Ratshi Terrier

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: March 8th, 2019

About Ratshi Terrier

Height

8-10 inches

Weight

10-20 lbs

Lifespan

14-17 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Singles, active seniors, families with older children, people who live in an apartment

Temperament

Lively, affectionate, playful, energetic, stubborn, curious, alert

Comparable Breeds

Rat Terrier, Shih Tzu

Ratshi Terrier Basics

The shaggy coat and spunky attitude make Ratshi Terrier absolutely adorable. These designer dogs will charm you from the moment you meet them! Ratshi Terrier is truly an example of a big dog trapped inside a small dog body. They have a big heart and personality, and believe that they’re much tougher than they appear to others. They won’t hesitate to bark at “intruders” to protect their territory and family. Sure, a 10-pound pouch is not the best guard dog, but they make excellent little watchdogs.

Ratshi Terrier is a mixed breed dog, so there’s no set standard for their looks. They are a mix between a Rat Terrier and a Shih Tzu and can look a bit like both parents, to favor one breed over the other. In most cases, though, these are seriously cute small dogs who have one-of-a-kind appearance. They can also be found under names Rat Shih or Rat Tzu, although these are not recognized names.

Sweet and undemanding, the Ratshi Terrier is a breed that suits many types of owners. Seniors and apartment dwellers will appreciate their moderate exercise needs and small size. They can be a bit impatient and prone to nipping if not socialized on time, so families with young kids might be better off with another hybrid. Curious to see if the Ratshi Terrier is the dog for you? Read on to learn more about them before deciding!

Sweet and undemanding, the Ratshi Terrier is a breed that suits many types of owners.

Origin

The Ratshi Terrier is a fairly recent designer dog breed. When it comes to designer dogs in general, there’s little information about the specific breeds, and only a few fortunate hybrids have a well-documented history. In fact, a lot of people still don’t know what the actual difference between mutts and designer dogs is. Mixed breed dogs have been around for as long as there has been a man’s best friend, so it makes it virtually impossible to pinpoint a place and period when people started intentionally crossbreeding purebreds instead of the process being purely accidental. However, simply by looking at the origin of the more popular hybrids, we can draw some conclusions about the Ratshi Terrier, too. It’s highly likely that this designer dog breed also had its start in the United States, sometime in the last 20 to 30 years.

Pedigree

The Ratshi Terrier is a mixed breed dog- a cross between a Rat Terrier and a Shih Tzu. It’s a 50-50 mix or a first generation crossbreed. Usually, the bitch is the Rat Terrier as they are slightly larger than the Shih Tzu. This direct crossing of purebreds has unpredictable results: puppies can widely vary in looks, even across one litter. Some Ratshi Terrier can look more like mom, others could favor dad, and some can look a bit like both of the parental breeds. This diversity is one of the many things people love about designer dogs, The Ratshi Terrier is particularly unpredictable, too, as the parents have very few similarities in their appearance.

However, it’s not all about the looks. Some breeders believe that first generation mixes are the healthiest, as there’s a potentially lower risk of breed-specific issues. Be it true or not, multigenerational Rat Terrier and Shih Tzu crosses are extremely rare. The reason might be that there are legitimate health concerns, but it’s more likely that this is still a new breed and developed by a small number of people.

Food/Diet

Making sure that your Ratshi Terrier has a healthy, well-balanced diet is extremely important. Nutrition plays an important role in your dog’s overall health, so you should be reckless when it comes to what you put in their food bowl. Luckily, this designer dog has no unusual requirements or needs. Like all dogs, the Ratshi Terrier will do best on high-quality dry food for dogs. The “trick” is to make sure you chose the right one.

First, you should steer clear from all cheap foods that are poor in protein but full of fillers and dubious ingredients. Choose kibble with high-grade and natural ingredients, high content of meat and those formulas that are suitable for your pet. This usually means small breed dry dog food blends, as these are formulated to meet the needs of dogs Ratshi Terrier’s size and activity level. Furthermore, their food should be appropriate for their age- puppies, seniors, and adult dogs don’t have the same nutritional requirements.

