Rat Terrier vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison

Rat Terrier is originated from United States but Pugnaces Britanniae is originated from United Kingdom. Rat Terrier may grow 39 cm / 15 inches shorter than Pugnaces Britanniae. Rat Terrier may weigh 106 kg / 233 pounds lesser than Pugnaces Britanniae. Rat Terrier may live 3 years more than Pugnaces Britanniae. Rat Terrier may have less litter size than Pugnaces Britanniae. Both Rat Terrier and Pugnaces Britanniae requires Low 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.

Pugnaces Britanniae is a dog which is now extinct. There isn't certainty surrounding the origins of the dog but it is thought they descended from dogs brought to Britain way back in the 6th century BC already.

These are ancient dogs, and when you do research you find references dating back to centuries ago. In fact when you read of the Roman conquest of Britain you read of huge dogs, which the Romans referred to as Pugnaces Britanniae.

It is believed that the English Mastiff descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae and that the dog was used as a war dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Miscellaneous dogs
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
67 - 75 cm
26 - 30 inches
Height Female:
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
67 - 75 cm
26 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
52 - 110 kg
114 - 243 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
52 - 110 kg
114 - 243 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 18 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
10 - 15
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
War Dog of Britannia
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
brindle, tan, Fawn
Coat:
Single coat, short and smooth
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
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.

The Pugnaces Britanniae was a huge dog standing at roughly 67 to 75cm and weighing 52 to 110kg.

He was a heavily built dog, a Mastiff type dog that had a large head, broad muzzle with fairly loose skin around the mouth, brown eyes, a broad back and rump, muscular legs and floppy ears with a long tail. In fact the Mastiff, thought to have descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae, gives you an idea of what the dog looked like. He no doubt has a short, smooth coat available in fawn, tan or brindle and with the black mask.

Temperament:

The Pugnaces Britannia was a naturally aggressive dog so it is to be expected that he wouldn’t automatically have been a good family dog, possibly being aggressive around children and other dogs. They were intelligent and were no doubt taught some simple commands.

They were also very territorial dogs, wanting to instinctively chase and attack unknown people and animals. They were strong minded, confident, loyal ad loving dogs towards their owners, being protective of them, wanting to please them.

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.

The Pugnaces Britanniae may well have been a large dog and quite imposing to look at but he was in all likelihood a good-natured pet who got on well with his family members, being loyal and loving if brought up correctly.

Long ago dog training and socialization didn’t exist but a large dog like this would have to be socialized and trained to become obedient and an amicable all-rounder.

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.

The Pugnaces Britanniae could live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age with good care. Large Mastiff type dogs like this would have had to watch out for common canine diseases such as hip dysplasia, cancer and bloat.

In those days, no screening tests were available for health problems like this. Gastric dilatation volvulus or bloat is a common health issue with large, deep chested dogs where the stomach fills with gas and the stomach twists. Its a life threatening disease.

Canine heart disease is another serious health issue with these mastiff type dogs. Early stages with heart disease show there may well be no symptoms at all. However, as the heart disease progresses towards congestive heart failure, the dog will have symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty with breathing, weight loss, a distended abdomen and coughing.

A dog with symptoms like this would have to see a vet immediately.

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.

Diet:

The diets of ancient dogs were different to what they are today, as in those days there were no commercially manufactured dog foods. Dog owners in all likelihood tossed scraps to them which included starch.

Today a large dog such as the extinct Pugnaces Britannia would have no doubt been fed a high quality kibble from a leading brand and packed with minerals and vitamins specially formulated for a large dog breed.

Homemade food is also important, but not any kind of food – it has to be food which doesn’t upset the dog’s digestive system. Simple but nutritious food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach is ideal for a dog, and when it is chopped up can be added twice a week to the dry kibble for a tasty, healthy treat.

Raw meat added in occasionally is also hugely beneficial. No dog should ever be without fresh, cool water constantly available.

Grooming:

As a short haired dog, the Pugnaces Britanniae would have required a brushing twice a week to rid the dog of loose hairs. Maybe in those days they didn’t check their dogs over to see that all was well, but today you would need to check the inside of the ears. If the insides were red, it could be a sign of an ear infection brought on by dampness, excess wax and dirt.

The eyes would need to be checked for discharge and the teeth checked a well. One rotten tooth can cause a lot of havoc. The nails of the dog would have had to be checked and clipped as well.

Exercise:

As a war dog, the Pugnaces Britanniae would have been fit. He is a big dog and while they require exercise such as walks and hide-and-seek type of games, he isn’t the kind of dog that would go running with you on a jog, as large, heavy dogs can overheat easily.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Northern Inuit Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Sindh Mastiff vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  3. Tamaskan vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  4. Tosa vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  5. Wolfdog vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  6. Samoyed vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  7. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  8. Saluki vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  9. Rough Collie vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  10. Rajapalayam vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  11. Schnauzerdor vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  12. Pyredoodle vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  13. Saarlooswolfhond vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  14. Sarplaninac vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  15. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  16. Rampur Greyhound vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  17. Sage Koochee vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  18. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  19. Pugnaces Britanniae vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  21. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  22. Pugnaces Britanniae vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  23. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  24. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  25. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Doberman Pinscher - 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 Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  30. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Rat Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Rat Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Rat Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  36. Rat Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Rat Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Rat Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Rat Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Rat Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  41. Rat Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Rat Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Rat Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Rat Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rat Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Rat Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Rat Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Rat Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Rat Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds