Ratese

The American Rat Terrier is a well-muscled, compact breed that comes in two distinct size varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Miniature variety stands between 10 and 13 inches at the withers, while the Standard variety measures 13 to 18 inches tall. Weight is proportional to height, typically ranging from 10 to 25 pounds depending on the size variety. The breed possesses a sturdy, athletic build with a deep chest, strong shoulders, solid neck, and powerful legs that reflect its heritage as a working farm dog. The body is compact yet substantial, giving the appearance of a dog built for both speed and endurance. The topline is level when standing and moving, contributing to the breed's balanced silhouette. The American Rat Terrier's coat is short, smooth, dense, and shiny, lying close to the body and requiring minimal grooming. The breed is always parti-colored, featuring a white base with patches of one or more additional colors. Acceptable colors include black, chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, and lemon, with tan points being common in tricolor patterns. The coat should have a glossy appearance that reflects the dog's overall good health. Seasonal shedding is moderate and can be managed with regular brushing. The skin fits smoothly over the muscular body without excess wrinkling. The head is wedge-shaped when viewed from above, with a moderately broad skull that tapers slightly toward the muzzle. The stop is moderate but distinct. The ears can be carried erect, semi-erect, tipped, or button style, though they should always be alert and mobile when the dog is attentive. Eyes are oval-shaped, set wide apart, and come in various colors that complement the coat, expressing intelligence and alertness. The breed may be born with either a natural bobtail or a full-length tail, both of which are equally acceptable. When present, the tail is carried in an upward curve. One of the American Rat Terrier's most distinctive features is its hackney-like gait, characterized by a high-stepping, elegant movement that demonstrates the breed's exceptional agility and athleticism.

The Maltese is a small, elegant toy breed renowned for its stunning floor-length white coat and gentle expression. According to the American Kennel Club standard, the breed should weigh under 7 pounds, with 4 to 6 pounds being preferred for show dogs. Standing 7 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder, the Maltese has a compact, balanced body that is slightly longer than it is tall. Despite its delicate appearance, the breed possesses sufficient substance and bone to indicate a sturdy little dog capable of vigorous activity. The overall impression is one of refined elegance combined with a sprightly, flowing movement. The Maltese's most distinctive feature is its long, silky, pure white coat that hangs straight to the ground from a center part along the spine. The coat is single-layered, lacking the undercoat found in many other breeds, which contributes to minimal shedding and the breed's reputation as a hypoallergenic choice. The texture should be silky and shiny, never curly or woolly. A slight lemon or tan tinge on the ears is acceptable, though pure white is preferred. The coat requires significant maintenance to keep it in proper condition, including daily brushing to prevent matting and regular bathing to maintain its brilliant white color. The head is of medium length with a slightly rounded skull and a moderate stop. The muzzle is of medium length, fine and tapered but not snipey. The nose is black, as are the eye rims, creating attractive dark contrast against the white coat. These dark pigmented areas, called halos, are highly desirable in the breed. The eyes are round, dark, and set fairly close together, conveying an alert, gentle expression. The ears are drop style, set low and heavily feathered with long hair that blends into the coat. The tail is long, plumed with silky hair, and carried gracefully over the back with its tip lying to the side.