Brat Dog Breed

The Boston Terrier-Rat Terrier mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' true origin; while a Boston Terrier-Rat Terrier cross has likely existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. This terrier mix probably became popular during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. These enthusiastic little dogs will make great family companions, but will need training and socialization to help minimize some undesirable habits.

A few facts about Brats: they're small-sized, averaging 15 inches at the shoulders in height and 18 pounds in weight; they have short, smooth coats that don't shed too much; and they're pretty energetic and will need consistent exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Brat Terrier:

Brats are small sized dogs that can reach around 17 inches tall and weigh up to 25 pounds. Both parent breeds are small dogs with Boston Terrier at 15-25 inches and 9-15 pounds; Rat Terriers are similar in size weighing in at 10-25 pounds and standing 10-18 inches.

Although they are not lap dogs constantly, these dogs love attention and if not given enough attention and exercise will dig or "grumble and complain". Brats are playful and lively, making great dogs for children as long as the children can handle them respectfully and carefully. Other small pets, smaller than the Brat, should be introduced with caution as one parent of this breed was bred specifically for rat extermination prey drive will likely be high. Members of this breed do not make good watchdogs; if they inherit more Boston Terrier Characteristics they do not bark frequently, especially the females.

This breed survives well in most climates as long as the temperatures do not become very cold and if kept outside, should have a fenced yard since they love to explore. This dog makes a fine apartment dog as long as they are given daily outdoor playtime to burn off extra energy. These are low maintenance dogs, with a short, fine coat that only requires brushing and bathing as needed.

Not much information is available on the origin of the Brat Terrier. This hybrid mix is likely a product of the explosion in popularity of designer breeds in the late 1900s, which was centered in the U.S. Here are brief histories of the parent breeds:

Boston Terrier: This breed originated in the mid-1800s in Boston, of course, and was developed by crossing various bulldog types with assorted terriers. The BT was known by several other names--the Round Head and the Boston Bulldog, among others--before breed fanciers settled on "Boston Terrier" by about 1890. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1893. As of 2021, the Boston Terrier ranks 21st on the AKC's list of 200 recognized breeds.

Rat Terrier: Another breed that originated in the U.S., the Rat Terrier was originally developed by crossing numerous terrier breeds to create a small, quick, vermin-buster. The breed was popular among U.S. farmers in the first half of the 20th century, during which several size varieties emerged. In the Midwest, farmers added the Italian Greyhound and the Whippet to the breeding mix, to give the dog more speed to help control the jackrabbit population; in the South, hunters added the Beagle to the breed's genetic mix to develop a small-game pack-hunting dog. The AKC finally recognized the Rat Terrier in 2013, and separates the breed into Miniature and Standard size varieties. In 2021, the Rat Terrier's AKC rank is 86 of 200.

The Brat's overall appearance, obviously, is a mixture of its Boston and Rat Terrier parents. The Brat body, though small, is streamlined yet muscular, and is probably the most buff-looking terrier mix you've ever seen.

But exactly what does a Brat look like? The head is roundish; the Brat face has a short muzzle, round and dark eyes, and unusually large, erect, "bat" ears (a trait it shares with both parent breeds). The neck is relatively long, shoulders muscular, and the chest, like the Boston's, is very wide. Legs are short, thin, and straight; the Brat back is gently tapered, leading to a short, thin, gently curved tail.

The Brat coat is short and smooth and comes in a variety of colors, usually in mixed patterns.

The Brat mixed breed doesn't see a ton of variation in individual features like coat length or texture (Brat hair will consistently be short and smooth). The main variety in these hybrids is in size, and will mostly be determined by whether the Rat Terrier parent is a Miniature or Standard one.

Breeders use symbols like P, F1, F1b, and F2 to signify a dog's genetic makeup. For the Brat hybrid, the following applies:

• P: Purebred; 100% Boston Terrier or 100% Rat Terrier
• F1: P x P; 50% Boston Terrier, 50% Rat Terrier
• F1b: F1 x P; 75% of the purebred parent's DNA
• F2: F1 x F1; 50% Boston Terrier, 50% Rat Terrier

(The formula continues up to F5 or higher.)
Breeders utilize the F1b cross (often called a "backcross") to intensify the traits of one breed or the other. As such, the size of a Brat can be modified somewhat. An F1b Brat with a Miniature Rat Terrier as the purebred parent will produce a little Brat; if the purebred parent, meanwhile, is a Standard Rat Terrier bred with a larger F1 Brat, this will produce what could be called a "Super Brat."

Friendly, energetic, intelligent, playful, and at times stubborn, the Brat temperament is one of activity and love. These hybrids will normally be affectionate with most everyone and everything. They may, however, exhibit the "Triple T"--typical terrier temperament--of digging, barking, chewing, and general fussiness, especially if the Brat behavior is more Rat Terrier-like. These dogs will usually get along with kids (see "Children & Family" below) and other pets, though they may inherit the Rat Terrier's prey drive (especially with rodents). All this undesirable behavior can be minimized some if your Brat receives training and socialization, hopefully starting when the dog is still a puppy.

Another of the good characteristics of a Brat is the dog's intelligence, which means it'll usually respond very well to training. These hybrids can normally learn tasks, tricks, and commands easily--but sometimes they con be stubborn and require a few repetitions. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And Brats usually have good watchdog skills. While they're simply too small to be able to neutralize potential threats like intruders, these hybrids are alert and loyal, and are sure to bark at and investigate any unknown sights or sounds.

Brats are healthier than their purebred parents and live an average of 15 years.