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Rat Apso Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Rat Apso so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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Rat Apso dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States Tibet flagTibet
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Lhasa Apso and Rat Terrier mix

Rat Apso Size and Weight

Size
Is a Rat Apso small, medium or large dog?

How big do Rat Apso get?

What is the average size of a Rat Apso?

Small
Weight
How much does the Rat Apso weigh? How much should a Rat Apso weight? What is the normal weight of a Rat Apso? How much does a full-grown Rat Apso weight?
13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Rat Apso?
14 pounds (5.9-6.8 kg)
Height
How tall is the Rat Apso? Rat Apso height:
10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Rat Apso?
10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Rat Apso Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Rat Apso puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Rat Apso in the United States? How much money is a Rat Apso?

Where to buy a Rat Apso with a good pedigree?

$300-$500
If you choose to purchase the Rat Apso, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Rat Apso for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Rat Apso gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Rat Apso? How many Rat Apso are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Rat Apso is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Rat Apso Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Rat Apso? Is the Rat Apso breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Rat Apso ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Rat Apso dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Rat Apso?
Rat Apso dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Rat Apso good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Rat Apso dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Rat Apso dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Rat Apso dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Rat Apso Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Rat Apso have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulLovingAlertIntelligentFriendlyAffectionateObedientDevotedLivelyInquisitiveSteadySpiritedAssertive
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Rat Apso sensitivity:
Sensitive: Rat Apso dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Rat Apso a good family dog?
High: Rat Apso dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Rat Apso need? Rat Apso social needs:
Rat Apso dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Rat Apso to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Rat Apso roam?
Rat Apso dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Rat Apso have high prey drive?
Rat Apso dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Rat Apso dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Rat Apso Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Rat Apsos, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Rat Apso dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Rat Apso bark?
Average to High: The Rat Apso is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Rat Apso good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Rat Apso in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Apso breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Rat Apso Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Rat Apso dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Rat Apso be left alone? How long can you leave a Rat Apso alone?
Rat Apso dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Rat Apso Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Rat Apso has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Rat Apso? How much bite force does a Rat Apso have? How strong is a Rat Apso bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Apso bite force: Weak. The Rat Apso bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Rat Apso measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Rat Apso may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Rat Apso being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Rat Apso bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Rat Apso puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Rat Apso can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Rat Apso bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Rat Apso? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Rat Apso? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Rat Apso has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Rat Apso do?
Rat Apso dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Rat Apso dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Rat Apso Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Rat Apso dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Rat Apso is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Rat Apso breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Rat Apso breed? Most common health risks of Rat Apso:
Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes DiseasePatellar LuxationAllergiesEye ProblemsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Heart ProblemsSebaceous AdenitisCherry EyeFamilial Inherited Renal DysplasiaKeratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Rat Apso breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Rat Apso see the vet?
Average
The Rat Apso should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Rat Apso dogs live? How old can a Rat Apso be? What is the age limit of the Rat Apso? How many years can the oldest Rat Apso live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Rat Apso?

How long is the lifespan of a Rat Apso?

14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Apso: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Rat Apso Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Rat Apso have? What is the activity level of the Rat Apso?
Rat Apso dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Rat Apso need? How much exercise do Rat Apso dogs require per day?

Do Rat Apso dogs need a lot of exercises?

Rat Apso dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Rat Apso breed need?
Rat Apso dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Rat Apso Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Rat Apso need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Rat Apso breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Rat Apso? How much food should I feed my Rat Apso?
1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Rat Apso risk for obesity:
Average: The Rat Apso has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Rat Apso weight regularly.

Rat Apso Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Rat Apso have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseShiny
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Rat Apso coats?
BlackTan Red Blue White BrownYellow Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the Rat Apso and how often? How often should I take my Rat Apso to the groomer?
Average: The Rat Apso requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Rat Apso, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Rat Apso dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Rat Apso? Do Rat Apso dogs shed a lot?
Rat Apso dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Rat Apso breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Rat Apso need a bath? How often should you give a Rat Apso a bath? Can I bathe my Rat Apso every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Rat Apso breed hypoallergenic?
No
Rat Apso dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Rat Apso has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Rat Apso drool?
The Rat Apso is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Rat Apso could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Rat Apso.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Rat Apso Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Rat Apso dogs get along with other pets? Are Rat Apso dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Rat Apso dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Rat Apso temperament with other people:
Rat Apso dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Rat Apso dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Rat Apso temperament with children:
Rat Apso dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Rat Apso dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Rat Apso breed live with a cat?
Rat Apso dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Rat Apso good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Rat Apso dogs get along with other dogs?
Rat Apso dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Rat Apso can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Rat Apso breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Rat Apso breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Rat Apso dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Rat Apso dogs good office canines? Do Rat Apso dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Rat Apso is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Rat Apso dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Rat Apso temperament with senior people? Are Rat Apso dogs good for elderly owners?
Rat Apsos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rat Apso As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Rat Apso be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Rat Apso is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Rat Apso be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Rat Apso be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Rat Apso is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Rat Apso be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Rat Apso is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Rat Apso be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Rat Apso breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Rat Apso be a boat dog?

Not really

Rat Apso breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Rat Apso be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Rat Apso is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Rat Apso dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Rat Apso Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Rat Apso pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Rat Apso breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Rat Apso: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Rat Apso have in a litter? How many puppies can the Rat Apso breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Rat Apso have? How many puppies can a Rat Apso give birth to?
5-7 puppies

Rat Apso Recognition

AKC Group
Is Rat Apso recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Rat Apso recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Rat Apso Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Rat Apso breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Rat Apso is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Adaptability: Rat Apso dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Rat Apso dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Rat Apso dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Rat Apso dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Rat Apsos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Rat Apso dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Rat Apso dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Rat Apso dogs shed above average.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Rat Apso dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Rat Apso is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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