Ratshi Terrier

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10-15 lbs
8-10"
United States
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American Rat Terrier
Shih Tzu
Rat Shih, Rat Tzu
The Ratshi Terrier is a mix of two toy breed dogs, the American Rat Terrier and the Shih Tzu. They generally weigh between 10 and 20 pounds and stand about 8 to 12 inches high at the shoulders when full-grown. Because of their small size, they make excellent pets for those who live in a small house or apartment. Even though they are good family dogs, they do best in a home without young children because they can be snappy when aggravated or teased. While they are a smart breed, the Ratshi Terrier may take longer to train because they are a bit headstrong.
Purpose
Companion, Guard Dog
Date of Origin
2000s
Ancestry
American Rat Terrier and Shih Tzu

Ratshi Terrier Health

Average Size
Male Ratshi Terrier size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 15-20 lbs
Female Ratshi Terrier size stats
Height: 8-10 inches Weight: 10-15 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Urolithiasis
  • Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Epilepsy
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Color Dilution Alopecia
  • Demodectic Mange
  • Otitis Externa
  • Dental Issues
Occasional Tests
  • Skin Evaluation
  • Blood And Urine Analysis
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Dental and Oral Examinations
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Eye and Ear Examination
  • DNA

Ratshi Terrier Breed History

Because designer hybrids like the Ratshi Terrier have not been around long, it is best to look at the backgrounds of the parents. The Rat Terrier originated in the United States in the 1800s when breeders crossed the Manchester Terrier, English White Terrier, Bull Terrier, Greyhound, Beagle, and Whippet to make a small hunting dog. Their goal was to create a ratter for their farms who could hunt vermin above and below ground and they were so talented at this that they became the most common farm dog in America. Soon, the Rat Terrier became a companion pet and watchdog once owners discovered their sweet disposition and courageous loyalty. American President Teddy Roosevelt had several of these dogs when he was in the White House and they were nicknamed Teddy’s Terriers. Although they seemed to be popular, they did not get accepted by the American Kennel Club until 2013. The Shih Tzu has been a royal companion to the Chinese since approximately 700 A.D., during the Tang Dynasty. They are thought to be a mix of the Pekingese, Tibetan Mountain Dog, and Lhasa Apso and were bred to be companion pets. The breed almost became extinct during the Chinese Revolution when there were only 14 left; seven males and seven females. They became more popular as they began to spread across the country but the breed got mixed up with the Lhasa Apso and they were thought to be the same breed until the 1930s, when the breed standard was developed. Today, they are the 20th most popular breed in America where they were accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1969.

Ratshi Terrier Breed Appearance

The Ratshi Terrier is a small designer breed with medium to long, dense, straight hair that can be many different colors such as white, gray, silver, tan, chocolate, black, pied, heather, pinto, blue, merle, red, brindle, and sable. They are rarely only one color, usually tricolored or spotted. The Ratshi Terrier is a short, compact dog with small feet, chunky legs, and a medium length tail that curls up over their back. They usually have floppy and furry ears, round brown eyes, a black nose, and a brachycephalic muzzle so you should get your dog checked for brachycephalic syndrome, which is a respiratory condition.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Ratshi Terrier eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Ratshi Terrier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Ratshi Terrier coat
Black
gray Ratshi Terrier coat
Gray
brown Ratshi Terrier coat
Brown
red Ratshi Terrier coat
Red
cream Ratshi Terrier coat
Cream
fawn Ratshi Terrier coat
Fawn
blue Ratshi Terrier coat
Blue
silver Ratshi Terrier coat
Silver
white Ratshi Terrier coat
White
sable Ratshi Terrier coat
Sable
brindle Ratshi Terrier coat
Brindle
Coat Length
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
Ratshi Terrier straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Ratshi Terrier Breed Maintenance

The thick coat of the Ratshi Terrier requires that you brush your dog at least five or six times per week. The best brush to use is a pin brush or stiff bristle brush and a stainless-steel comb to get to the hard to reach places. You may also need to use a dematter to help keep your dog from getting matted. The Ratshi Terrier coat also needs to be bathed with conditioning shampoo and a detangling cream rinse to keep their fur from getting too tangled. When you bathe your dog, be sure to wipe out her ears as well. Check the nails a few times a month for length, and give them a clip. Additionally, brush the teeth two or three times a week.
Brushes for Ratshi Terrier
Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
Ratshi Terrier requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Ratshi Terrier Temperament

Even though the Ratshi Terrier loves to play, they are not very good with young children because they tend to bite or nip when scared or nervous. They can be yappy and bark often when they believe there is a threat or just when they want your attention. The Ratshi Terrier loves to play with balls and learn new tricks and while they are very intelligent, they can be hard to potty train. Positive reinforcement and persistence pays off in the long run but other Ratshi Terriers choose obedience training or puppy pads. They can also be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long.

Ratshi Terrier Activity Requirements

The Ratshi Terrier needs at least 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day so they do not get bored or anxious. Dogs that do not get enough exercise may develop behavior problems such as excessive barking, scratching, or chewing on things. Some good activities to do with your Ratshi Terrier are hiking, taking a brisk walk around the block, visiting the neighborhood park, swimming, socializing with other dogs at the dog park, and even playing fetch with her favorite ball. Since the Ratshi Terrier is so small, she can exercise and play indoors when the weather is bad but should still be taken out once or twice a day.
Activity Level
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Ratshi Terrier

Similarly Sized Breeds to Ratshi Terrier

Ratshi Terrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00

Ratshi Terrier Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Ratshi Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
Female Ratshi Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 5.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Ratshi Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.0 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Ratshi Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Ratshi Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs
Female Ratshi Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
author-img

Written by a Shiba Inu lover Patty Oelze

Published: 11/23/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

Ratshi Terrier Owner Experiences

Dozer
5 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
laser pointer
Ball
Hiking
Tug of war
Walking
Hands down the most affectionate caring dog i have ever owned. He is great around everyone I meet, and only barks when someone is at the door or startles him. Always by my side, and walks without a leash. 10/10 would recommend this breed for anyone that likes medium sized family dogs.
7 months, 2 weeks ago
CLOE
7 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Walk
Very attached to me but not much time for others
11 months, 4 weeks ago
Button
8 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Play keep away
Hike
Walk
Playdate
Button has been an amazing addition to our family. she has energy and is fun-loving but I knows when to calm down and cuddle. she definitely is prone to some separation anxiety if I'm gone for too long but shows no outward displays of this anxiety such as tearing up furniture or chewing on things she just gets lonely and sits at the window waiting.
1 year, 2 months ago
Lexi
7 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Guard dog
Cuddles
Sunbathe
She loves to play, always.
I love her a lot. We brang her home when she was about 2 months old, I was in the 4th grade. I'm now in 11th grade and she is 7 years old. Though she usually makes messes if alone, she gets along with our cat, and is very smart. She is stubborn though.
1 year, 7 months ago
Lacy
9 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
catch
petting
sunbathing
Cuddling
I’ve had my wonderful companion Lacy by my side for 9 or so years now. She is my very first dog and has been an essential emotional companion ever since the 5th grade. She is always by my side to comfort me when I am depressed or upset and always brings a smile to my face. In fact, as I’m typing this right now she is laying in my lap getting some well deserved rest. She is very adaptable, as she has been with me through several different types of living conditions, and she is very low maintenance when it comes to physical activity. A daily walk around the block or a quick trip to the park is all she needs to get tuckered out. All she ever wants is to be in someone’s lap or to be given treats. I love her so much. I don’t see a lot of talk about this breed because of it’s lack of history, but I truly love my little ratshi dog so so much. She is so loving and clever and full of personality. I don’t believe in teaching dogs “tricks” per se, but she does listen to commands and has a generally obedient nature. Of course she’s not always under my control, as I don’t believe all dogs should necessarily be towards humans, she is still a great companion I hope to keep healthy and happy for many years to come. I hope this particular breed of dog becomes better known so more people can enjoy a similar experience as I’ve had with my best loyal and loving friend. Of course not all dogs of the same breed act exactly the same, so who knows.
2 years, 6 months ago
Rocky
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing tug-a-war
Walking
He is very cute and sweet. When he meets new people he needs to sniff then out first and see if they're good people. He acts just like our guard dog. He get very excited when he sees people he knows.
2 years, 8 months ago
Skamp
10 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is very loving and affectionate. She loves every dog she sees. She is timid and high strung. hard to train-very stubborn. She has skin issues and has gone blind.
2 years, 9 months ago
Murphy
5 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I received Murphy 2 months ago as a present from my husband. It’s been decades since I’ve had a small dog and I have to say, he was housebroken within a month. He adapted to his crate instantly. I taught the command “Crate” and he goes right to it. His favorite activities are sleeping on the couch and rough housing with his big brother Niko(a purebred Boxer). He holds his own with his stocky body size. He’s 5 months and weighs 10lbs. He’s just a little love bug who loves to cuddle. He’s won over everyone he’s met.
3 years, 1 month ago
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