Rat Terrier Mix With Dachshund: The Complete Ratshund Breed Guide

If you've encountered a compact, wire-haired dog with the body of a Dachshund and the alert, perky-eared expression of a Rat Terrier, you've likely met a Ratshund — the rat terrier mix with dachshund. This designer cross combines two hardworking American and German breeds into a small but high-energy companion that isn't for the faint of heart (or the quiet of apartment).

Unlike heavily standardized doodle mixes, the Ratshund remains relatively niche. There's no major kennel club recognition for this cross, and most litters are first-generation (F1) pairings. That means individual puppies can vary dramatically in build, coat, and personality — even within the same litter. This guide breaks down exactly what prospective owners should expect, backed by parent breed data from the American Kennel Club and veterinary health resources.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Rat Terrier Meets Dachshund

Understanding a Ratshund starts with understanding the two breeds behind it. Each parent contributes distinct physical and behavioral traits, and the mix inherits a combination that's impossible to predict with certainty.

Both breeds share a terrier-like tenacity and a history of hunting small prey underground. This overlap means a Ratshund almost always inherits strong prey drive, digging instincts, and a bold personality that belies their small size.

How Big Will a Rat Terrier Mix With Dachshund Get?

Size is one of the more predictable aspects of this mix — but only within a range. Because both parent breeds are small, you won't end up with a large dog. However, the exact build depends heavily on which Dachshund variety was used (miniature vs. standard) and which parent the puppy favors.

Most Ratshunds land in the 12–22 lb (5.4–10 kg) range with a height of 10–14 inches (25–36 cm). Expect a body that's longer than it is tall — the Dachshund's chondrodysplastic (dwarfism) gene is dominant, so most puppies inherit at least moderate leg shortening and an elongated spine. This has direct health implications discussed below.

Coat Types, Shedding, and the Hypoallergenic Question

Let's address the hypoallergenic question directly: No, the rat terrier mix with dachshund is not hypoallergenic. Neither parent breed carries the low-shedding, hair-like coat genes found in Poodles or Bichon Frises. Every Ratshund will shed to some degree.

Coat possibilities depend on which Dachshund variety was in the mix:

• Smooth coat (most common): Short, dense, close-lying fur. Inherited when both parents contribute smooth-coat genes. Low grooming but moderate to high shedding. This is the most likely outcome since Rat Terriers only carry the smooth coat gene.
• Wirehaired coat: Rough, bristly outer coat with a softer undercoat. Possible if the Dachshund parent was wirehaired. Wirehaired Ratshunds need hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks. Shedding is lower than smooth coats but not negligible.
• Longhaired coat (rare): Silky, slightly wavy fur with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail. Only possible if the Dachshund parent was longhaired. Requires brushing 3–4 times per week to prevent matting.

Common coat colors include black and tan, chocolate, red, blue (dilute black), fawn, tricolor (black/white/tan), and piebald (white patches). The Rat Terrier's classic white-and-color patchwork pattern often appears in the mix, sometimes combined with Dachshund dapple (merle) patterning. Important: If a breeder advertises double-dapple Ratshunds (merle from both parents), walk away — this combination carries severe risks for deafness and eye abnormalities.

Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)

The Ratshund temperament is where the "designer dog lottery" becomes most apparent. Even littermates can differ significantly depending on which parent's behavioral genes dominate.

Best-Case Temperament Scenario

A Ratshund that balances the Rat Terrier's eager trainability with the Dachshund's loyal devotion makes an engaging, affectionate companion. These dogs bond deeply with their primary person, learn tricks quickly using positive reinforcement methods, and bring entertaining, clownish energy to the household. They're typically alert without being neurotic, and they settle well indoors after adequate exercise.

Challenging Temperament Scenarios

Some Ratshunds inherit the Dachshund's stubbornness combined with the Rat Terrier's high arousal level — creating a dog that's intensely reactive to stimuli but resistant to training. This combination can manifest as:

• Leash reactivity: Lunging and barking at squirrels, other dogs, or fast-moving objects
• Resource guarding: Stiffening, growling, or snapping when approached while eating or holding a toy
• Separation distress: Destructive behavior, howling, or inappropriate elimination when left alone
• Digging obsession: Both breeds were selected for underground pursuit; a Ratshund may excavate yards, carpet edges, or couch cushions
• Small-animal aggression: Intense prey drive toward cats, rabbits, hamsters, or backyard wildlife

Socialization Timeline

The critical socialization window closes around 14–16 weeks of age. For a Ratshund puppy, prioritize exposure to:

1. Weeks 8–10: Varied floor surfaces, household sounds, gentle handling of paws/ears/mouth
2. Weeks 10–12: Supervised meetings with calm, vaccinated adult dogs; car rides; outdoor environments
3. Weeks 12–14: Different people (hats, uniforms, children at a distance); vacuum cleaners; doorbell sounds
4. Weeks 14–16: Controlled exposure to cats or small animals (if household includes them); vet office visits without procedures

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor Reality Check

One of the most persistent myths about designer dogs is that crossing two breeds automatically produces healthier puppies through "hybrid vigor" (heterosis). The reality, as documented in veterinary genetics research, is more nuanced. Hybrid vigor primarily applies to traits controlled by many genes with additive effects — such as general fertility or litter size. It does not eliminate inherited conditions that both parent breeds share or conditions caused by dominant genes.

The Ratshund can inherit health issues from either parent. Here's what to watch for:

IVDD: The Single Biggest Health Concern

Because the Dachshund's long-spined build is typically dominant, most Ratshunds inherit an elongated vertebral column relative to their leg length. This anatomy puts sustained stress on intervertebral discs, which can herniate and compress the spinal cord. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, Dachshunds are 10–12 times more likely to develop IVDD than other breeds.

