Also known as the Puggat, the Pug Rat Terrier Mix is a cross between the energetic Rat Terrier and the clownish Pug. If you want a clingy lapdog that enjoys staying by your side, then you should consider adopting the Puggat.
With proper are and obedience training, the Pug Rat Terrier Mix can be a great family pet.
However, there are both good and bad sides to owning a Pug Rat Terrier Mix. Here, you’ll discover the pros and cons of owning a Puggat so you can determine whether or not he is the right pet for you and your family.
Read our comprehensive guide below to get accurate information on this wonderful dog’s history, appearance, personality, health, and general care needs.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About The Pug Rat Terrier Mix
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Pug and Rat Terrier) |
| Size: | Small to Medium-Sized Dog |
| Other Names: | Puggat, Rug Rat |
| Good Guard Dog: | No |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 14 to 25 pounds |
| Average Height: | 11 to 16 inches |
| Lifespan: | 13 to 17 years |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, provided their exercise needs are met |
| Ideal for: | Families with kids, Singles, Seniors, Apartment dwellers |
| Coat: | A Short, Shiny, and Smooth Coat (The coat may have either a coarse or soft texture) |
| Coat colors: | White, Black, Brown or Golden |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes |
| Trainability: | Relatively easy to train (Housetraining can be difficult, especially if they take after the Pug parent) (Pugs are unable to control their bladder until they reach 6 months old) |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Shedding: | Moderate to Heavy (They shed more in spring and fall) |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them at least 2 times per week. Bathing should be done once every 4 weeks |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 30 minutes of exercise every day is required (shorter walks, and brain-stimulating activities) |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Well trained adult Pug Rat Terrier Mix can stay alone for 4 to 6 hours. Just make sure they are well-exercised |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1.5 to 2 cups of high quality dog food twice a day. Of course, this amount varies depending on the dog’s age, size, and activity level. |
| Maintenance: | Low to Moderate |
| Possible Health Issues: | Allergies, Eye Problems, Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome, Seizures, Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Heart problems |
| Temperament: | Energetic, Active, Playful, Friendly, Loving, Easy-Going, Can be Stubborn, and Affectionate |
| Cat Friendly: | No, they might chase cats and other small pets (Early Socialization Can Make It Possible) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, especially with early socialization |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization |
| Drooling Potential: | Low |
| Barking Tendencies: | Moderate |
| Litter Size: | 4 to 6 puppies |
| Price: | Average $500 – $1000 USD |
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What Is a Pug Rat Terrier Mix Called?
The Rat Terrier Pug Mix is called a Puggat. This mixed breed dog inherits the body and energy of the Rat Terrier parent and the short nose and friendly nature of their Pug parent.
Like other small breeds, this lapdog will alert you to strangers by making sharp, but short barks.
Once well socialized, the Rat Terrier Pug Mix should become a fantastic family pet.
The History of the Pug Rat Terrier Mix
Like all other hybrid dogs, it is difficult to tell exactly when the first breeding processes took place.
However, many people believe that crossbreeding the Rat Terrier and the Pug began sometime in the 1990s.
For that reason, we will take a look at the origins of the two parent breeds so you can gain a better understanding of the long history associated with the Puggat.
If you want to own a Puggat, please consider getting one from a rescue or a reputable breeder.
The Pug History
Pugs were developed to be lapdogs for Chinese emperors. They made their way to the west in the 16th century and became extremely popular in France and other countries in Europe.
The breed ultimately made its way to the United States as well.
The Rat Terrier History
The Rat Terrier hails from England where the breed was used in farms. As their name suggests, Rat Terriers would hunt rats and other rodents in farms.
The Rat Terrier breed arrived in the United States in 1890 together with English immigrants. Soon after, the Rat Terriers become very popular in America as farm dogs.
What Does A Pug Rat Terrier Mix Look Like?
Before we take a look at the pros and cons of owning a Pug Rat Terrier Mix, it’s important to describe the general appearance of this hybrid dog.
The Puggat will inherit Pug-like characteristics such as a wide head, dark rounded eyes, a short muzzle, folded ears, and a curled tail. He may also inherit Rat Terrier characteristics such as a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, oval-shaped eyes, and a straight tail.
This brings us to the question, “how big does a Pug Rat Terrier Mix get?”
Pug Rat Terrier Mix Size, Height, and Weight
The Rat Terrier and Pug Mix is a small to medium–sized pooch standing between 11 and 16 inches tall and weighing around 14 to 25 pounds.
The average height and weight of a male Puggat will differ from the height and weight of a female Puggat. The size of each parent dog will influence the size of the offspring.
Coat and Coat Colors
The Puggat has a short, shiny, and smooth coat that fits closely on the body. The coat may have either a coarse or soft texture. Common colors include white, black, brown, and golden.
