Rat Terrier vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison

Rat Terrier vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed ComparisonPetit Bleu de Gascogne is originated from France but Rat Terrier is originated from United States. Petit Bleu de Gascogne may grow 22 cm / 9 inches higher than Rat Terrier. Petit Bleu de Gascogne may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Rat Terrier. Petit Bleu de Gascogne may live 5 years less than Rat Terrier. Both Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Rat Terrier has same litter size. Both Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Rat Terrier requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
undefined
France
United States
Height Male:
52 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Height Female:
52 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
15 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
None
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Colors Available:
Mottled black, giving appearance of slate grey or blue
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
Coat:
Short and smooth
Single coat, short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

petit bleu de gascogneThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a scenthound dog originating in France where he has always been used as a hunting dog.

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a descendant of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. This dog was developed around the 16th century already, with the numbers of the dog being reduced at the time of the World Wars.

They’re quite well known in France, but not in any other parts of the world. The dog is an official member of the UKC, and it was in 1991 that the dog joined their scent hound group.

rat terrierKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

Description

petit bleu de gascogne puppy - descriptionThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a medium to large sized dog which stands at between 52 to 58cm in height at the withers and weighs in the region of 18 to 22kg.

In fact, the only difference between the Petit Bleu de Gascogne and the original Bleu de Gascogne is its size. They’re well proportioned dogs and they have lean, muscular bodies. The head is long and slim, the nose black, the expression gentle and unthreatening.

Most times you’ll find a black patch on each side of the head which extends to the ears so that the ears are essentially black. The patch also extends to around the eyes.

The dense, short coat is a typical trademark feature, with the color of the coat being white mottled with black so that the general appearance is a slate blue color. The dog usually has tan eyebrows over each eye. The tail is long and the ears long and floppy.

Temperament:

Kept essentially as a pet today, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne has kept its hunting instincts and is an excellent scent-dog, being able to follow a scent for miles. It is why you want to ensure that as a pet, you take him on regular walks, every day in fact. He just loves to get out, and given the chance to run and chase a scent.

Apart from his hunting skills, he still makes an excellent pet, being loyal and loving with his human family. He is looked upon as being amicable and well-balanced, getting on well with children as well as dogs in the home.

They’re quite laid-back and friendly, so they don’t make particularly good watchdogs. They are independent and intelligent and will respond well to training and socialization.

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

Characteristics

petit bleu de gascogne dog - characteristicsThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne just loves being outdoors, chasing the scent of something interesting. He is in his element outside as a hunting or tracking dog.

Training and socialization will always be a good idea for these dogs, as once on the scent he may be inclined to ignore your calls and not return easily.

They’re easy-going dogs, loving be around their human family. Provide well for him and you will find that he makes an amicable, loyal and devoted companion.

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

Health Problems

petit bleu de gascogne puppies - health problemsThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a healthy dog with no unusual health problems being documented. With good care, he can generally live to be 11, 12 or 13 years of age. Nonetheless it is a good idea to be aware of some of the horrible dog illnesses that can strike, even though it is highly unlikely.

Bloat:

Your Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a deep chested dog and this simply means it can develop bloat. A swollen stomach, lethargy and trying to vomit are just some of the signs of this ailment which can become deadly if not attended to. The stomach can twist with bloat and this is when things get serious.

Ear Infections:

Floppy eared dogs are always at risk of ear infections and these can be painful for your pet. You will notice him scratching at his ears or shaking his head and then its time to investigate further for redness or discharge.

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

petit bleu de gascogne dogs - caringLuckily the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a fairly low maintenance dog who will basically require a good brush twice a week to rid him of loose hairs and to keep his coat nice and shiny.

Take the time while brushing him to test for any unusual lumps on his body. Check inside his ears too, because as a floppy eared dog, there can be a build-up of wax, debris and dampness and these can all cause bacteria and an ear infection.

Check his eyes too as well as inside his mouth. He can’t tell you when he’s got terrible tooth ache from a rotting tooth and you need to check for this. Bad teeth can cause all kinds of health issues.

Diet:

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods on the market which have got the vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Some of the lower quality foods have got bad ingredients such as colorants and fillers and these can actually be toxic for your pet.

It’s always wise to add a little bit of home-made food into your pet’s diet and then simple, nutritious foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach can do him the world of good. Just chop it up and add it into the dried kibble every other night when you feed your pet. A bit of raw meat occasionally can also be healthy for him.

Always ensure there’s a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

Ensure your pet has a nice comfortable, dry place to sleep.

Never ever leave your pet alone in a hot car.

Make sure your puppy has his puppy vaccines to avoid some life-threatening diseases.

Have your dog spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rat Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Rat Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Rat Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Rat Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Rat Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rat Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Rat Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Rat Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Rat Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Rat Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Rat Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Rat Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Rat Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Rat Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Rat Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Rat Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Rat Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Rat Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Rat Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Rat Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Rat Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Rat Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Rat Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Rat Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Rat Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison