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Rat Heeler Information & Dog Breed Facts

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

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank1845
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OriginUnited States flagUnited States Australia flagAustralia
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Rat Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog mix

Rat Heeler Size and Weight

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

How big do Rat Heeler get?

What is the average size of a Rat Heeler?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Rat Heeler weigh? How much should a Rat Heeler weight? What is the normal weight of a Rat Heeler? How much does a full-grown Rat Heeler weight?
30-62 pounds (13-28 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Rat Heeler?
46 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Rat Heeler? Rat Heeler height:
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Rat Heeler?
Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Rat Heeler Price and Availability

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

Where to buy a Rat Heeler with a good pedigree?

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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Rat Heeler? Is the Rat Heeler breed dumb or smart?
Outstanding: Rat Heeler is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Rat Heeler is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Rat Heeler dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Rat Heeler?
Rat Heeler dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Rat Heeler good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Rat Heeler dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Rat Heeler dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Rat Heeler dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Rat Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Rat Heeler can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Rat Heeler will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Rat Heeler Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Rat Heeler have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
LovingEnergeticProtectiveAlertIntelligentResponsiveAffectionateLoyalLivelyInquisitiveAggressive
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Rat Heeler sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Rat Heeler 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 Heeler a good family dog?
Average to High: Rat Heeler dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Rat Heeler need? Rat Heeler social needs:
Rat Heeler 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 Heeler to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Rat Heeler roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Heeler is strong enough to escape from home. They have 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.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Rat Heeler have high prey drive?
Rat Heeler 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 Heeler dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Rat Heeler Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Rat Heeler is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Rat Heeler dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Rat Heeler bark?
Average: The Rat Heeler 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 Heeler good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Rat Heeler 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 Heeler indoors.

Rat Heeler Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Rat Heeler dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Rat Heeler be left alone? How long can you leave a Rat Heeler alone?
Rat Heeler 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 Heeler Bite Characteristics

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rat Heeler bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Rat Heeler measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Rat Heeler is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Rat Heeler bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Rat Heeler 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 Heeler puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Rat Heeler, 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 Heeler 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 Heeler can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

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

Low 🔽

The Rat Heeler 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 Heeler do?
Rat Heeler dogs have a higher than 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 Heeler dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Rat Heeler Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Rat Heeler dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Rat Heeler 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 Heeler breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Rat Heeler breed? Most common health risks of Rat Heeler:
Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes DiseasePatellar LuxationEye ProblemsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Heart ProblemsDeafness
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Rat Heeler breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Rat Heeler see the vet?
Average
The Rat Heeler 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 Heeler dogs live? How old can a Rat Heeler be? What is the age limit of the Rat Heeler? How many years can the oldest Rat Heeler live?

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

How long is the lifespan of a Rat Heeler?

14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Heeler: 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 Heeler Energy and Activity

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

Do Rat Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises?

Rat Heeler dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Rat Heeler breed need?
Rat Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Rat Heeler Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Rat Heeler need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Rat Heeler breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Rat Heeler? How much food should I feed my Rat Heeler?
1.5 to 2.5 cups 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 Heeler risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Rat Heeler'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 Heeler weight regularly.

Rat Heeler Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Rat Heeler have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseShiny
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Rat Heeler coats?
BlackTan Red Blue White BrownSpeckled Tricolor Mottled
Grooming
How to groom the Rat Heeler and how often? How often should I take my Rat Heeler to the groomer?
Effortless: The Rat Heeler requires minimal 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 sometimes to avoid infections. Rat Heeler is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Rat Heeler dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Rat Heeler? Do Rat Heeler dogs shed a lot?
Rat Heeler 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 Heeler breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Rat Heeler need a bath? How often should you give a Rat Heeler a bath? Can I bathe my Rat Heeler 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 Heeler breed hypoallergenic?
No
Rat Heeler 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 Heeler 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 Heeler drool?
The Rat Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Rat Heeler 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 Heeler.

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

Rat Heeler Good With

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

Rat Heeler As a Working Dog

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

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

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Rat Heeler 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 Heeler is not the best breed for detection purposes.

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

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

Not really

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

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

Not really

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

Rat Heeler Reproducibility

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

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Rat Heeler: 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 Heeler have in a litter? How many puppies can the Rat Heeler breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Rat Heeler have? How many puppies can a Rat Heeler give birth to?
5-7 puppies

Rat Heeler Recognition

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

Rat Heeler Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Outstanding: Rat Heeler is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Trainability: Rat Heeler dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Rat Heeler requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Rat Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Rat Heeler dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Rat Heeler dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Rat Heeler dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Rat Heeler dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Rat Heeler dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Rat Heelers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Rat Heeler 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 Heeler dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Rat Heeler dogs shed above average.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Rat Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: Rat Heeler dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Rat Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Rat Heeler 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 Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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