The Brat is a cross between the Boston Terrier and the American Rat Terrier. As the names suggest, both parent pure breeds are American in origin, and working or hunting dogs in their lineages.
The Boston Terrier, named for its city of origin, is a small, stocky dog with a flattened face, and is thought to be bred down from pit-fighting dogs of the terrier and and bull types.
The American Terrier was popular in rural homes, especially in the Dust Bowl Era, and worked as ratters and vermin-hunters around farms and barns. It is a small, agile dog with a keen hunting temperament that can also be affectionate and playful once inside the house or with its family.