A rat terrier corgi mix combines two remarkably popular breeds into a fun, feisty hybrid. Also called a “corgrat,” this dog blends sweet, loyal corgi with an energetic, inquisitive rat terrier for a result that’s all heart and adventure. But what exactly can you expect from a rat terrier corgi mix?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything about this special crossbreed. We’ll take a look at things like:
Rat Terrier Corgi Mix Traits and Appearance
- Size, Coat, Colors
- Temperament & Personality
- Lifespan & Health Issues
The History of Rat Terriers and Corgis
- Corgi History
- Rat Terrier Origins
Tips For Owning a Rat Terrier Corgi Mix
- Finding a Reputable Breeder
- Exercise & Activity Levels
- Training & Socialization
- Grooming & Shedding
Fun Facts About the Parents: Corgis and Rat Terriers
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
So let’s start unraveling the delightful mystery of this spunky hybrid known as the rat terrier corgi mix!
Rat Terrier Corgi Mix Traits and Appearance
A rat terrier corgi mix blends the best traits from both parent breeds for a lively, compact canine that’s intelligent and eager to please. These hybrid dogs reach 10-25 pounds and live 12-15 years, making them a long commitment. But their winning personality provides all the reward needed for dedicating over a decade of your life!
Now, let’s break down what exactly you can expect when you decide to add one of these special blended puppies to your family.
Size, Coat, Colors
Since a corgrat comes from crossing a rat terrier with a corgi, you end up with a small-to-medium dog between 10-25 pounds, usually standing about 10-15 inches tall. They tend to have moderately long bodies (thanks to those cute corgi genes!) and short legs.
Coat colors vary wildly, ranging from black and tan like a Ratterrier to red and white like a corgi. Or they may exhibit unique patterns like brindle, sable or merle. Expect a short, manageable double coat shedding moderately.
Temperament & Personality
Lively, animated, inquisitive and eager–that sums up the standard rat terrier corgi mix personality perfectly. These hybrids blend the spirited fearlessness of rat terriers with the fun-loving affection of corgis for a small dog that’s confident, intelligent, and forever playful.
You’ll delight in their antics, as these compact canines stay puppyish throughout their lives. They form deep bonds with their humans, relishing activities together. A bored corgrat is a naughty corgrat though, so make sure to provide adequate outlets for their energy!
“The best way to describe owning a rat terrier corgi mix is having a sidekick who’s down for adventures–but also content snuggling on the couch!” — Becky H., corgi-ratter owner
Lifespan & Health Issues
Thankfully, crossing two pure breeds often results in hybrid vigor where mixed lineage exhibits better health. Your rat terrier corgi mix should enjoy a long lifespan of 12-15 years. Make sure to keep up with vet visits for the best shot at reaching those later years in good shape!
That said, all dog breeds face certain genetic conditions. Monitor your corgrat for potential issues like hip dysplasia, eye disease and cardiac problems. Reputable breeders (finding a reputable breeder) will screen parent dogs.
Overall though, a thoughtfully bred rat terrier corgi mix makes for a hardy, healthy family or companion canine likely to bless your life for over a decade!
The History of Rat Terriers and Corgis
Now that we’ve covered the basics of this blended hybrid’s looks and personality, let’s take a quick glimpse into the past of both parent breeds. Understanding where rat terriers and corgis originated from provides insight into why these bloodlines mesh so nicely.
Corgi History
Believe it or not, corgis first emerged in Wales as early as 1107 AD. They worked as herders for cattle, sheep, geese–anything needing direction! Their closeness to the ground enabled them to nip easily at livestock heels, earning them the name “cur dog” meaning to bite at feet.
Corgis remained obscure outside Wales for centuries. Then in 1933 something pivotal happened–the Pembroke Welsh Corgi got recognition from the Kennel Club in Britain. Several years later in 1934, Pembrokes and Cardigan Welsh Corgis appeared as separate breeds.
Queen Elizabeth II later discovered corgis in 1933 and never looked back. She brought global fame and popularity to the breed. Today, the feisty little herders rank as one of the most beloved dogs on the planet!
Rat Terrier Origins
Rat terriers originated more recently than Cardigan corgis, developing in Britain during the early 1800s. Their name comes honestly from the pastime of breeding smooth fox terriers with Manchester terriers to create an all-purpose vermin hunting dog ideal for rural rat catching.
When British settlers brought these expert mousers/ratters to America, they became beloved as an all-around farm dog. Rat terriers could dispatch varmints causing crop damage during the day, then curl by the fire as a companion animal at night. The United Kennel Club recognized the official rat terrier breed in 1999.
This shared background in farm work and companionship helps explain why today’s rat terrier corgi mix blends so seamlessly into family life. Let’s explore more about that!
Tips For Owning a Rat Terrier Corgi Mix
Are you considering adding one of these charismatic hybrids to your household? Smart move!
Rat terrier corgi mixes rank among the most versatile canines thanks to their moderate size, robust health and innate desire to partner with people. They transition easily into homes of any type–families, couples, singles; houses, apartments, farms.
But every dog has unique needs for optimal care. Here’s what you should understand before adopting a corgrat:
Finding a Reputable Breeder
Avoid supporting puppy mills and backyard breeders by locating an ethical, conscientious corgi-rat terrier producer. Look for the following green flags:
- Health tests on parent dogs with proof
- Only breeds one or two litters per year
- Requires spay/neuter contracts for pet puppies
- Asks YOU many questions too!
