Rat Apso
The Rat Apso is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Rat Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Rat Apso. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small, well-balanced, sturdy dog with a distinctive long, flowing coat that reflects its origins in the high mountains of Tibet. Standing between 10 and 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, this breed presents a slightly longer-than-tall body proportion that creates a rectangular outline. Despite their luxurious appearance, Lhasas possess a hardy constitution developed through centuries of adaptation to harsh Himalayan conditions. The breed standard emphasizes a well-developed body with good rib spring and a level topline, though the abundant coat often obscures the dog's true physical structure from casual observation. The coat is the breed's crowning glory, consisting of a heavy, straight, hard outer coat of good length paired with a moderate undercoat. Unlike silky-coated breeds, the Lhasa's hair has substantial body and texture, parting naturally down the center of the back from head to tail. The coat flows over the sides of the body to the ground when fully grown, covering the legs and feet. Head furnishings include a full fall of hair over the eyes, along with a well-developed beard and whiskers that frame the muzzle. All colors and color combinations are acceptable in the breed standard, including golden, sandy, honey, grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-color, black, white, and brown, with or without dark tips on the ears and beard. The head is proportionate to the body with moderate breadth and a slightly narrow skull that is neither domed nor flat. The muzzle is of medium length, about one-third the total head length, and should not be square or snipey. Dark brown eyes are medium-sized and frontally placed, conveying an intelligent and alert expression. The ears are pendant and heavily feathered, hanging close to the cheeks. The heavily feathered tail is carried in a screw well over the back, sometimes with a kink at the end. The overall impression is of a confident, dignified small dog whose long flowing coat creates an impression of elegance while concealing an athletic, sturdy body well-suited to its original purpose as a monastery sentinel.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament With their families, Lhasas are affectionate companions who enjoy being involved in household activities. They can be quite playful and even clownish, showing a silly side that contrasts with their dignified public demeanor. However, they are not typically demanding dogs and can entertain themselves when their owners are busy. They generally do well with children who treat them respectfully but may not tolerate rough handling. Their relationship with other pets varies, with early socialization playing a significant role in their acceptance of other animals. Some Lhasas display a bossy attitude toward other dogs regardless of size. Their sensitivity to their owners' emotions makes them intuitive companions, though this same sensitivity means they may become anxious in chaotic or unstable home environments.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Kidney disease is a particularly important health concern in the breed, with familial renal dysplasia occurring in some bloodlines. This hereditary condition causes abnormal kidney development and can lead to progressive renal failure, sometimes manifesting in young dogs. Prospective owners should seek breeders who test for this condition and can demonstrate clear histories in their breeding lines. Additional health issues include patellar luxation affecting knee joint stability, hip dysplasia impacting mobility, and intervertebral disc disease that can cause back problems and pain. Allergies and skin conditions may occur, sometimes related to the dense coat requiring thorough grooming to prevent matting and skin irritation. Dental disease develops frequently in small breeds, making regular dental care essential. Brachycephalic airway concerns can affect some individuals with shorter muzzles, potentially causing breathing difficulties in hot weather or during exercise.
Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a sturdy, compact, small-to-medium sized dog that presents an appearance of elegance and athletic fitness, conveying an impression of speed, power, and balance. The breed comes in two distinct size varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club: Miniature, standing at least 10 inches but not exceeding 13 inches at the withers, and Standard, measuring over 13 inches up to and including 18 inches. Weight typically ranges from 10 to 25 pounds, proportionate to height. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a level back, moderately deep chest, and well-sprung ribs that appear oval when viewed from the front. The musculature is smooth and flat, blending seamlessly into the body rather than appearing bulky or overdeveloped. The coat is short, close-lying, smooth, and shiny with dense, firm texture. The breed is always parti-colored, meaning it must display white markings combined with one or more other colors. Acceptable colors include black, chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, and lemon, with or without tan points. The pied patterning requires white to comprise between 10 and 90 percent of the body, with any combination of spots, patches, or splashes being equally acceptable. Solid-colored dogs without white markings are disqualified from the breed standard. Sabling is permitted in the coat, along with shading on the head or penciling on the toes. The head is proportionate to the body with a wedge-shaped appearance when viewed from above. The skull is moderately broad and slightly domed, with strong, well-developed jaws. Ears may be erect, tipped, or button-shaped, always matching in carriage. The eyes are set well apart, small to medium sized, and obliquely set, expressing alertness and intelligence. The tail may be naturally bobbed, docked between the second and third joint, or left naturally long and tapering to the hock. Overall, the Rat Terrier embodies the look of a versatile, capable working terrier refined through decades of selective breeding for both function and form.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Rat Terriers make excellent watchdogs, alerting their families to visitors or unusual activity without being excessively yappy. They are generally friendly toward strangers once properly introduced but maintain a protective awareness of their territory. With children, they can be wonderful playmates when raised together, though their terrier energy means supervision is recommended with very young children. Their strong prey drive means they may chase small animals, and secure fencing is essential. They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, as they thrive on human companionship and involvement in family activities.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions warrant particular attention in Rat Terriers. Primary lens luxation is a serious inherited condition where the lens becomes displaced within the eye, potentially leading to glaucoma and blindness if untreated. Progressive retinal atrophy gradually deteriorates the retina and can result in vision loss. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these hereditary eye diseases. Additional health concerns include cardiac disease, which studies have identified as a leading cause of death in the breed, hypothyroidism affecting metabolic function, epilepsy causing seizures, and dental problems requiring regular oral care. Von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting disorder, has also been identified in some bloodlines. Health testing of breeding dogs and working with reputable breeders who prioritize health can significantly reduce the risk of these inherited conditions.
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 Rat Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and Rat Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.