Brat
Hybrid Breed Description
The Brat is a cross between the Boston Terrier and the Rat Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Brat. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a compact and well-proportioned small dog that typically weighs between 12 and 25 pounds, with heights ranging from 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder. Their sturdy, muscular build gives them an elegant yet athletic appearance despite their relatively small stature. The breed features a distinctive square-shaped head that is flat on top, with a short, broad muzzle that measures approximately one-third the length of the skull. Their large, round, dark eyes set wide apart create an intelligent and alert expression that is both endearing and expressive. The breed's small, erect ears stand near the corners of the skull, though some may be slightly tipped, contributing to their attentive appearance. One of the Boston Terrier's most recognizable features is their tuxedo-like coat pattern, which has earned them the nickname "American Gentleman." Their short, smooth coat comes in distinctive color combinations including black and white, brindle and white, or seal and white, with required white markings on the chest, muzzle band, and between the eyes. The breed displays characteristic brachycephalic features, including a shortened muzzle and flat face, which gives them their pushed-in appearance. Their naturally short tails can be straight, curled, or corkscrew-shaped and typically do not exceed two inches in length. The Boston Terrier's body is compact and short with a broad chest and slightly arched neck that sits firmly on well-developed shoulders. Their muscular legs are set somewhat wide apart and support an efficient, jaunty gait that conveys confidence and energy. The breed's overall proportions create a balanced, symmetrical appearance that demonstrates both strength and agility. Their flat, well-defined facial features combined with their distinctive markings make them instantly recognizable and contribute to their refined, gentlemanly appearance that has made them one of America's most beloved companion breeds.
Key Characteristics
Boston Terriers are renowned for their friendly, intelligent, and lively temperament that makes them excellent family companions. Often described as having a gentle disposition with a mischievous sparkle, these dogs are highly affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. They are naturally sociable and typically get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers when properly socialized. Their eager-to-please attitude combined with keen intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, though they can occasionally display a stubborn streak typical of their terrier heritage. Boston Terriers are highly sensitive to their owner's moods and emotions, often adjusting their behavior accordingly, which contributes to their reputation as intuitive companions. The breed possesses moderate energy levels and requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, though they are not as hyperactive as some terrier breeds. They love interactive play, particularly games of fetch and tug-of-war, and enjoy being involved in family activities. Boston Terriers thrive on human companionship and do not like being left alone for extended periods. Their playful and spirited nature persists well into adulthood, making them entertaining companions who can provide endless amusement with their antics. Despite their small size, they carry themselves with confidence and can be quite assertive, sometimes displaying protective behaviors toward their families. While generally well-mannered and adaptable, Boston Terriers can be vocal when necessary but are not typically excessive barkers, making them suitable for apartment living. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and can excel in various canine activities including obedience, agility, and even therapy work. Their combination of friendliness, intelligence, and moderate exercise needs makes them versatile companions suitable for various living situations, from active families to senior citizens seeking a devoted companion.
Boston Terriers are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 11 to 13 years, though some individuals have lived to 15 years or more with proper care. However, as a brachycephalic breed with flat faces and shortened muzzles, they are predisposed to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties, snoring, and reduced tolerance for exercise and heat. This anatomical feature also makes them prone to overheating and means they should be closely monitored during hot weather or strenuous activity. Due to their compromised airways, many Boston Terriers require cesarean sections for delivery, with over 80 percent of litters delivered this way. The breed is particularly susceptible to various eye conditions due to their large, prominent eyes. Common issues include cataracts (which can develop at a young age), glaucoma, corneal ulcers, and cherry eye. Regular eye examinations are essential for early detection and treatment of these conditions. Boston Terriers are also prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of position, causing discomfort and potentially leading to arthritis if left untreated. Hip dysplasia, though less common, can also affect the breed and may require management through weight control, joint supplements, or surgery in severe cases. Other health concerns include heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease, which typically presents in older dogs and is a leading cause of death in the breed. Some Boston Terriers may experience congenital deafness, allergies manifesting as skin problems or ear infections, and demodectic mange. Obesity can exacerbate many health problems, so maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise is crucial. Prospective owners should work with reputable breeders who conduct health screenings and provide medical histories. Regular veterinary checkups, proper dental care, and careful monitoring during extreme temperatures can help Boston Terriers live long, healthy lives despite their breed-specific challenges.
Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a sturdy, compact, small to medium-sized dog that comes in two recognized size divisions: miniature (10 to 13 inches at the withers) and standard (13 to 18 inches at the withers), with weights typically ranging from 10 to 25 pounds. These athletic dogs possess a well-proportioned build that is slightly longer than tall, giving them an elegant yet powerful appearance that denotes speed, agility, and balance. Their muscular yet lean frame features flat muscles that blend smoothly into the body, creating a streamlined silhouette. The breed's broad chest and moderately wide ribcage provide ample lung capacity for their active nature, while their level, firm back transitions into a slightly arched loin and gently rounded croup. The Rat Terrier's head is distinctive, resembling a smooth, blunt wedge with a moderately wide skull that is flat on top. Their muzzle is shorter than the skull length and tapers along the sides to a pigmented nose, with strong jaws featuring a scissors bite. The breed's dark, expressive eyes are set wide apart and oval-shaped, conveying an intelligent, alert, and lively expression. Their ears can be carried in various positions including erect, semi-erect with tipped ends, or button style, all contributing to their attentive appearance. The breed displays a short, smooth, shiny coat with a dense, single-layer texture that lies close to the body. One of the most characteristic features of the Rat Terrier is their pied coat pattern, which consists of large patches of color combined with white. Acceptable colors include black, chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, lemon, and various combinations, always with some amount of white present. They can be bicolored or tricolored, with ticking often visible in the white portions of the coat. Their naturally short tail can be naturally bobbed, left long, or traditionally docked between the second and third joint. The breed's compact paws are oval-shaped with strong nails and thick pads, designed for the digging and hunting activities they were originally bred to perform. Their overall construction creates a balanced, athletic appearance that perfectly suits their heritage as versatile farm dogs and efficient hunters.
Key Characteristics
Rat Terriers are highly intelligent, energetic, and affectionate dogs known for their lively and playful disposition. These spirited terriers form strong bonds with their families and are remarkably loyal, often following their favorite people from room to room. They possess the classic terrier temperament of being confident, alert, and sometimes bossy, but are generally more calm and sensitive than many other terrier breeds. Their keen intelligence makes them quick learners who excel in training when positive reinforcement methods are used, though they can display a stubborn streak and may test boundaries if given the opportunity. Rat Terriers are naturally curious and love solving problems, which means they need consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom. The breed has high energy levels and requires substantial daily exercise, typically 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity at minimum, though many individuals benefit from much more. They are enthusiastic players who excel at games like fetch and tug-of-war and can adapt their energy level somewhat to match their household's activity. Despite their high energy, Rat Terriers also enjoy quiet time cuddling with their families and make affectionate lap dogs when properly exercised. They are generally good with children and can be excellent family dogs, though their terrier nature means they appreciate respectful handling. Early socialization is crucial to prevent shyness or overprotective behaviors around strangers. Rat Terriers possess a strong prey drive due to their hunting heritage, which means they may chase small animals and should be kept in securely fenced areas or on leash. They typically get along well with dogs their size or larger but may not be trustworthy with smaller pets like hamsters or rabbits. While not typically excessive barkers, they are alert watchdogs who will sound the alarm when necessary. These dogs thrive on human companionship and do not enjoy being left alone for long periods, potentially becoming destructive if understimulated. Their combination of intelligence, trainability, and devotion makes them excellent candidates for various dog sports including agility, obedience, and earth dog trials.
Rat Terriers are notably hardy and healthy dogs with an impressive lifespan of 15 to 18 years, often living well into their late teens with proper care. This longevity is attributed to the breed's diverse genetic background from regular outcrossing throughout their history, which has contributed to overall breed health and genetic variability. However, like all breeds, they are predisposed to certain health conditions that responsible breeders screen for and owners should monitor. The Canine Health Information Center recommends testing for patellar luxation, cardiac abnormalities, pancreatic issues, hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes syndrome. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of position, is one of the most common orthopedic issues in Rat Terriers. Affected dogs may exhibit a skipping gait or periodically lift a hind leg while walking. Treatment ranges from joint supplements for mild cases to surgery for severe instances. Hip dysplasia, though occurring in only 3 to 4 percent of Rat Terriers, can cause pain and reduced mobility. The breed is also susceptible to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a rare condition affecting the hip joint that typically develops in the first year of life and usually requires surgical intervention. Dental malocclusions including overbites and underbites are relatively common and may need correction. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Rat Terriers, typically presenting in their senior years. Mitral valve disease causes heart murmurs that may progress to heart failure, with symptoms including weight loss, fatigue, and coughing. The breed is prone to several eye conditions including Primary Lens Luxation, which can lead to glaucoma and blindness if untreated, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a degenerative condition causing gradual vision loss. Genetic testing is available for these conditions. Rat Terriers may also develop allergies to food or environmental triggers, Von Willebrand's disease (a blood clotting disorder), and various skin conditions. Regular veterinary checkups, maintaining a healthy weight, proper dental care, and working with reputable breeders who conduct health screenings can help ensure Rat Terriers live long, healthy lives.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Brat may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Boston Terrier and Rat Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.