 month ago
Donut
10 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
True man's best friend, definitely a lap and cuddle dog now that he's older but he hasn't lost any of that puppy energy. He can't get enough attention, he's super smart and has been trained to do a bunch of tricks. Crate training him when he was a puppy seemed to work well. One of the best personality dogs I've had the pleasure of having.
1 year, 11 months ago
Sammie
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Dog Parks
Playing in the snow
cuddle
Sammie is my absolute baby. She is very attached to me and my boyfriend, the two people she lives with. She loves to play but also loves to cuddle. Very easy to train with treats but is stubborn and doesn't want to do the tricks without getting a treat. She is very smart, loves playing with ice cubs, is an avid chewer and loves laying underneath our blankets at night. Great with other dogs and curious about cats.
2 years, 5 months ago
Pinini
9 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very smart, learned to sit, lie down, and roll over in less than 30 min. Loves cuddles and laying under blankets. Kisses face and hands on anybody. Panini trained the mailman to bring her milkbones.
2 years, 5 months ago
Hailey
9 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
There's a reason she's called "bug", she's a super cuddle bug! Honestly she's never been too active but she does love to play but she prefers naps and just chillin' out. She's SUPER sweet, almost always willing to give kisses (especially on one's tongue if they're not careful) she's usually quiet but does bark, mainly if Demon starts barking or if she wants to get Demon and Monster into teouble. XD If you see her and she barks at you then don't worry, she just wants your attention and to be pet by you! She l3ts me make faces up at her, lightly touch her ears so they flick, put ribbons and misc stuff on her. Sweetest and most tolerable pup I've ever met and I'm so glad that she's my baby girl. <3
2 years, 7 months ago
Gracie
2 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Playdate
Tug-of-war
Ride on scooter
Loves to cuddle and lie with upper body under a blanket. Likes to lick hands. Barks a lot. Picky eater. Loves to ride on scooter. Well behaved. Comes when called. Very loyal.
3 years, 1 month ago
Chase and Dallas
5 Months
8 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Nap
Eating Snacks
Tug-of-war
My dogs are stubborn and not that bright. They are too smart for their own good. Both of them know how to get through the chicken wire around our yard and get to the neighbors yard to play with their dogs. They also learned to recognize when i'm trying to lure them out from under my bed or the neighbors' ​yard. But I​ love them. The two of them are hug​h sweethearts.
3 years, 7 months ago
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