Connecting with owners of adult corgrats can help steer you to programs doing it right. You may pay more initially, but it saves on vet bills and heartache down the road.
Exercise & Activity Levels
Make no mistake–this active hybrid NEEDS his exercise! Be prepared to provide your rat terrier corgi mix with 45-60 minutes of vigorous activity daily. These athletic dogs thrive when given regular running, hiking, swimming and fetching opportunities.
They also appreciate having a securely fenced yard for zooming circuits when playing. If left undersocialized or bored, these brilliant canines resort to naughty behaviors like nuisance barking or destructive chewing. Prevent this by fulfilling their physical and mental stimulation requirements.
On that note, be cautious about overexerting a corgrat during hot weather due to their front-heavy torso and smaller legs. Keep exercise to cooler parts of the day and provide ample hydration.
Training & Socialization
Early training and socialization proves critical to nurturing a friendly, polite rat terrier corgi mix ready to shine in public settings. Attend puppy obedience classes for essential behavior shaping. Practice basic cues at home like sit, stay, down, come, heel.
Gradually introduce your corgrat to new sights, sounds, people and animals in a calm, positive manner. Reward him for good reactions and build his confidence. This allows him to grow into a well-adjusted companion less prone to anxiety or reactivity issues.
Be firm, consistent and cheerful when working with your clever pup. Corrats aim to please but will test boundaries. Maintain leadership status with fair corrections. Your hybrid will thrive on praise and rewards-based training methods.
Grooming & Shedding
Thanks to the short-haired, low maintenance coats inherited from rat terriers and corgis, a corgrat isn’t overly demanding in the grooming department. Brush every few days to control shedding and keep their coat shiny plus remove loose hairs. Use a slicker brush and metal comb for best results.
Trim nails monthly since inadequate exercise can cause them to grow fast and curl uncomfortably. Get your hybrid accustomed to teeth brushing too for optimal dental health. Bathe only when dirty using a mild canine shampoo.
Check and wipe ears weekly for discharge buildup. Clean inside creases carefully with cotton ball and approved cleanser to avoid infections.
Fun Facts About the Parents: Corgis and Rat Terriers!
We’ve covered quite a lot so far regarding this unique designer dog that blends corgi and rat terrier attributes. But there’s always more to appreciate about both parent breeds that ultimately contribute to the corgrat awesomeness.
Let’s have some fun with trivia! Did you know…
- Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis during her 70-year reign over England. She favored Pembrokes and helped promote their popularity.
- According to Welsh legend, fairies rode ancient corgis into battle against invading enemies.
- Corgis nearly went extinct during the Middle Ages when taxes were levied against people who owned herding dogs to fund English wars. Only the poorest citizens kept them.
- The Kennel Club originally registered rat terriers as “teddy roosevelt” terriers since President Roosevelt loved hunting with them and promoted their prowess.
- Rat terriers come in two size varieties–standard and miniature or “toy.” Minis weigh under 18 pounds.
- The rat terrier holds several patents for their breeds under a variety of names like Feists, American Rat Terriers and Decker Giant Terriers.
- A deaf rat terrier named Stella scooped Best in Show at the Animal Planet Pit Bulls and Parolees Halloween costume contest one year.
- Actress Jennifer Aniston adopted a rat terrier mix named Sophie who frequently appeared on the set of “Friends.”
- In the 1800s, a wealthy American named Henry Weimaraner often used his prized pack of rat terriers on hunting forays with friends.
- Legend states the corgi’s markings resemble a harness due to an enchantment fairy saddle left behind one night on a farmer’s favorite herding dog.
And those are some fascinating facts about the genetic lines contributing to today’s fabulous rat terrier corgi mixes!
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Finally, let’s wrap up this guide by answering a few common questions prospective or new corgrat owners often have:
Are rat terrier corgi mixes good family dogs?
Absolutely! Their moderate size, playful personality and affectionate nature allows corgrats to thrive when well-trained and exercised. Families with kids should teach proper dog interaction though.
How big do corgi rat terrier mixes get?
These hybrids average 10-25 pounds and stand about 10-15 inches tall. Their compact size makes them good pets for apartment dwellers or seniors.
Do corgi rat terrier mixes bark a lot?
They can be vocal seeking attention but appropriate training curbs nuisance barking. Ensure your corgat has sufficient outlets for physical/mental energy to prevent boredom based barking.
Are corgis and rat terriers related?
Nope! Corgis hail from Wales; rat terriers from Britain/America. While they share some spunky energetic traits, these breeds developed independently. Crossbreeding them was an experiment that paid off!
What health issues do corgis and rat terriers have?
Key concerns include cardiac disease, eye abnormalities, patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Responsible corgrat breeders screen for these. Regular vet checks further reduce risks.
The Takeaway on Rat Terrier Corgi Mixes
For pet lovers seeking a fun-sized canine bursting with loyal personality, the rat terrier corgi mix delivers. This energetic blended hybrid combines the best attributes of two purebreds into one hardy, healthy package ready to steal hearts.
From their fox-like faces to fluffy bottoms, corgrats brim with spirit and unwavering devotion once bonded with a human. Train properly channeled, they adapt beautifully indoors or out and with singles, couples or families.
Just remember–this active blend needs outlets for their curiosity and liveliness. Provide adequate exercise, training and attention for a fulfilling friendship spanning over a decade!
So are you ready to add a corgrat to your life? Reach out now to reputable local breeders or rescues to begin your rewarding journey with one of these special hybrids today! Trust us, you won’t regret opening your heart and home to the endearing rat terrier corgi mix.
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