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Pug Rat Terrier Mix Temperament & Personality Traits
Since this mixed breed dog inherits personality traits from each of the parents, its exhibits a combination of the parents’ personalities.
The Puggat inherits the cuddly, lapdog nature of the Pug parent and the playful and energetic nature of the Rat Terrier side. That means they need daily walks or trips to the dog park.
They are affectionate and playful, which makes them a good choice for singles and families with children. They are great companion dogs due to their friendly and easygoing nature. Although they are wary of unfamiliar people, they can easily get along with them if properly introduced to each other.
Are Pug Rat Terrier Mixes Protective?
The Puggat is a protective dog who is suspicious of strangers and should alert you buy making sharp barks. However, they can still get along with them if well socialized.
Are Pug Rat Terriers Good With Kids?
Yes! The Puggat is a child-friendly dog. However, it’s important to socialize your Puggat with small children to avoid accidents.
Are Pug Rat Terrier Mixes Good For First Time Owners?
Yes! Pug Rat Terriers should adapt quickly to their new home and can be a good choice for first time owners because of their low-maintenance needs.
Are Pug Rat Terrier Mixes Good with Other Dogs?
Yes. The Puggat is good with other dogs, so regular trips to the dog park are recommended.
Do Rat Terrier Pug Mixes Get Along with Cats and Other Pets?
No. This dog is ideal for individuals and families that don’t have small pets like cats at homes.
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Do Pug Rat Terrier Mixes Do Well In Apartment Living Conditions
Due to its small stature and love for its owners and family, the Puggat can make a great apartment dog.
All you need to do is to provide him with enough interactive dog toys to enjoy playing with and meet his daily exercise needs. That way, he will be happy and healthy.
Caring For the Mix
The Pug Rat Terrier requires daily exercise, proper training, timely socialization, and daily feeding.
Read on to learn how to take proper care of your Puggat’s needs.
Exercise Needs
Before you get a Pug Rat Terrier Mix, bear in mind that this will be an active and energetic dog.
Their active body is not designed for sitting or sleeping around all day. They dogs enjoy playing and being outside. Do to their small size, they are ideal for apartment living provided they are exercised for at least 30 minutes every day.
Being smart, this hybrid dog needs mental stimulation, so buy enough interactive dog toys.
Make sure you take him out for walks for around 40 minutes every day and consider making stops to give your dog an opportunity to explore around.
For active dog owners, this should be more of an advantage than a disadvantage. However, they may inherit the nasal issues from the Pug parent, so avoid over-exercising them when it’s too hot.
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Training
Like all dogs, your Puggat will need proper training, including housetraining, obedience training, and crate training.
When training your Puggat, use reward-based training techniques since this clever dog responds well to positive reinforcement.
Start training him at the puppyhood stage. Train them for around 30 minutes every day so your Puggat doesn’t get bored.
Although they master commands and tricks easily, you need to be firm, confident, and patient. As a leader, don’t let your dog take control of things.
Early socialization is also crucial for your mix. Otherwise, you may experience behavioral issues such as shyness or aggressive tendencies.
Does The Pug Rat Terrier Mix Shed A Lot?
Although the Puggat has a short coat, he sheds a lot, especially during the spring season. To reduce shedding, brush their coat at least twice a week.
Grooming
Since the Pug Rat Terrier Mix can shed a lot, buying a vacuum cleaner is the way to go if you want to remove any loose hair scattered around your house.
Ideally, brushing your Puggat should be done at least twice a week.
It’s also best to groom your hybrid dog every four to eight weeks by clipping his nails, cleaning his ears, and monitoring his skin and coat health. Also, brush your hybrid’s teeth several times each week.
Last but not least, bathe your Puggat with fresh water and a high-quality, moisturizing shampoo every 4 to 6 weeks. Otherwise, buy enough deodorizing wipes for dogs for cleaning and refreshing your dog’s coat and skin in between the occasional baths.
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Feeding & Diet
The Puggat hybrid dog needs a healthy and balanced diet to stay active, happy, and healthy.
Consider purchasing both raw and dry dog foods since these are perfect for this mix.
To keep your Puggat happy and healthy, feed him 1½ to 2 cups of high quality dog food every day. Feed your mix 2 to 3 times a day, based on his age, size, and activity level. Puppies will normally require more nutrition.
Other than that, give your Puggat fresh water for proper hydration.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a Pug Rat Terrier Mix is around 13 to 17 years. Diet, exercise, health issues, genetic conditions, and accidents are the major factors that influence the lifespan of a dog.
