The Rat-A-Pap is a designer hybrid mix between the Rat Terrier and the Papillon. Not much is currently known about the origins of the hybrid, and a detailed history of the intentional cross-breeding is not available. Hybrid standards do not exist for this breed, and the Rat-A-Pap can vary significantly depending on which parent breed is most dominantly resembled. As such, owners can review the respective histories of both parents for a better understanding as well as the history of bloodlines. The American Rat Terrier is, as its name implies, of the Terrier group. The breed is an American dog those arose from several other well-established breeds including the Manchester Terrier, the American Fox Terrier, the Old English White Terrier, and the Bull Terrier. The goal of the crossbreeding programs that resulted in the American Rat Terrier was to produce a small ratting dog with a smooth coat and a tenacious personality for vermin hunting. The size needed to be small as well to fit into the hiding places of rats. The Rat Terrier was also crossbred with other breeds, such as the Beagle in the U.S. South and the Greyhound and Whippet in the Midwest. The Beagle was used to increase the Rat Terrier's pack mentality and the Greyhounds and Whippets to increase the fleet abilities against fast jackrabbits. Variations within the Rat Terrier still exist today and are allowed by the American Kennel Club standards, which were established only in 2013. The Papillon is a far older breed, having been established in Europe by the 16th Century. The breed is of the Spaniel family and was developed in France. Originally, the Papillon's ears were dropped, but a butterfly-like preference prevailed. The raised ear preference led to the naming of the Papillon, which is French for butterfly. The dropped ear variation of the Papillon continues to exist but is rare. Its name, Phalene, also refers to its ears, which is French for moth and refers to the wings of a moth at rest. The Papillon, with its loving disposition, remained a court favorite in Europe and made its way to the United States in the late 19th Century where the American Kennel Club recognized it in 1915.
