Rat Tzu, Rattie, Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mix or Ratshi Terrier is a crossbreed between a Rat Terrier and a Shi Tzu. Rat Tzu Puppies are amazing and you will fall in love with them instantly. They are loyal, protective, and charming. This breed is rare and it might be hard to find information about it especially if you are planning to own one, but you will get everything you need to learn about the Ratshi breed in this article.
Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mix puppies Price
This breed is rare to find and this contributes to its high price. The price will vary from one breeder to the other and the Rat Tzu markings and color. A Ratite puppy can cost from $800-$1000. The price is still affected by one of the parents i.e. Shi Tzu which is expensive and costs more than $1000.
Some other breeders charge less than the above amount which is questionable because the cost of breeding a healthy purebred puppy is expensive. A reputable breeder will do a health screening and research the parents. It is better to note that you should research on your own about the breeder because a high price does not guarantee quality always.
You can also get a Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mixfrom any of this shelters;
Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mix Temperament
They are loving, loyal, and protective to their owners, they can get nervous or aggressive when they feel cornered. Socialization is crucial to this breed as it can develop unacceptable behavior in the future which will be hard to correct.
Are Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mix Good With Kids
Ratties do not relate well with kids, if they were to choose a family, it would be one with no kids or with older kids that would read his body language when he is not in the mood to play anymore.
They do not get along with young kids because kids can be unpredictable and they like playing excessively, when the Ratties are tired of playing they will not hesitate to bite the one disturbing them.
They have their favorite person whom they follow everywhere and they do not like homes with many people.
Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mix Grooming Requirements
How you will groom the coat depends on the coat type of your Rattie. A Rattie can inherit either of the coat of the parent. Shi Tzus are long-coated while American Rat Terriers are short-coated meaning their puppies can have a wide range of coat sizes.
They are hypoallergenic hence suitable for people with allergies. Depending on the type of coat you will need a different grooming routine. I.e. daily brushing for long coats, brushing thrice per week for medium coats, and brushing twice per week for short coats. Long coats require trimming to keep them in good shape.
Their teeth should be regularly brushed with canine toothpaste to prevent cavities. Bathing should be done only when necessary to avoid destroying his natural oils.
Do Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mix Good With Pets?
How good or bad a Rat Tzu interacts with other pets greatly depends on an individual dog. it will also be influenced by the training and socialization your dog received as a puppy. In most cases, Ratties do not make friends with other pets but they just tolerate them.
Ratties have a very high prey drive meaning they should not be left unsupervised with cats, rodents, or other small pets.
They can relate with other dogs well and play but only when they feel they can stop whenever they want, they are unpredictable and can snap in a second and change their moods when playing.
They are jealous and possessive of their owner and they might not like it when other pets get attention, this can make them aggressive to the other pet.
Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mix Exercise
Rat Tzu will require less exercise compared to large breeds. They do not need excessive physical exercise because their legs are not strong enough. They should be mentally stimulated using mental games.
Buy lots of toys to give to your dog to prevent boredom. If a dog is bored, he can become aggressive and stressed.
Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mix Training
Rat Tzus are loyal to their owners so they can easily follow training commands. However, terriers are known for their stubbornness which can make them difficult to handle especially for first-time owners.
You should use positive reinforcement which entails the use of treats and praise to make the training process easy.
Socialization is important at an early age to prevent him from getting worried about new surroundings and other dogs. Train him from an early age to stop the nipping habit.
Crate training is also important because it allows your dog to have a space of its own. The crate also helps when your dog is aggressive or when potty training.
Potty training is a challenge to many dog parents but when you use the positive reinforcement method, your dog can know how to use the potty area easily.
Rat Terrier And Shih Tzu Mix Health
When cross-breeding two breeds, the main aim is always to get a healthier breed. Though this is achieved, it does not mean that the breed will not be affected by any diseases. Meaning a Rat Tzu can be affected by diseases such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and Patellar luxation.
Read More On Shi tzu Mixes: Full Grown Pomeranian/Shih Tzu Mix
Read More On Terrier Mixes: How Big Do Terrier Mixes Get?
Conclusion
Rat Tzus are fun-loving, enthusiastic, lively, and loving dogs with an emotional side. Make sure they’re well-trained to be around young children so they don’t hurt them. This furry companion will brighten your life in a variety of ways.