The Brat is a mix of the Boston Terrier and the Rat Terrier. However, not much is known about the parent breeds of this hybrid. The Rat Terrier was officially recognized as a breed only in 2013 and comes in both miniature and regular sizes. Both the Boston Terrier and the Rat Terrier are small, athletic, and compact dogs, and the Brat will inherit these traits from its parents. Originally bred as companion dogs and pest control experts in the Terrier family, the Brat is now considered a designer dog and a great companion.
Below, we look at Brat dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Brat, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Brats!
| Dog Breed | Brat |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 10-35 lbs (average) |
| Height | 10-18″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | Boston Terrier, Rat Terrier |
| Date of Origin | 2000s |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 14-18 years |
| Price | $600 – $800 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Brat is a modern designer hybrid dog that is a mix of the Boston Terrier and the Rat Terrier. Although its exact history is unknown, it has gained popularity in recent years as a companion dog. To understand the background of the Brat, it is important to consider the history of its parent breeds.
The Boston Terrier originated from cross-breeding experiments in the late 1800s. It is a combination of English White Terriers, Old English Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. Initially, there was some difficulty in naming this new breed, as it did not fit into any established groups. Eventually, the name “Boston Terrier” was chosen to honor the region where the breed was developed. In 1893, the American Kennel Club recognized the Boston Terrier as one of the first non-sporting breeds and the first of the ten “made-in-America” breeds. It is also the official dog of Massachusetts and was chosen as the bicentennial dog.
The Rat Terrier is a small farm dog with a long history of cross-breeding. It is a mix of various Terriers, including the Fox Terrier, Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and Old English White Terrier. To enhance its speed and scenting abilities, it was also crossbred with Whippets, Greyhounds, and Beagles. The Rat Terrier was primarily bred to hunt small vermin, such as jack rabbits. Despite its long-documented history, it was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2013, likely due to its mixed ancestry. Notably, President Theodore Roosevelt owned a Rat Terrier and is said to have named the breed for its rat control abilities at the White House. In addition, a Rat Terrier appeared in the movie “The Little Colonel” alongside child actress Shirley Temple.
🐕 Brat Appearance
The Boston Terrier and Rat Terrier were crossed to create the Brat, which frequently exhibits distinguishing traits from both breeds. Both parent breeds are tiny dogs and belong to the Terrier family. This hybrid frequently resembles the black and white or sable and white Boston Terrier in terms of both color and markings. This hybrid’s head resembles a square but is softer than a Boston Terrier’s, and its muzzle has characteristics of both parent breeds’ faces: it is neither too long nor too short. On the Brat, underbites are typical and may need dental care to be corrected. The triangular ears are quite mobile and stand half-prickled. The tail is level with the back and whip-like, while the body is compact and strong. This hybrid is a good combination of his parents, with no one parent breed being more dominant in looks.
| 👀 Eye Color | Varies |
| 🐽 Nose Color | N/A |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Ranges |
⚡ Fun Fact: Brat dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Brat
We are reviewing and looking at the data related to the temperament, behavior, and traits of this dog breed. Please stay tuned for our update available shortly.
🤝 Are Brats Friendly or Aggressive?
Brat dogs are known for their friendly nature, making them a great choice for families with children or those who enjoy socializing with other dogs. They are also very tolerant and get along well with cats. If you are looking to add more dogs to your family or participate in dog meetups, the Brat breed would be a good fit. Additionally, Brats are well-suited for elderly individuals, as they are easy to handle and provide companionship.
This breed is known for being:
- Playful
- Loving
- Alert
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Affectionate
- Lively
- Gentle
- Inquisitive
- Aggressive
🐩 Brat Care & Maintenance
The Brat is a cross between two Terriers that shed differently. The Rat Terrier has somewhat rougher hair and is thought to shed less than the Boston Terrier, which is recognized for having fine hair. Weekly grooming can help maintain your Brat’s coat and skin healthy by removing dead and loose hair. Frequent washing is not advised since dermatitis may affect either parent breed. Additionally, brushing will aid in distributing natural oils and removing debris. The Brat requires frequent teeth brushing and might acquire an underbite from its Boston Terrier parents. Early and frequent teeth brushing will allow your Brat become accustomed to this procedure and maintain the health of his mouth and gums.
Brat dogs have a higher than average amount of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. The extent of hair loss can vary depending on their health and breed. If you’re not a fan of frequent vacuum cleaning, you may want to think twice about getting a Brat puppy. They typically require a bath every 4-6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend few cups daily, costing you about $0.49 – $1.49 daily, or roughly $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Brat dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly few miles per week, which equates to about 15 – 35 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Brat dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Brat Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Brat Dog Breed can be:
- Patellar Luxation
- Hypothyroidism
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
While minor concerns include:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Allergies
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Problems
🤧 Important: Is Brat hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Brat.
⚡ Brat Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Brat a great choice for families with young children?
The Brat is a great choice for families with young children because both parent breeds, the Boston Terrier and the Rat Terrier, are known to be good with children. They are typically gentle, playful, and patient, making them suitable companions for kids.
Is the Brat breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Brat breed is considered suitable for apartment living. Both parent breeds, the Boston Terrier and the Rat Terrier, are relatively small in size and can adapt well to living in smaller spaces. However, it is important to provide the Brat with regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
How much exercise does a Brat require compared to other breeds?
The Brat requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. Both parent breeds are known for their athleticism and energy, so the Brat will benefit from daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. However, they do not have extremely high exercise requirements like some working or sporting breeds.
Is the Brat breed known for being good with other pets?
The Brat breed is generally good with other pets, especially if they are properly socialized from a young age. However, it is important to remember that each individual dog may have different personality traits and preferences, so early socialization and proper introductions are key to ensure compatibility with other pets.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Brat?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Brat include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Pug. These breeds have relatively low exercise requirements and are known to be good companions for families or individuals who may have limited time for grooming or exercise.
What are the common health issues that Brats are prone to?
Like many hybrid breeds, the Brat may inherit health issues from its parent breeds. Common health issues that Brats may be prone to include patellar luxation, allergies, eye problems, and joint issues. It is important for potential owners to be aware of these potential health concerns and seek a reputable breeder who tests and screens their breeding dogs for these conditions.
Are Brats known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Brats are generally known to be relatively easy to train compared to some other breeds. Both parent breeds, the Boston Terrier and the Rat Terrier, are intelligent and eager to please, which can make training sessions more successful. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialization are important for effective training.
Are Brats more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Brats may be prone to separation anxiety, especially if they do not receive enough mental and physical stimulation or if they are not properly trained and socialized. It is important for Brat owners to provide them with enough exercise, mental stimulation, and company to prevent or manage separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Brat that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Brat that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Shih Tzu. These breeds are known to have hypoallergenic coats, which can help reduce allergic reactions in some individuals.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Brat are best for individuals or families with limited space?
The miniature size of dogs similar to the Brat, such as the Rat Terrier, can be a good fit for individuals or families with limited space. These smaller-sized dogs are more adaptable to living in apartments or smaller homes, as they require less space for exercise and movement compared to larger breeds.
Is the Brat breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Brat breed is generally known to be good with children, but it is important to consider each individual dog’s temperament and behavior. Brats can be patient, gentle, and playful, which can make them suitable companions for children with special needs. However, as with any dog, supervision and proper training and socialization are important to ensure a safe and harmonious relationship between the dog and the child.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Brat?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Brat can vary depending on the individual dog’s coat. Both parent breeds, the Boston Terrier and the Rat Terrier, have short coats that require minimal grooming. They are considered moderate shedders and regular brushing can help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Brat dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