Prevention strategies for Ratshund owners:

• Use ramps or stairs for couch/bed access — never let them jump down from heights over 12 inches (30 cm)
• Maintain lean body condition (Body Condition Score 4–5 out of 9); every extra pound multiplies spinal stress
• Use a harness instead of a collar for leash walking to avoid neck strain
• Avoid activities that involve repetitive spinal flexion (e.g., agility tunnels, frisbee catching with twisting landings)
• Discuss IVDD screening with your veterinarian at annual wellness exams

Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care

Grooming by Coat Type

Your Ratshund's grooming schedule depends entirely on which coat they inherited:

• Smooth coat: Rubber curry brush or bristle brush once weekly. Bath every 4–6 weeks or as needed. Nail trims every 2–3 weeks. Ear checks weekly (especially if ears are floppy like a Dachshund's).
• Wirehaired coat: Brush 2–3 times weekly with a slicker brush. Hand-strip or clip every 6–8 weeks (professional grooming: $40–$65 per session). Pay attention to facial furnishings — food and debris collect in wiry muzzle hair.
• Longhaired coat: Brush 3–4 times weekly with a pin brush and metal comb. Professional grooming every 8–10 weeks for sanitary trims and feathering maintenance.

For all coat types, brush teeth at minimum 3 times per week using enzymatic dog toothpaste. Small breeds are disproportionately affected by periodontal disease, and early dental care can delay or prevent costly extractions.

Exercise Requirements

Despite their short legs, Ratshunds are not low-energy lap dogs. Both parent breeds were developed for sustained physical work, and the mix typically requires:

• Daily walks: 30–45 minutes total, split into two sessions to protect the spine from fatigue
• Mental stimulation: 15–20 minutes of scent work, puzzle feeders, or trick training daily
• Off-leash play: Secure, fenced area only — their prey drive means they will chase and will not reliably recall if they spot a squirrel or rabbit
• Avoid: Long-distance running (spinal stress), jumping sports, rough play with large dogs

A bored, under-exercised Ratshund will create their own entertainment — typically by digging, barking, or dismantling household items. Adequate physical and mental exercise is the single most effective behavior management tool for this mix.

Cost: Purchase Price and Annual Ownership Budget

Ratshunds fall into a moderate price range for designer dogs, partly because they haven't achieved the premium pricing of doodle mixes.

First-year total estimate: $1,500–$3,500 depending on acquisition source and any unexpected health issues.

Breeder vs. rescue: Dedicated Ratshund breeders are uncommon. Most litters result from intentional small-scale pairings rather than established breeding programs. If purchasing from a breeder, require proof of health testing on both parents: OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) patella evaluations, ophthalmologist eye exams, and ideally genetic panels for PRA and degenerative myelopathy. Rescue organizations occasionally have Ratshunds available — check Petfinder using both parent breed names as search filters, as mixed-breed listings may be categorized under either parent.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Ratshund?

This mix isn't universally suited to every household. Here's a practical decision framework:

The ideal Ratshund owner is someone who appreciates a bold, opinionated little dog and has the patience and consistency to channel that energy constructively. These dogs thrive with owners who enjoy training sessions, scent games, and outdoor adventures — not with those looking for a decorative couch accessory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up the Ratshund?

The Ratshund is a cross between a Rat Terrier (an American farm and hunting breed) and a Dachshund (a German scent hound originally bred for badger hunting). The result is a small, elongated dog with strong hunting instincts from both sides of the pedigree.

Is the rat terrier mix with dachshund good with children?

Ratshunds can be good with respectful, older children (typically 8+). However, their long spines make them vulnerable to injury from rough handling, picking up, or being dropped. Young children should always be supervised, and kids must be taught to let the dog come to them rather than grabbing or carrying the dog. Early socialization with children during the puppy's critical window (8–16 weeks) helps build positive associations.

Do Ratshunds bark a lot?

Most Ratshunds are moderate to frequent barkers. The Dachshund was bred to vocalize while hunting underground (so hunters could locate them), and the Rat Terrier is an alert barker. Combined, you can expect barking at doorbells, passing dogs, squirrels in the yard, and unfamiliar sounds. Consistent positive reinforcement training can reduce nuisance barking, but eliminating it entirely is unrealistic for this mix.

Can Ratshunds be left alone during the workday?

Most Ratshunds struggle with being left alone for 8+ hours. Both parent breeds are people-oriented and prone to separation distress. If you work outside the home, plan for a midday dog walker, doggy daycare 2–3 days per week, or a work-from-home arrangement. Crate training helps with safety but does not address the underlying anxiety some Ratshunds experience when isolated.

How long do Ratshunds live?

Based on parent breed data, a healthy Ratshund typically lives 12–16 years, with some reaching 17–18 years. Maximizing lifespan means maintaining lean body weight (reduces IVDD risk), keeping up with dental care, and addressing health issues early through twice-annual veterinary wellness exams after age 7. Always consult your veterinarian about an age-appropriate screening schedule for your individual dog.

Are Ratshunds easy to potty train?

Potty training difficulty is moderate for this mix. Rat Terriers tend to learn quickly, but Dachshunds are notoriously stubborn about housebreaking — especially in cold or wet weather (many Dachshunds refuse to go outside in rain). Consistency, frequent outdoor trips (every 1–2 hours for puppies), and high-value rewards for outdoor elimination are key. Some owners of small Ratshunds successfully train indoor litter box or pee pad use as a weather backup.