The Toy Rat Doxie: A Comprehensive Guide to the Dachshund Rat Terrier Mix

Are you fascinated by the unique look and spunky personality of the toy rat doxie? This adorable cross between a rat terrier and dachshund has been gaining fans in recent years as more people discover the joys of this pint-sized but big-hearted hybrid. Whether you‘re already the proud owner of a doxie-terrier mix or considering adding one to your family, this in-depth guide will tell you everything you need to know to help your little pal live his best life.

What Exactly Is a Toy Rat Doxie?

A toy rat doxie is a hybrid dog created by crossing a purebred rat terrier with a purebred dachshund (typically the miniature variety). Like all designer mixes, this "breed" originated relatively recently, likely within the last 20-30 years as the trend of intentionally crossbreeding purebred dogs for certain traits took off.

Since toy rat doxies haven‘t been around for long and aren‘t recognized by major kennel clubs like the AKC, there aren‘t firm standards for their appearance or temperament. Instead, any given pup may favor his rat terrier or dachshund parent more strongly. In general though, you can expect an adult toy rat doxie to be classified as a small dog breed, standing 8-18 inches tall and weighing between 6-35 pounds.

Common coat colors include black, white, tan, brown, red, and various combinations thereof. They may be solid colored or have patterns like spots, speckles, or brindle striping. Coats may be short and smooth, long and silky, or wire-haired. Grooming needs are modest, with weekly brushing and the occasional bath usually sufficient for most toy rat dachsies.

As for physical features, your pup may have the long, low body and short legs of a dachshund or be more terrier-shaped. Ears are usually floppy but can be pricked. Tails are often long and tapered. Overall, it‘s a cute, compact package!

Charismatic & Clever: The Toy Rat Doxie Personality

The key to understanding the toy rat dachsie personality is looking at his parent breeds. Rat terriers were originally bred to be fearless, tireless hunters of vermin and small game. They‘re also prized for their portable size, easy-care coat, and devotion to their owners.

Dachshunds, meanwhile, were also bred to hunt – their elongated shape was ideal for flushing badgers and other animals out of dens. Like terriers, they have a strong prey drive. However, dachshunds can also be independent and stubborn, preferring to do things their way. The dachshund in particular is not always an ideal choice for first-time dog owners.

Put a rat terrier and dachshund together and you get an intelligent, active, fearless little dog with a good dose of that famous terrier feistiness. Toy rat dachsies are curious, alert, and generally up for anything their beloved human wants to do. They bond strongly with their family and make affectionate, playful companions.

On the flip side, the rat doxie‘s smarts and independence can be a challenge when it comes to training. Basics like housetraining and manners are definitely achievable, but your pup may decide listening isn‘t always in his best interest, especially if he picks up a tempting scent. Speaking of which, the ratshi‘s strong hunting instincts mean he‘s hardwired to chase anything that moves. That‘s great if you need a barnyard mouser but not so much if you have cats, rabbits, or other small pets he might view as prey.

Early socialization is a must to teach your toy ratter dachsie what‘s friend vs food. Socialization will also help prevent shyness or aggression toward strangers, though this mix does tend to be an alert watchdog who won‘t hesitate to sound the alarm if anything seems amiss.

Inside the home, ratshis have moderate exercise needs that can usually be met with a couple brisk walks and some spirited games of fetch or tug-of-war each day. Their compact size means they‘re generally well-suited to apartment life as long as they get enough mental and physical stimulation. Interactive puzzle toys can help keep clever ratshi minds engaged.

Health & Lifespan

With an average lifespan of 15 to 18 years, toy rat doxies have the potential to be a long-term fixture in your life and heart. Of course, there are no guarantees in life – every dog is an individual and genes are just one factor in determining health and longevity.

That said, hybrid vigor may mean your toy rat doxie is less likely to inherit some of the congenital health problems that can affect his purebred parent breeds. Conditions that have been documented in rat terriers, dachshunds, or both include:

• Hip & elbow dysplasia
• Eye disorders like progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and cataracts
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
• Luxating patellas
• Heart disease
• Epilepsy
• Allergies
• Hypothyroidism
• Cushing‘s disease
• Dental problems

While this may look like a scary list, many toy rat doxies will never develop any serious health issues. The best thing you can do is find a reputable breeder who screens their stock for genetic problems and be proactive about wellness care.

Feed a high-quality, properly portioned diet, stay up to date on preventative care like vaccines and parasite control, and don‘t forget that dental health is an often-overlooked key to overall health, especially for small dogs. Brush your pup‘s teeth regularly and ask your vet about professional cleanings.

Finding Your Perfect Toy Rat Doxie

Because they‘re still an uncommon mix, finding a toy rat doxie pup can take some detective work. Reach out to dachshund and rat terrier breed clubs to see if they‘re aware of any breeders working with this cross. Search for "rat terrier dachshund mix" or "toy rat doxie" online and be prepared to expand your search radius – you may need to drive a few hours or look into air shipping to get the dog of your dreams.

Adopting an older toy rat doxie is another option, albeit probably an even more challenging one due to their rarity. Set up alerts on Petfinder and other online adoption sites. Check local rescues and shelters regularly and get on their notification list so you‘ll be first to know if one comes in.

Wherever your pup comes from, look for a dog that has been well socialized and is curious and friendly. Avoid pups that seem overly shy or aggressive. Ask about health screenings and guarantees. If possible, meet the parents to get a sense of size and temperament.

Caring For Your Toy Rat Doxie

Once you bring your bundle of joy home, you‘ll want to start training and bonding right away to build a foundation for a beautiful friendship. Toy rat doxies respond best to positive reinforcement methods – lots of praise, play, and high value treats. Keep training sessions short and fun so your clever pup doesn‘t get bored.

While your ratshi will definitely have an independent streak, don‘t give in to his push for control. Be firm, fair, and consistent in your expectations. Once your pup understands the house rules, he‘ll respect you as the leader of the pack.

Housetraining can be a challenge for toy breeds in general. The key is getting your doxie-ratter mix on a regular potty schedule and sticking to it. Reward enthusiastically when he goes in the right spot. If accidents happen, clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner so he won‘t be tempted to repeat the mistake.

Puppy socialization classes are a great way for your ratshi to learn that the world is full of friends, not foes. Expose him to all sorts of people, places, sights, and sounds in a safe, controlled way. Building his confidence will help him grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.

Grooming a toy rat doxie is usually a cinch. Brush weekly to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. Bathe monthly or as needed. Inspect ears weekly for signs of infection and wipe gently with a damp cloth. Trim nails every few weeks – if you can hear them clicking on hard floors, they‘re too long.

Fun Facts About Toy Rat Dachshunds

• Celebrity rat terrier mixes include Daug, owned by YouTube star Jenna Marbles, and Tuna Melts My Heart, a chiweenie (Chihuahua-dachshund) Instagram star known for his unique overbite.
• In Germany, dachshunds were bred in different sizes so they could specialize in hunting different prey in different types of terrain. Miniatures like the ones often used in toy rat doxie breeding were prized for their ability to squeeze into tight burrows.
• Dachshunds and rat terriers consistently rank in the top 3 breeds for longevity, so it‘s no surprise hybrid toy rat doxies have such impressive lifespans. One toy rat doxie named Otto lived to the ripe old age of 20!

There you have it – a nose to tail guide to this spunky, sporty little dog with a big personality. If the toy rat doxie sounds like your dream dog, start your search armed with plenty of knowledge and patience. That perfect pup is out there waiting for you! Once you‘ve got him, get ready for years of laughter, love, and loyalty from your clever, cuddly, one-of-a-kind companion.