Also, you should have in mind that Ratshi Terrier is no picky eater. In other words, they’ll pig out if you let them. Don’t overfeed your dog- they can quickly become overweight. Follow the recommendations by the manufacturer (it varies, but it’s usually a cup or a cup and a half each day) and split their dose into two daily meals.

The Rat Terrier and Shih Tzu mix dogs will vary in character the same as they do in looks.

Training

In most cases, the Ratshi Terrier’s eagerness to please and smarts make him a trainable breed. However, more often than not, those terrier genes bring about a stubborn streak, which makes these designer dogs more suited to someone who has experience with small breed dogs. Their headstrong behavior shouldn’t be met with punishments, however. Positive reinforcement is what works best for these willful little pooches. Once they realize that they’ll get rewards for good behavior and following commands, they’ll quickly get on board with your training sessions. Be consistent and have a firm hand, though, unless you want your puppy to see training as a way to beg for some extra treats and attention.

Training should be started as soon as you welcome a puppy into your home and family. This is usually at few weeks of age, so start with the simple, basic stuff like where to go potty. Basic commands, leash walking and other steps of the process are to follow quickly after. Additionally, you should make sure to socialize your dog on time. Exposing them to different people, animals, and situations will shape them into friendly, adaptable dogs everyone likes to have around.

Weight

The weight of your Ratshi Terrier will depend on which parent’s genes are more dominant. In any case, these are small dogs- their weight varies from 10 to 20 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

The Ratshi Terrier has a personality that transcends his petite body. These are small, spirited dogs that have a cheerful, easy-going disposition- their positive energy is infectious. The Rat Terrier and Shih Tzu mix dogs will vary in character the same as they do in looks, but with timely training and socialization, they all make the most wonderful pets and companions.

Owing to their parents, these designer dogs have a sweet nature, they’re eager to please and they’re very affectionate with their families. They’re not as friendly with little children who want to play roughly, though, so they’re not a fit for families with youngsters. The Ratshi Terrier is not an aggressive dog, but they will have no issue nipping someone in defense unless trained not to do it.

Despite their (occasional) short fuse, Ratshi Terriers can be quite friendly dogs if socialized on time. They tend to grow very close to their humans and will shadow them everywhere they go- there’s nothing more interesting to these hybrids than being around their favorite humans.

Common Health Problems

There is a common belief that designer dogs are somehow healthier than their purebred parents. The idea is that crossbreeding leads to hybrid vigor, which ensures better health and resilience in the hybrid offspring. However, designer dogs are just called hybrids, but they’re not- in the true sense of this word. So, while this theory doesn’t seem to always work in practice, the Ratshi Terrier is still considered a relatively healthy dog. With good breeding, they can have fewer health issues than his parental breeds in general.

The issues that Ratshi Terrier can inherit from either mom or dad include patellar luxation, elbow and hip dysplasia, canine disc disease (if they have the body shape of a Shih Tzu), brachycephalic syndrome (if they have a short snout and flat face), and issues with eyes. As a small breed dog, the Rat Terrier and Shih Tzu mix can also be prone to obesity and early tooth loss.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy for the Ratshi Terrier is 14 to 17 years.

Exercise Requirements

These are spunky, energetic dogs who can become destructive if bored or under-exercised. However, as this is still a pretty small dog, meeting their activity needs isn’t too demanding- an active senior or a person living in an apartment wouldn’t find a Ratshi Terrier a high-maintenance pet.

On average, 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise will keep these dogs happy and fit. Due to his terrier genes, this hybrid can be a bit more handful than your average lapdog, but nothing too crazy. With a few daily walks and a bit of quality playtime, they won’t become frustrated and destructive. Better yet, you would provide engaging puzzle toys when you’re not around so your designer dog could keep himself entertained.

