Rat Terrier Dachshund Mix: The Complete Breed Guide

If you've been researching small, spirited companion dogs, the Rat Terrier Dachshund mix — sometimes called a "Ratshund" or "Doxie Rat" — may have crossed your radar. This designer cross blends the athletic, people-oriented Rat Terrier with the bold, low-slung Dachshund, producing a compact dog with outsized personality.

But mixed-breed dogs come with a built-in wildcard: you can never guarantee which parent's traits a given puppy will express. This guide breaks down what's predictable, what's a coin toss, and what prospective owners should budget for — physically, financially, and emotionally — before bringing one home.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Rat Terrier Meets Dachshund

Understanding a designer mix starts with its foundation breeds. Both the Rat Terrier and the Dachshund are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but they were developed for very different working purposes.

Trait	Rat Terrier	Dachshund
Origin	United States, early 1900s — farm and hunting vermin control	Germany, 15th–17th century — badger hunting
AKC Group	Terrier Group	Hound Group
Weight Range	10–25 lb (4.5–11.3 kg) for standard; under 10 lb for miniature	16–32 lb (7.3–14.5 kg) standard; 11 lb (5 kg) and under for miniature
Height	10–18 in (25–46 cm)	5–9 in (13–23 cm) at shoulder
Coat Types	Smooth, short	Smooth, longhaired, wirehaired
Energy Level	High — needs 45–60 min daily exercise	Moderate — needs 30–45 min daily exercise
Prey Drive	Very high	High
Trainability	High — eager, responds well to positive reinforcement	Moderate — intelligent but independent and stubborn
Lifespan	12–18 years	12–16 years

The Rat Terrier brings speed, agility, and an intense desire to work alongside people. The Dachshund contributes tenacity, a powerful nose, and that unmistakable elongated silhouette. When you cross them, you get a dog that can range anywhere from a sleek, leggy terrier type to a stocky, low-rider hound type — and everything in between.

Generation Guide: F1, F1B, F2, and Multigen Explained

Size Range: How Big Will a Rat Terrier Dachshund Mix Get?

Size is one of the most variable traits in this cross because both parent breeds have miniature and standard varieties. The adult size of your dog depends heavily on which size variants were used in the breeding.

Size Category	Weight	Height at Shoulder	Likely Parentage
Small / Miniature Cross	8–14 lb (3.6–6.4 kg)	8–12 in (20–30 cm)	Miniature Dachshund × Miniature Rat Terrier
Medium / Standard Cross	14–25 lb (6.4–11.3 kg)	10–15 in (25–38 cm)
Larger End	22–30 lb (10–13.6 kg)	13–17 in (33–43 cm)	Standard Dachshund × Standard Rat Terrier

Body shape variability: Expect a spectrum. Some Ratshunds inherit the Dachshund's long spine and short legs (chondrodysplastic build), while others get the Rat Terrier's more proportional, athletic frame. Many fall in between — slightly longer than tall with moderate leg length. This matters for health (more on spinal risks below) and for gear fitting, since harnesses designed for standard proportions may not fit a long-backed Ratshund well. Look for harnesses labeled for Dachshund-type or long-bodied breeds — brands like Ruffwear Web Master and Kurgo Tru-Fit offer adjustable options in the $25–$50 range.

Coat Types, Colors, and Shedding: What to Expect

The coat your Rat Terrier Dachshund mix inherits depends on which parent's genes dominate — and with Dachshunds carrying three distinct coat varieties, the possibilities multiply.

Coat Type Possibilities

• Smooth/Short (most common): Inherited from either parent's smooth variety. Short, sleek hair that lies flat. Minimal grooming but moderate year-round shedding. This is the most likely outcome for F1 crosses.
• Wirehaired: Possible if the Dachshund parent is wirehaired. Coarse, bristly outer coat with a softer undercoat. Requires hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks. Less common in this mix.
• Longhaired: Possible if the Dachshund parent is longhaired. Silky, slightly wavy fur with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail. Needs brushing 3–4 times per week to prevent matting. Least common in this mix.

Is the Rat Terrier Dachshund Mix Hypoallergenic?

No. Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic. Both are moderate shedders, and the smooth-coated variety — the most common outcome — sheds consistently year-round with seasonal increases in spring and fall. If you have dog allergies, this mix is not a suitable choice. For allergy-friendly alternatives, consider Poodle mixes or breeds like the Bichon Frise.

