Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison

Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed ComparisonRat Terrier is originated from United States but Miniature Schnauzer is originated from Germany. Both Rat Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer are of same height. Rat Terrier may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Miniature Schnauzer. Rat Terrier may live 3 years more than Miniature Schnauzer. Both Rat Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer has almost same litter size. Rat Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Miniature Schnauzer requires Moderate maintenance

History

rat terrier - historyKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

miniature schnauzer - historyMiniature Schnauzers were first bred in Germany in the 19th century being bred from Affenpinschers and Standard Schnauzers.

This dog was always used to control rats on farms, but these days he is more a companion. It is believed that the start of the modern Miniature Schnauzer in the United States was around 1924 when dogs were imported from Germany.

It was in 1933 that the Miniature Schnauzer was recognized by the AKC as a separate breed from the Standard Schnauzer.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
Germany
Height Male:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
3 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer)
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
salt-and-pepper coat – mix of black and white. , Black and silver
Coat:
Single coat, short and smooth
Double, wiry medium-length coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

miniature schnauzer puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that stands between 30 to 36cm in height and weighs between 5 and 10kg.

He has a sturdy body with a dense, wiry coat which most people prefer to have stripped. Because stripping is quite tedious, many of these dog owners prefer to have the coat clipped which actually gives the coat a greyish look to it.

The coat is usually a mix of black and silver. Some people refer to the Miniature Schnauzer as having a salt-and-pepper coat – hairs that are a mix of black and white. The dog has a double coat with the outer coat being wiry and the undercoat being a lot softer.

This is a dog that will need to be groomed frequently to prevent matting. A noticeable feature with these dogs is the rectangular shaped head with alert slanted eyes and bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. In fact the word ‘Schnauzer’ means beard or muzzle.

The ears have been traditionally cropped but these days they are left and then they tend to be half-erect, half-floppy.

Temperament:

This is a tough little dog, fearless, cheeky, arrogant, alert and also friendly. A draw-card with him is that he is considered as a low-shedder and being hypoallergenic.

They’re very intelligent dogs too and will learn quickly when you give him training and socialization. This is important for a dog like this as he can quickly show you that he is strong willed and independent. Training and socialization makes him much nicer as he becomes more balanced and obedient.

He is full of life and extroverted and you can count on him to join you wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Whether watching TV, swimming or hiking, he’ll be there and turn every occasion into a festive event. He is a loving, loyal dog, making a splendid pet.

He's protective of his human family and tends to be suspicious of strangers, and this is what makes him such a great watchdog.

Characteristics

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

miniature schnauzer dog - characteristicsMiniature Schnauzers are such adaptable little dogs, quite happy to make a home with you in the city or in the countryside.

They’re sociable dogs, so just being with his human family wherever they are will suit him well. If he lives in the city however, he will need to have a walk everyday or taken to the park for a run.

He is also a dog that scarcely sheds, so he suits people battling with allergies. With an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, if you nurture your Mini Schnauzer and give him the best food and exercise there is, as well as loving him, you’re going to have a loyal and devoted pet.

Health Problems

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

miniature schnauzer puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Schnauzer is pretty healthy and he isn’t likely to cost you much in terms of vet fees. There are however some common dog problems that you want to be aware of such as cataracts of the eye and hypothyroidism.

Cataract:

This a a problem in the lens of the eye. The lens should be clear, and when a dog has a cataract, it obscures the vision. The size of the cataract can lead to blindness.

Diabetes in a dog can bring on cataracts as can genetics or damage to the eye from exposure to ultraviolet light. Fortunately, dogs with cataracts can still see. Dogs with old cataracts can have surgery to remove them.

When a dog owner suspects a cataract in their pet’s eye it is best to treat it immediately with anti-inflammatory dog cataract eye drops. Cataracts never go away however without surgery.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid gland in the neck produces a hormone called thyroxine. It controls metabolism, but with hypothyroidism, enough of the hormone isn’t made. Its a common disease which affects all dog breeds.

Signs of hypothyroidism include hair loss, weight gain, intolerance to cold and a troublesome skin. To have the disease diagnosed, the vet will do a series of blood tests.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

miniature schnauzer dogs - caringLet’s look at several ways you need to care for your Miniature Schnauzer -

Make sure you have his puppy injections on time. This means knowing which veterinarian you’ll use. Later on if you don’t want to go in for breeding, you will need to have your pet spayed or neutered.

Make sure you have a nice warm, dry spot for your dog to sleep. It can be a cardboard box, or you can buy a dog basket or sleeping platform. Make sure your pet loves it and knows he can retreat to it anytime he wants.

If he goes outside for a few hours, make sure that he has a place to lie in the shade and away from the elements.

Good food promotes good health and longevity. You can feed your pet one of the top quality commercially manufactured foods and give your pet some variety by adding in some boiled chicken, vegetables and brown rice. Some raw meat occasionally can also be excellent for your pet.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Miniature Schnauzer vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Miniature Schnauzer vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Miniature Schnauzer vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Miniature Schnauzer vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  9. Miniature Schnauzer vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Miniature Schnauzer vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature Schnauzer vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Miniature Schnauzer vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Miniature Schnauzer vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature Schnauzer vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Miniature Schnauzer vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Miniature Schnauzer vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Miniature Schnauzer vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Schnauzer vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Miniature Schnauzer vs Kaikadi - Breed Comparison
  22. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  23. Scottish Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  24. Patterdale Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  25. Norwich Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  26. Rat Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Rat Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Rat Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rat Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  35. Rat Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Rat Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Rat Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Rat Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  40. Rat Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Rat Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Rat Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Rat Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Rat Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rat Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Rat Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Rat Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds