Pomerat
The Pomerat is a cross between the Pomeranian and the American Rat Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Pomerat. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a compact toy breed that makes a remarkable impression despite its diminutive size, typically weighing between 3 and 7 pounds with an ideal show weight of 4 to 6 pounds. Standing approximately 8 to 11 inches at the withers, this small but sturdy dog possesses a well-balanced, cobby body that is slightly shorter from shoulder to buttocks than it is tall at the withers. The Pomeranian's overall structure conveys substance and soundness, with medium-boned legs that are straight and parallel when viewed from the front. The breed moves with a smooth, free, balanced, and vigorous gait that reflects its confident and animated personality. The Pomeranian's luxurious double coat is perhaps its most striking feature and requires considerable maintenance to keep in optimal condition. The undercoat is soft and dense, providing insulation, while the outer coat consists of long, harsh-textured guard hairs that stand away from the body. This abundant coat forms a distinctive ruff around the neck and chest that frames the fox-like face and extends over the shoulders. The heavily plumed tail is one of the breed's hallmarks, set high and lying flat on the back, further accentuating the dog's profuse coat. Pomeranians come in an extraordinary variety of colors, with all colors, patterns, and variations being acceptable according to breed standards including orange, black, white, cream, sable, chocolate, and parti-color combinations. The Pomeranian's head is well-proportioned to the body with a distinctly fox-like expression that conveys intelligence and alertness. The wedge-shaped head features a moderately short muzzle that is straight and fine, never snippy or coarse. Small, erect ears are set high on the skull and stand perfectly upright, contributing to the breed's alert and inquisitive appearance. The almond-shaped eyes are dark, bright, and medium-sized, set well into the skull with an intelligent and lively expression. The nose is typically black, though liver-colored dogs have brown pigmentation. The compact feet are small and cat-like with well-arched toes, while the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The overall impression is of a miniature but well-proportioned dog with abundant coat and confident carriage.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their small size, Pomeranians are active and playful dogs that enjoy regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are intelligent and can excel in obedience and trick training when motivated with positive reinforcement methods, though their independent nature may lead to occasional stubbornness. Pomeranians typically mature mentally faster than many toy breeds and can begin training at a young age. They generally do well in various living situations, including apartments, provided they receive adequate exercise and attention. The breed tends to bond most closely with one family member but can be affectionate with the entire household. Pomeranians can be good with children who understand how to handle small dogs gently, though supervision is always recommended due to the breed's fragile size.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Dental problems are extremely common in Pomeranians due to their small mouths, which can cause overcrowding and make teeth more susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. Regular dental care including brushing and professional cleanings is essential. Eye problems affecting the breed include cataracts, entropion where the eyelid rolls inward, and distichiasis where extra eyelashes irritate the eye surface. Open fontanels, where the soft spot on the skull fails to close completely, can occur in very small Pomeranians and makes them vulnerable to head injuries. Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testicles to descend, is seen in male Pomeranians and typically requires surgical intervention. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings to minimize the occurrence of genetic conditions in their breeding programs.
American Rat Terrier
The American Rat Terrier is a sturdy, compact, and elegantly athletic dog that comes in two recognized size varieties according to breed standards. The Miniature variety stands between 10 and 13 inches at the withers, while the Standard variety measures over 13 inches and up to 18 inches at the withers, with weight varying proportionally from approximately 10 to 25 pounds. This American-bred terrier possesses a well-muscled, smoothly contoured body that reflects its heritage as an agile and tireless working dog. The breed is slightly longer than tall, with the length of the body from prosternum to point of buttocks being slightly greater than the height from ground to withers. The overall appearance conveys strength, speed, and endurance in a package small enough for versatile farm work. The Rat Terrier's coat is one of its most practical features, being short, smooth, and shiny with dense, close-lying hairs that require minimal grooming while providing adequate protection during outdoor activities. The breed is characterized by its distinctive pied coloring, which features large patches of one or more colors in combination with white. Acceptable colors include black, chocolate, red ranging from pale gold to deep mahogany, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, lemon, and combinations thereof. The amount and distribution of white varies considerably, but the pied pattern remains a defining characteristic of the breed. The coat has a satiny texture that lies close to the body and feels smooth to the touch. The Rat Terrier's head is proportionate to the body and features a wedge-shaped appearance when viewed from above. The skull is moderately wide and somewhat flat between the ears, with a moderate stop. The muzzle is strong and slightly shorter than the skull, tapering toward the nose without appearing snippy. The ears may be erect, tipped, or button, with erect and tipped being preferred. The eyes are set obliquely, small to medium in size, and oval in shape, conveying an alert and intelligent expression. Eye color corresponds with coat color, ranging from dark brown to hazel and amber in lighter-colored dogs. The tail may be naturally bobtail, docked, or left natural at full length, carried in a slight curve when the dog is alert. The compact feet are slightly oval with well-arched toes and thick, durable pads suited for active work.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament As working terriers, Rat Terriers possess a strong prey drive that was originally valued for controlling rodent populations on farms and in homes. This instinct remains strong and can cause them to chase small animals including cats, rabbits, and squirrels, making secure fencing and leash control essential. They require at least 40 minutes of daily exercise to burn enough energy to be calm, well-behaved companions, and without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they may develop problematic behaviors including excessive barking, digging, chewing, and destructive tendencies. Rat Terriers are vocal dogs that will alert owners to anything unusual, making them excellent watchdogs. They can adapt to various living situations including apartments if provided sufficient exercise and mental enrichment, but their energy levels may prove challenging for owners seeking a more laid-back companion.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease affects the hip joint in young dogs, causing degeneration of the femoral head that leads to pain and lameness, often requiring surgical treatment. Von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of clotting proteins, has been identified in the breed and can cause excessive bleeding from wounds or during surgery. Dental abnormalities and periodontal disease are concerns due to the breed's small jaw size, making regular dental care essential. Allergies affecting skin and ears are relatively common and may require ongoing management. Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease, has been documented in Rat Terriers and causes gradual hind limb weakness. Responsible breeders perform genetic screening for hereditary conditions to produce healthier puppies and reduce the incidence of these problems in future generations.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Pomerat may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Pomeranian and American Rat Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.