Brat Grooming

The Brat, as a hybrid mix of a Boston Terrier and a Rat Terrier, has a short-haired smooth coat that doesn't require too much grooming. Since the Boston has a single-layered coat and the Rat a double one, these hybrids' coats can be either--which means they'll shed more heavily in the spring and fall if the coat is double-layered.

Specific instructions on how to brush a Brat are in the Brushing section below.

A Brat bath will only need to happen every three months or so--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is in order. When bathing a Brat, be sure to use canine shampoo, as the kind made for humans has a different pH and will irritate the dog's skin. Also take the time to rinse the shampoo completely from the coat; leftover soap residue will cause further skin irritation.

And these hybrids' coats are simply too short to sport any Brat hairstyles other than their natural ones. (See the Styling & Haircuts section below to learn why shaving a Brat coat is a terrible idea.)

In addition to its coat, a Brat will need regular maintenance in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week using a regular toothbrush; clean the dog's ears monthly with canine ear cleaning solution; and if your Brat's nails click on hard surfaces, it's time for a trim--which you can do with standard nail clippers.

Though owners can easily learn to perform all aspects of Brat grooming themselves, it's a good idea to take the dog to a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Brat at home.

Brat brushing needs will depend on whether the dog's coat is single- or double-layered. If it's single like the Boston's, weekly brushing is fine--but if it's a double one like the Rat Terrier's it'll shed more (especially when the dog blows its undercoat during the spring and fall shedding seasons). Double coats will need brushing 2-3 times per week for most of the year, and daily brushing is best during shedding season.

The best brush for a Brat is either a bristle brush or a grooming glove. Owners with double-coated Brats can also use a de-shedding tool like a Furminator to help collect dead hairs.

To brush: first wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle. Then starting at the shoulders, go through the coat section by section with the brush or glove, moving in the direction of hair growth.

In reality, the only Brat "style" possible is the coat the dog was born with--so no Brat haircuts are required.

Even so, some people believe that shaving a Brat, especially if its coat is double-layered, will reduce shedding. This idea is simply a myth. Unless the dog is shaved bald--which is not a good idea!--the undercoat remains and the dog's coat will still shed. The only difference is that a shaved Brat's shed hairs will be shorter.

A shaved Brat, regardless of whether it has a single or double coat, will be much more susceptible to heatstroke and sunburn, and the dog will get cold very easily. And when the coat does grow back, it'll likely be uneven and softer in texture.

So to anyone thinking of shaving their Brat's coat: put those clippers away!