On average, 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise will keep these dogs happy and fit.

Recognized Clubs

The Ratshi Terrier is a mixed breed dog, and, as such, is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. There are, however, many other small canine organizations that see the potential designer dogs have and want to help breeders develop them. Those of them who also recognize the Ratshi Terrier as a real breed include the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.

Coat

The Shih Tzu and Rat Terrier have completely different coats. One sports soft, long hair and the other has a closely cropped coat. In other words, there are absolutely no certainties when it comes to the coat of a Ratshi Terrier. Usually, the two breeds ‘meet somewhere in the middle’, producing a mix puppy with a medium length, shaggy coat that doesn’t shed that much. As for the possible colors, the Ratshi Terrier usually has tri-color or bi-color coat, although cream and fawn variants are also common.

When it comes to grooming, this breed is not demanding. Daily brushing will be enough to keep their coat looking lustrous at all times.

Puppies

Ratshi Terrier puppies are a lively, adorable bunch and you’ll go bananas for them as soon as you see one. They are tiny but feisty, and their clumsy behavior leaves no one indifferent. However, no matter how cute you think your new pet is, it’s never too early to start training them. Ratshi Terrier can be very bossy and develop small dog syndrome if not socialized and trained on time, so make sure to set the foundations early on.

Needless to say, these hybrid puppies will be very fragile in their early age. Don’t let their rowdy behavior fool you into thinking they’re tougher than they actually are! Be careful when handling them and make sure not to leave them alone with children who could inadvertently injure them in play.

Photo credit: Annette Shaff/Shutterstock; Erik Lam/Shutterstock; koliversen/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Does it sound like your pet’s sawing wood whenever they take a nap? We hear you. It just so happens that dogs can snore like humans do, and some do it quite often and quite loudly. But what causes snoring in dogs, and is it normal? And is there a way to limit, reduce, or altogether eliminate it? Here are all the deets on dog snoring you need to know.Is Dog Snoring Normal?First off, yes, dog snoring can be completely normal. Just like humans, dogs can snore for various reasons. In most cases, it is not something you should worry about. Still, it can be somewhat distracting, and you might want to know what causes it. A number of factors can contribute to this issue – here are the most common ones.Brachycephalic Breeds:Dogs with short noses and flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to snoring. This conformation can lead to narrower air passages, making it harder for air to flow smoothly during breathing. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus.Weight:Overweight, chubby dogs may snore more frequently because excess weight can put pressure on their airways. Combined with excess fat on their neck, and the sleeping position, their snoring can be quite loud, especially during sleep. Age:Believe it or not, age can cause snoring as well! Older dogs may snore more frequently and loudly as they age, just like some humans. Age can affect the muscles and tissues in a dog's throat. Older dogs may experience a relaxation of these tissues, contributing to snoring. Don't hold it against your senior furry friend, they can't help it!Sleeping Environment:Ultimately, the environment in which a dog sleeps can influence snoring. For example, if the room is too dry, it may irritate the nasal passages, or if it's too warm, dogs may breathe with their mouths open, contributing to snoring. Try to find an ideal environment for them, or consider using an air humidifier to moisturize dry air.

