The Comical and Endearing Ratoodle

 

Oscar is a marvelous and lovable little dog whom we rehomed when he was two years old. He is a cross between a rat terrier and a toy poodle. When you cross those dogs, I suspect you get a wide variety of color and coat combinations. He may have been a designer dog, but his previous owner wasn't able to give him enough time, so we were happy to take the little mutt. Anyway, Oscar is a wonderful, gristly and funny little guy. This mix is also called a  Rattle (Radle) but where's the fun in that when you can say Ratoodle?
Oscar adapted well here with a little room to run and with caring people home most of the day. I wanted him as a companion for our overly energetic Aussie/Border Collie mix, but I was worried she'd use him as a chew toy. Our black Pearl dog should have been named Tank, because she knows no fear and shows no pain (and has Olympic potential in her estimation). But Pearl tolerated him until he persuaded her to play with him. Actually he stalked her until she discovered she could roll him around and carry him by his scruff, but she couldn't get rid of him. So now they are Mutt to each other's Jeff, but Oscar is still a scrappy persistent terrier. He has that whiney rail that winds up and gets on your nerves when he has the high energy focused-on-terror mode going.

 

He and Pearl fly around our property several times a day, wearing off crazy dog energy. It is certainly a blessing for me, because I could never keep Pearl entertained by myself. After some biting and getting carried away at first, they have mutually both agreed to carry a ball or toy in their mouths during this activity to prevent hard feelings and bruising.

Oscar, like many small dogs, loves to have a secure den to claim. He fixates on a few toys, his blanket, stray boxes, etc. He knows various tricks and catches onto complex routines quickly. He will walk on his hind legs and dance in circles, but unlike Pearl, he refuses to learn to catch.

 

 

I have always loved medium sized farm type dogs like Aussies. But Oscar (who weighs in at 14 lbs.), and rat terrier type dogs have changed my opinion. I suspect that other small dogs have potential and stamina too. "Portable" dogs are nice because they can go more places and take less area to maintain (when traveling). Littler dogs need more protection though, and Oscar is terrified of coyotes and frightening smells, so he has strong survival skills. Oscar may have come as a second chance dog, but he's first rate and his charming character has blessed our lives.

 

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