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Rat Basset Information & Dog Breed Facts

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

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginUnited States flagUnited States France flagFrance
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Basset Hound and Rat Terrier mix

Rat Basset Size and Weight

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

How big do Rat Basset get?

What is the average size of a Rat Basset?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Rat Basset weigh? How much should a Rat Basset weight? What is the normal weight of a Rat Basset? How much does a full-grown Rat Basset weight?
30-50 pounds (14-23 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Rat Basset?
40 pounds (18.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Rat Basset? Rat Basset height:
15-18 inches (36-46 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Rat Basset?
16.5 inch (42 cm)

Rat Basset Price and Availability

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

Where to buy a Rat Basset with a good pedigree?

$300-$500
If you choose to purchase the Rat Basset, 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 Basset for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Rat Basset gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Rat Basset? How many Rat Basset are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Rat Basset 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 Basset Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Rat Basset? Is the Rat Basset 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 Basset ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Rat Basset dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Rat Basset?
Rat Basset 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 Basset good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Rat Basset dogs are not the best watchdogs. They aren't very territorial and protective about their property, so they probably won't alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Rat Basset dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Rat Basset dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Rat Basset Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Rat Basset have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
LovingAlertFriendlyAffectionateDevotedLivelyGentleTemperedSweetInquisitiveTenacious
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Rat Basset sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Rat Basset dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Rat Basset a good family dog?
High: Rat Basset 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 Basset need? Rat Basset social needs:
Rat Basset 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 Basset to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Rat Basset roam?
Rat Basset dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Rat Basset have high prey drive?
Rat Basset dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Rat Basset dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Rat Basset Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Rat Bassets, 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 Basset dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Rat Basset bark?
Average: The Rat Basset barks occasionally. 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 Basset good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Rat Basset in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Rat Basset indoors.

Rat Basset Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Rat Basset 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 Basset be left alone? How long can you leave a Rat Basset alone?
Rat Basset 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 Basset Bite Characteristics

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rat Basset bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Rat Basset measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Rat Basset is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Rat Basset bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Rat Basset bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Rat Basset puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Rat Basset, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Rat Basset bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Rat Basset can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

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

Low 🔽

The Rat Basset 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 Basset do?
Rat Basset 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 Basset dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Rat Basset Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Rat Basset dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Rat Basset 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 Basset breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Rat Basset breed? Most common health risks of Rat Basset:
Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes DiseasePatellar LuxationAllergiesEye ProblemsVon Willebrand's DiseaseBloatHeart ProblemsEntropionEar InfectionsIntervertebral Disk DiseaseCherry EyeEctropionObesityGlaucomaPanosteitisThrombopathia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Rat Basset breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Rat Basset see the vet?
Average
The Rat Basset 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 Basset dogs live? How old can a Rat Basset be? What is the age limit of the Rat Basset? How many years can the oldest Rat Basset live?

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

How long is the lifespan of a Rat Basset?

14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Basset: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Rat Basset Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Rat Basset have? What is the activity level of the Rat Basset?
Rat Basset dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Rat Basset need? How much exercise do Rat Basset dogs require per day?

Do Rat Basset dogs need a lot of exercises?

Rat Basset 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 Basset breed need?
Rat Basset dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Rat Basset Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Rat Basset need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Rat Basset breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Rat Basset? How much food should I feed my Rat Basset?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Rat Basset risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Rat Basset's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk 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 Basset weight regularly.

Rat Basset Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Rat Basset have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseShiny
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Rat Basset coats?
BlackGrayTan Red Blue White Brown Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the Rat Basset and how often? How often should I take my Rat Basset to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Rat Basset doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Rat Basset is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Rat Basset dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Rat Basset? Do Rat Basset dogs shed a lot?
Rat Basset 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 Basset breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Rat Basset need a bath? How often should you give a Rat Basset a bath? Can I bathe my Rat Basset 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 Basset breed hypoallergenic?
No
Rat Basset 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?

High 🔼

The Rat Basset has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Rat Basset drool?
The Rat Basset is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

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

Rat Basset Good With

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

Rat Basset As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Rat Basset 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 Basset is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Rat Basset be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Rat Basset 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 Basset is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. 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 Basset breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Rat Basset 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 Basset breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

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

Not really

Rat Basset 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 Basset 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 Basset is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

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

Not really

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

Rat Basset Reproducibility

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

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Rat Basset: 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 Basset have in a litter? How many puppies can the Rat Basset breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Rat Basset have? How many puppies can a Rat Basset give birth to?
6-8 puppies

Rat Basset Recognition

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

Rat Basset Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Rat Basset doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Adaptability: Rat Basset dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Rat Basset dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Rat Basset dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Rat Basset dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Rat Bassets are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Rat Basset dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Rat Basset dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Rat Basset dogs shed above average.
  • Stinkiness: The Rat Basset has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Rat Basset's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Watchdog Ability: Rat Basset dogs are not the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Rat Basset dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Rat Basset 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 Basset is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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