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

New Survey Ranks America's Top Dog Breeds by State

There’s no doubt about it - Americans love their dogs! We know that your pooch is the best breed, but have you wondered which are the most favored dog breeds in America? Forbes surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the 50 states to find America’s top dog breed. The survey involved the top 25 most popular dog breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. So, what is America’s top dog? As it turns out, “no breed in particular” is the country’s favorite at 13%.However, if Americans had to decide, they’d pick the Australian shepherd as a favorite, followed by the German shepherd and the bulldog.The highly intelligent and energetic Australian shepherd was ranked as the top dog breed in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. This breed was also voted the second favorite in nine states. Although Aussies won the popularity vote, the German shepherd was the number one pick in 16 states. That’s more than any other breed!Known for its loyal and courageous nature, the German shepherd is the most common breed to serve as a police K9 but also makes a wonderful family companion. They ranked as the second favorite dog breed in nine states. Interestingly, more men than women picked German shepherds as their favorite breed (9% compared to 6%). America’s 3rd favorite breed, according to Forbes, is the bulldog. The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed, best known for its stocky build, large head, and wrinkled face. The bulldog ranked as the top dog in eight states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Utah. Among all states, Nebraska ranked the bulldog lowest, placing this breed at 24th place, The lovable and friendly Labrador retriever ranked as the nation’s 4th favorite breed. Thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature, Labs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children. Labrador retrievers ranked as the most favorite dog breed in 10 states, including Louisiana, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bernese mountain dog is the 5th favorite dog breed in the United States. Large in size and built for hard work, Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and make affectionate, loyal, and faithful companions. So, it’s no surprise that this doggo ranked as the most favorite breed in nine states. Compared to four other top-ranked breeds, the Bernese mountain dog had the most varying results, with 10 states ranking this breed in the bottom 10.The beagle is the nation’s favorite small breed. Ranked as the 6th favorite breed overall, the beagle was placed in the top 10 favorite breeds in all but seven states. This breed received the lowest ranking in Utah, where it was voted as the state’s 3rd least favorite breed.The golden retriever comes in at 7th place, after being voted as the most favorite dog breed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Medium in size and best known for their gorgeous golden coats, golden retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate companions to active people and families with children. Goldens were the 2nd favorite dog breed in four states, including New Hampshire, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Vermont. This breed ranked the lowest in Alabama, where it received 17th place.These are America’s most favorite dog breeds, but the nation also has the least favorite doggo. This title goes to the Havanese, which was the bottom-ranked breed in 33 states.The Havanese is followed by Pembroke Welsh Corgi which was the least favorite dog breed in 17 states. And what about you? What’s your favorite and least favorite dog breed?Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

FDA Approves New Treatment for Anxiety and Fear in Cats

It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Is Scent Enrichment for Cats?

Your cat has a powerful sense of smell that she uses to navigate her surroundings and make decisions, so it’s important to consider your kitty when using scented products around the house and maintaining a litter box that doesn’t have offensive odors.In addition to considering the fragrances that can be off-putting to your kitty, you can also enrich your cat’s environment and make her daily life more fun with scent. Below are some tips on how to use scent enrichment to keep your furbaby happy.

Cat Chattering: What Is It and What Does It Mean?

Cats communicate with each other and their humans in a variety of ways through vocalizations and body language. While you may be able to figure out what your cat is saying when they meow or hiss, you might be at a loss for an explanation when you see them chatter for the first time, especially if you’ve never seen cats do this before.What does it mean when cats chatter? Check out the information below to learn all about it so you’ll be able to figure out what your kitty is thinking and feeling the next time you see them exhibit this odd behavior.What Is Chattering in Cats?Chattering usually happens when a kitty sees something that they want to get their paws on. Many times, they’ll be looking out the window when a prey animal, like a chipmunk or bird, comes into view. Or, if your kitty spends time in a catio or outdoor enclosure, they might start chattering when they see small wildlife. As soon as your cat sees their intended prey, they may be ready to go on the hunt, and might express this feeling by chattering.This behavior doesn’t only happen when your kitty sees wildlife, though. It can also happen when you’re using a toy to play with them. The movement of the toy can get them excited and ready to pounce on their “prey,” and they might chatter as a result.Once you know what cat chattering looks like, you’ll be able to recognize it right away. But if you’ve never seen it before, it can be described simply as your cat making quick movements with their jaw, showing their teeth while staring intently at their target. Sometimes, no sounds will come out, but other times, they’ll make chirping sounds or even little meows. Some people even describe chattering as “ekekek”.To see what it looks like, here’s a compilation of cats chattering:

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