What Is A Pug And Rat Terrier Mix?

Hybrid dogs – that is, two purebred dogs crossed – have been popular since the 1990s. These so-called ‘designer dogs’ come in so many different combinations, the variety is amazing. 

Today, we are going to take a look at the pug and rat terrier mix – the Puggat dog!

The Pug

First, let’s take a quick look at the Pug.

Pugs are a small dog breed in the toy class that was first developed in ancient China as lap dogs.

Pugs are 10 to 14 inches at the shoulder and weigh 14 to 18 pounds. They can live for 12 to 15 years.

They can be clownish and love games, but ultimately they are loving little dogs who will not cope if they do not get to be with their human family.

They are smart but stubborn, and they can be yappy. They can make good watchdogs due to this ‘yappiness’, but their stubbornness can make training an effort.

Their flat face can cause them breathing problems, therefore they should be housed inside in an environment that is neither too hot nor too cold.

Pugs shed a lot and they love their food, so should not be overfed.

The Rat Terrier

This terrier is described as ‘feisty’. It is an American breed that purportedly was named by none other than President Theodore Roosevelt.

Rat terriers are a combination of the fox terrier, the bull terrier, the Manchester terrier, and the old English white terrier.

Rat terriers, like all terriers, are bred to dig. This was so they could burrow into rat holes to catch them. They are the ultimate farm dog.

Rat terriers are energetic, headstrong, and entertaining. They have a yipping bark.

They do well living in an apartment as well as on the farm. But beware, they are escape artists, and can dig under or jump over a fence! They need a fast 40-minute walk each day to keep boredom at bay.

Rat terriers weigh 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder, and they live for 13 to 18 years.

The Pug Rat Terrier Mix Full-Grown

This hybrid dog is a real cutie pie. They have the build of the rat terrier (so are quite long in the leg for a little dog), yet they are a little bulkier due to the pug stockiness. They have half-cocked ears and round brown eyes (more pug-like than terrier-like.) 

Puggat dogs weigh 12 to 20 pounds and stand 11 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Their faces are not flat, unlike the pug. They have a longer muzzle and, therefore will not have as many breathing difficulties as pugs do. Puggats can have eyes that are brown, hazel, or amber. They can have a blue, black, or brown nose.

There are many coat color combinations of Puggat – black, white, brown, fawn, blue, red, and silver! They have a short and straight coat, but due to the pug genes, they may be heavy shedders. Regular brushing is recommended.

Puggats will not need as much exercise as rat terriers, but they still need to be kept active with a couple of short daily walks, with a few games of catch thrown in for good measure.

The Pug Terrier Mix Temperament

Let’s hear from some happy Pugget owners, to see what they have to say about their pug rat terrier mix pets.

One Puggat owner describes her three-year-old dog as “sweet, smart and loving. Sedentary but loves walks, long, short, and in between.”

Another Puggat owner said this about her dog:

“My Puggat is the sweetest little girl ever. She loves everyone she meets. She has struggled with house training and is very mischievous. She can escape her cage on her own, and frequently ruins my shoes (we’re working on it.) She has energy for days and days and loves chewing on bones and playing with squeaky toys. She can sense my emotions so well and adjusts her actions to how I am feeling. She has been such a great four-legged family member to have. I love her to pieces even though she is a bit of a handful.”

And here is one last one, to give a rounded view of what the Puggat can be like as a pet:

“(He) is so loving and playful. He is always happy to see us come home after a day away at work or just a trip to the store. He’s super smart senses our mood and emotions and loves nothing more than to cuddle up on the couch with you. He jumps high and runs super fast, but most of all he makes us laugh till we cry with his crazy antics. Our boy never seems to run out of energy, even as he ages.”

The Takeaway

So there you have it, the Pug Rat Terrier mix, a.k.a. The Puggat.

These hybrid dogs are small dogs with short coats, large eyes, a mid-length muzzle, and half-cocked ears. If they have inherited any Pug folds in their skin, these need to be kept dry.

Puggats are companion dogs who love the company of their family. They are somewhat active have a silly, clownish side, and love games and tricks. But they have a sweet and sensitive side too and seem to be able to modify their mood to match their owners’ mood.

Puggats should be walked every day. And like any dog, Puggats should be taught obedience and socialized from a young age, so that they are ok around strangers, children, and other animals.

The Pug genes of this dog mean that toilet training can take six months to perfect, so be patient with your Puggat puppy.

The Rat Terrier genes mean that this dog may be hard-wired to chase anything small and furry, so be mindful of this when out walking and ensure your yard is secure.

Another thing to remember is that with any mixed breed of dog, you never really know what they are going to turn out like until they are grown. 

And one final word -be sure to get your Puggat from a shelter, rescue, or a reputable breeder if you decide he is the dog for you.

Related Reading: The Basset Hound Pug Mix