Rat Terrier vs Silky Pug Comparison. Which dog is better for you: RT or Silky Pug?

Compare the Rat Terrier and Silky Pug breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a RT or a Silky Pug? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

RT, Decker Giant, Rat, Ratting Terrier, American Rat Terrier, Rattie

Weight

What is the average weight of Rat Terrier and Silky Pug?

17.5 pounds ( 8 kg )

12.0 pounds ( 5 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Rat Terrier and Silky Pug

16.0 inches ( 40.6 cm )

10.0 inches ( 25.4 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Rat Terriers or Silky Pugs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Rat Terrier nor Silky Pug are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Rat Terrier and Silky Pug dogs?

Affectionate
Inquisitive
Loving
Alert
Lively

Playful
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Quick
Gentle
Going
Joyful
Inquisitive
Cheerful

Shedding Level

Do Rat Terriers shed more than Silky Pugs, or which breed sheds more, Rat Terriers or Silky Pugs?

Rat Terriers are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Silky Pugs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Rat Terrier or Silky Pug?

Rat Terriers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Silky Pugs aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Origin

What is the origin of Rat Terrier and Silky Pug dog breeds?

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Rat Terrier and Silky Pug breeds?

Terrier, Whippet, Greyhound, Beagle

Pug and Silky Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Rat Terrier and Silky Pug?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were Rat Terrier and Silky Pug breeds first developed?

1800s

Unknown

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Rat Terrier and Silky Pug?

15-18 puppies per pregnancy

A Rat Terrier can have a litter of 15-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

3-5 puppies per pregnancy

A Silky Pug can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Rat Terriers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Silky Pugs are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between Rat Terrier and Silky Pug, which breed is more prone to health problems?

While the Rat Terrier breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Silky Pugs typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Rat Terrier and Silky Pug breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Entropion
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis
Spongiform Leukodystrophy
Liver Shunts
Urolithiasis

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Rat Terrier and Silky Pug?

Demodectic Mange
Epilepsy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Color Dilution Alopecia
Teeth Issues

Patellar Luxation
Tracheal Collapse
Corneal Ulcer

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Rat Terrier and Silky Pug breeds?

Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Dental Examination
Physical Examination
Skin Evaluation

Eye
Blood
Liver Ultrasound
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests
CT or MRI scan
Hip and Knee
Skeletal Exam

Energy

How do the energy levels of Rat Terriers and Silky Pugs compare?

Rat Terriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Silky Pugs are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Social Needs

Rat Terrier vs Silky Pug social needs comparison

Rat Terrier and Silky Pug have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Rat Terrier vs Silky Pug exercise need comparison.

The Rat Terrier and Silky Pug breeds require a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pets and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Rat Terrier or Silky Pug?

Rat Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Silky Pugs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Tendency to Bark

Do Rat Terriers or Silky Pugs bark more/less frequently?

Rat Terrier and Silky Pugs tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Rat Terrier vs Silky Pug?

Roaming urge

Rat Terrier vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Rat Terrier or Silky Pug - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Rat Terrier and Silky Pug entertained?

Chase, Sniff, Bark, Trot, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Run, Playing, Chasing, Jumping, Running, Walking, Play, Walk, Play keep away

Playing, Snuggling

Tolerance of being left alone

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Rat Terriers or Silky Pugs?

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

The Silky Pug requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Rat Terriers vs Silky Pugs

Rat Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Silky Pug has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How do Rat Terrier and Silky Pug compare in sensitivity?

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Rat Terrier and Silky Pug need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Silky Pug?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Rat Terrier or Silky Pug?

Rat Terriers and Silky Pugs are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Do Rat Terriers or Silky Pugs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Rat Terriers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Silky Pugs are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Rat Terrier or Silky Pug?

Cat Friendly

Do Rat Terrier or Silky Pug breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Rat Terriers and Silky Pugs are one of the best dogs for cats. They accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Rat Terrier or Silky Pug?

Rat Terriers and Silky Pugs are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some.

Pet friendly

How do Rat Terrier or Silky Pug dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Rat Terrier or Silky Pug?

Rat Terrier and Silky Pug are friendly dogs and typically won't bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this behavior, training them is easy thanks to their intelligence, making it pretty simple to teach them anything.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Rat Terrier and Silky Pug?

Rat Terriers have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Silky Pugs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Rat Terriers and Silky Pugs compare?

Rat Terrier and Silky Pug dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.