Rattle

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Rattle is a cross of the Poodle and the American Rat Terrier. This particular hybrid is usually a small dog, lively and alert, but still graceful in its movements.

The Poodle is a German breed, originally a water retriever and hunting companion. Now more popular as a stylish pet, performer, and conformation dog, the Poodle remains a keen, dignified animal that readily lends itself to human companionship.

The American Rat Terrier is a well-loved household pet and farm helper, especially in the rural South of the US. Bred for their agility and ability to rid farms, barns and houses of rodents, the Rat Terrier is a hardy, confident breed that also takes well to just relaxing and enjoying time with the family.

Color

The American Rat Terrier is given more to coat color patterns than the Poodle, which breed standards accept only solids, and never parti-colored.. The Rattle can either be in the Poodle's solid colors, such as white, cream, silver, black, and apricot, or the Rat Terrier's more varied patterns, which include pied, brindle, and calico.

Coat

The Rattle, as with any hybrid, is hardly expected to show an exact split of each parent's characteristics. Therefore, its coat could be like the Poodle's, tight, coarse and curly, or it could take after the Rat Terrier, with a single layer of short, shiny hair. An uneven mix of the two is also possible.

Personality

Intelligent and active, the Rattle will thrive in a household that is filled with people and their hustle and bustle --- as long as the Rattle is involved in that hustle and bustle, in one way or another. Cheerful and loving, the Rattle always has an eye towards showing and receiving affection, will quickly become bored if ignored. If properly socialized, it will not be clingy toward its owner, but such a clever and curious dog will make up its own entertainment if left to its own device too often. It is not aggressive towards unknown people, but will sound an alarm bark at strangers. Other animals in the house can peaceably live with the Rattle, although rodent-type pets may well be distanced from it.

Care

Brushing regularly will not only maintain the cleanliness and shine of the coat, it will help get rid of any shed hair. Clipping of a tight, curly coat is best for utilitarian purposes, although more stylish clips are possible for shows.

Training

Agile and quick to pick up commands, the Rattle can be a joy to train, as long as the reward orientation is consistent and the repetition is kept to a minimum. It is an emotionally sensitive dog, and will be hurt by harsh or severe corrections.

Activity

The Rattle will be served best by outdoor activities. Any active dog will take to living indoors, even if the space is small, as long as they get their daily quota of running, playing, chasing, or digging outdoors. An off-leash park is good, especially if it comes with a sandbox or a patch for digging. Otherwise, a leash is recommended for the Rattle, as it may get excited by a smaller animal and take off after it.