You need to take proper care of your dog’s nutrition and exercise needs. Also, take your dog regularly to your vet. That way, you can have a happy and longer life with your furry friend. Overlooking these can lead to increased expenses and a reduced life expectancy.
Puggat Health Issues
Designer dogs are less likely develop major diseases that affect their purebred counterparts. This trait is due to hybrid vigor or increased gene pool produced by mixing two pure breeds.
However, designer dogs like the Pug Rat Terrier Mix can also experience the same disorders that the parent dogs are vulnerable to, and hence, you need to know those ailments before getting this hybrid dog.
The Puggat is prone to a few health issue that affect both parent breeds. These include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (due to the Pug side)
- Eye Problems
- High blood pressure
- Collapsing Fainting (because of breathing difficulties)
- Allergies
- Skin problems
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Pug Rat Terrier Mix for Sale or Adoption
Pug Rat Terrier Mix dogs are great with families. This is because they get along with kids and are friendly with their owners and other family members.
They are protective of their family, so buying a Puggat Puppy is the way to go if you’re a family-oriented person. You can adopt them from a rescue center or animal shelter.
Other that rescue organizations, you can buy a Pug Rat Terrier Mix puppy for sale from a trusted or a reputable breeder. You can go online and search for reputable breeders that specialize in Rat Terrier Pug Mix puppies for sale.
How Much Does A Pug Rat Terrier Mix Cost?
The Pug Rat Terrier Mix price is quite high. That’s because the parent breeds are quite expensive.
The average cost of a Puggat for sale falls between 500 and 1000 dollars. Due to the costs of dog ownership, the annual expenses will obviously increase. If you know how to groom your dog, you might spend much less.
But remember to set aside some money for common expenses like collars, leashes, vet checkups, etc.
Vets and other Puggat owners also recommend buying pet products such as the MidWest Folding Crate for intermediate dogs and the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed. This will ensure your Puggat has a safe crate and a comfortable place to rest and sleep.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Pug Rat Terrier Mix A Good Family Dog?
Besides their stunning looks and low-maintenance needs, Rat Terrier Pug Mixes make sweet family dogs. They love their people unconditionally and are cuddle buddies that love interacting and playing with children and adults alike.
If socialized and trained early, Pug Rat Terrier Mixes can learn to stay peacefully with and form strong bonds with their owners and other family members.
Are Pug Rat Terrier Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
No. The Puggat is a low to moderate maintenance dog.
Can Pug Rat Terrier Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
No. Pug Rat Terriers require special care and attention. They are friendly and affectionate pooches that need companionship, so avoid leaving them alone for too long.
How Long Can a Pug Rat Terrier Mix Be Left Alone?
Avoid leaving your dog at home alone for extended periods of time. However, they should be fine staying alone for a few hours—usually 4 to 6 hours.
Are Pug Rat Terrier Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. The Puggat is not hypoallergenic. These mixes shed a lot in spring, so proper grooming is necessary if you want to keep your house free of fur.
How Long Do Pug Rat Terrier Mixes Live?
The Puggat has a lifespan of around 13 to 17 years. A healthy diet, proper exercise, and vet visits can increase their lifespan.
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Are Pug Rat Terriers Lazy?
No. Pug Rat Terriers are energetic, active, and playful dogs so they do best in active homes.
Do Pug Rat Terrier Mixes Bark A Lot?
The Puggat can alert you to intruders by making short, but sharp barks.
Are Pug Rat Terrier Mixes Hard to Train?
No. Pug Rat Terriers are smart and quite easy to train. However, they can be challenging to housetrain so start training them early and use a variety of treats and other positive reinforcements during training.
Do Pug Rat Terrier Mixes Like To Cuddle?
Yes. Pug Rat Terrier Mixes love going out for walks and cuddling up on their owners laps.
Are Pug Rat Terriers Aggressive?
No. The Puggat is a friendly dog so he is not aggressive. He can alert you to strangers but could end up warming up to them in no time.
Are Pug Rat Terrier Dogs Smart?
Yes. The Puggat is a smart dog. However, their Rat Terrier parents have a hunting background so they may be stubborn as well.
What Are Some Negatives About Pug Rat Terriers?
Despite the many fantastic traits of a Pug Terrier, owners should be aware of the following bad attributes:
- They don’t like being left alone.
- They need proper exercise.
- They are not hypoallergenic, so expect some shedding.
- Housetraining is often a challenge.
- They need proper training.
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Is A Pug Rat Terrier Mix Right For You?
The Pug Rat Terrier mix is a fantastic family pet. These dogs are perfect for singles, couples, and families looking for a low-maintenance dog. However, these energetic dogs need care, exercise, and training.
Other Pug Mixes
Love Pugs but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Pug mix breed dogs.
6. Pug Lab Mix
10. Pug Corgi Mix
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