Color Range

Expect a wide palette: black and tan, chocolate, red, tricolor (black, white, and tan), blue (diluted black), fawn, brindle, and sable. White markings — chest patches, blazes on the face, tipped tails — are common from the Rat Terrier side. Piebald and dapple patterns are possible from the Dachshund side, though responsible breeders avoid double-dapple pairings due to associated deafness and eye defects.

Temperament: Best-Case Scenarios and Challenging Traits

Temperament in mixed breeds is inherently less predictable than in purebreds, where generations of selective breeding have narrowed the behavioral range. A Rat Terrier Dachshund mix can inherit any combination of the following traits:

Prey Drive: A Non-Negotiable Trait

Both Rat Terriers and Dachshunds were bred to hunt small animals. This means your mix will almost certainly have a strong prey drive. Off-leash recall in unfenced areas is unreliable regardless of training level — a squirrel sprinting across a field will override years of obedience work in an instant. Budget for secure fencing (a 4-foot minimum, with dig-proofing at the base since both breeds dig) or commit to leash-only outdoor time.

Socialization Window

The critical socialization period for puppies runs from approximately 3 to 14 weeks of age. During this window, expose your Ratshund puppy to diverse people, surfaces, sounds, other vaccinated dogs, and handling exercises. Puppy kindergarten classes (typically $100–$200 for a 6-week course) using positive reinforcement methods are strongly recommended. Force-free trainers certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) are a good starting point.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality

One of the most persistent myths in the designer dog world is that mixed breeds automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" — the idea that crossing two breeds eliminates genetic health problems. The reality is more nuanced. According to research published in the Merck Veterinary Manual, mixed-breed dogs do benefit from a larger gene pool, which can reduce the incidence of breed-specific recessive disorders. However, they can still inherit any condition that affects either parent breed.

Here are the conditions a Rat Terrier Dachshund mix is most at risk for:

Condition	Inherited From	Prevalence / Risk Level	Typical Treatment Cost (USD)
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Dachshund (primarily)	High — Dachshunds are 10–12× more likely to develop IVDD than other breeds. Risk increases if the mix inherits the long-backed body type.	$3,000–$8,000 for surgical intervention; $500–$1,500 for conservative management
Patellar Luxation	Both breeds	Moderate — common in small breeds overall. Grades I–IV; surgery recommended for Grade III+.	$1,500–$3,500 per knee
Dental Disease	Both breeds (small mouths = crowded teeth)	High — most small dogs show periodontal disease by age 3 without preventive care.	$300–$800 per professional cleaning; $200–$600+ per extraction
Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)	Rat Terrier (primarily)	Moderate — environmental and food allergies are common in terrier-type breeds.	$200–$600/year for ongoing management (Apoquel, Cytopoint, or immunotherapy)
Obesity	Both breeds (Dachshunds especially prone)	High — even 2–3 extra pounds strains a long spine and small joints.	Preventable; obesity-related complications (diabetes, joint disease) add $1,000–$5,000+ lifetime
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Both breeds	Low–Moderate — inherited recessively; responsible breeders screen for this.	No cure; management and adaptation only
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease	Both breeds (small breed predisposition)	Low — typically appears in puppies 4–12 months old.	$1,500–$3,000 for femoral head ostectomy surgery

Recommended Health Screenings

If purchasing from a breeder, ask for documentation that both parent dogs have been screened for:

• OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) patella evaluation — both parents should have a "Normal" rating
• OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation — relevant if the dog has a more standard-sized build
• CERF/OFA eye examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist — screens for PRA and other hereditary eye conditions
• Lafora disease DNA test (Miniature Dachshund lines) — a late-onset form of epilepsy
• Cardiac evaluation — particularly for mitral valve disease, which affects small breeds at higher rates

Always consult your veterinarian to establish a preventive care plan tailored to your individual dog's build, genetics, and lifestyle.

Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care

Grooming by Coat Type

• Smooth coat: Brush weekly with a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt (a $5–$10 Kong ZoomGroom works well). Bathe every 4–6 weeks or as needed. Trim nails every 2–3 weeks. Brush teeth daily with enzymatic dog toothpaste — this is non-negotiable for small breeds prone to dental disease.
• Wirehaired coat: Brush 2–3 times per week with a slicker brush. Schedule professional hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks ($40–$70 per session). Pay attention to ear hair, which can trap moisture and cause infections.
• Longhaired coat: Brush 3–4 times per week with a pin brush and metal comb to prevent tangles behind the ears, under the legs, and around the hindquarters. Professional grooming every 8–10 weeks for a sanitary trim.

Exercise Requirements

Plan for 30–60 minutes of structured activity per day, split into two or more sessions. This mix has enough terrier energy to need real exercise, but the potential for a long back means you should avoid repetitive high-impact activities like agility jumps or prolonged stair climbing.

Good exercise options:

• Two 15–20 minute leash walks daily on a well-fitted harness (never attach a leash to a collar on a long-backed dog — neck and spinal strain risk)
• Scent work and nose games — both breeds excel at this and it provides mental stimulation
• Indoor puzzle feeders and snuffle mats ($15–$35) for rainy days
• Supervised play sessions with similarly sized, compatible dogs
• Low-impact tricks training — spin, weave through legs, target training

Avoid: High jumps, rough play with much larger dogs, jogging on hard surfaces (especially for puppies under 12 months whose growth plates haven't closed), and extended hikes beyond 2–3 miles without conditioning.

Cost Breakdown: Purchase Price and Annual Expenses

Acquisition Costs

Source	Price Range	What You Typically Get
Small-scale breeder (limited health testing)	$400–$800	Puppy, basic vet check, first vaccinations, deworming
Reputable breeder (full OFA health testing, take-back clause)	$800–$1,500	Puppy, health-tested parents, early socialization program, spay/neuter contract, lifetime breeder support
Rescue / Shelter adoption	$50–$350	Adult dog (sometimes puppies), vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip, behavioral assessment

Because the Rat Terrier Dachshund mix is not a high-demand designer breed like the Goldendoodle or Cavapoo, you won't typically see the $2,000–$4,000 price tags. However, this also means fewer established, health-testing breeders exist. Check Petfinder and breed-specific rescues for Rat Terrier or Dachshund mixes — they appear regularly.

Estimated First-Year Costs

• Initial veterinary visit (exam, vaccines, heartworm test, fecal): $200–$400
• Spay/neuter: $250–$600
• Supplies (crate, harness, leash, bowls, bed, toys): $150–$350
• Food (quality small-breed kibble, ~1 cup/day): $250–$450/year
• Pet insurance (accident + illness): $30–$55/month ($360–$660/year) — strongly recommended given IVDD surgical costs
• Training (puppy class + basic obedience): $150–$400
• Grooming (smooth coat, minimal professional): $50–$200/year

Total estimated first-year cost: $1,500–$3,500 depending on acquisition source and your region.

Who Is the Rat Terrier Dachshund Mix Best Suited For?

This mix thrives in specific household setups and can struggle in others. Here's a practical decision framework:

Lifestyle Factor	Good Fit	Potential Mismatch
Living space	Apartments or condos with daily outdoor exercise; homes with fenced yards	Unfenced rural properties where the dog can roam and chase wildlife
Family composition	Adults, couples, families with children aged 8+ who understand gentle handling	Families with toddlers or infants (small, long-backed dogs can be injured by rough handling)
Work schedule	People who work from home or can arrange midday visits; max 4–5 hours alone	People regularly away 8+ hours — separation anxiety risk is high
Experience level	Intermediate owners familiar with terrier or hound temperaments; first-time owners committed to training classes	Owners expecting a "chill" low-effort companion — this mix needs engagement
Other pets	Another confident, similarly sized dog	Cats, rabbits, rodents, or small pets that trigger prey drive
Activity level	Active walkers, hikers (short trails), people who enjoy training games	Sedentary households — under-exercised Ratshunds become destructive and vocal

Special Considerations for Apartment Dwellers

The Rat Terrier Dachshund mix can be a solid apartment dog if you commit to two daily walks and indoor enrichment. The main challenge is barking — both parent breeds tend to vocalize at hallway noises, delivery drivers, and neighboring dogs. Proactive management includes white noise machines near the front door, window film to block visual triggers, and rewarding quiet behavior with high-value treats.

Frequently Asked Questions