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Ratahoula Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Ratahoula so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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Ratahoula dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Rat Terrier and Catahoula Leopard Dog mix

Ratahoula Size and Weight

Size
Is a Ratahoula small, medium or large dog?

How big do Ratahoula get?

What is the average size of a Ratahoula?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Ratahoula weigh? How much should a Ratahoula weight? What is the normal weight of a Ratahoula? How much does a full-grown Ratahoula weight?
30-70 pounds (14-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Ratahoula?
50 pounds (22 kg)
Height
How tall is the Ratahoula? Ratahoula height:
16-22 inches (41-56 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Ratahoula?
19 inches (48.5 cm)

Ratahoula Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Ratahoula puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Ratahoula in the United States? How much money is a Ratahoula?

Where to buy a Ratahoula with a good pedigree?

$300-$500
If you choose to purchase the Ratahoula, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Ratahoula for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Ratahoula gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Ratahoula? How many Ratahoula are there in the world?
Frequent: The Ratahoula is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Ratahoula Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Ratahoula? Is the Ratahoula breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Ratahoula dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Ratahoula is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Ratahoula dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Ratahoula?
Ratahoula dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Ratahoula good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Ratahoula dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Ratahoula dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Ratahoula dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Ratahoula dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Ratahoula can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Ratahoula will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Ratahoula Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Ratahoula have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
LovingIndependentEnergeticProtectiveAlertCourageousIntelligentAffectionateLoyalLivelyGentleInquisitive
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Ratahoula sensitivity:
Ratahoula dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Ratahoula a good family dog?
High: Ratahoula dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Ratahoula need? Ratahoula social needs:
Ratahoula dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Ratahoula to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Ratahoula roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Ratahoula is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Ratahoula have high prey drive?
Ratahoula dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Ratahoula Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Ratahoulas, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Ratahoula dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Ratahoula bark?
Average: The Ratahoula barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Ratahoula good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Ratahoula in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Ratahoula indoors.

Ratahoula Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Ratahoula dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Ratahoula be left alone? How long can you leave a Ratahoula alone?
Ratahoula dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Ratahoula Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Ratahoula has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Ratahoula? How much bite force does a Ratahoula have? How strong is a Ratahoula bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Ratahoula bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Ratahoula measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Ratahoula is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Ratahoula bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Ratahoula bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Ratahoula puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Ratahoula, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Ratahoula bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Ratahoula can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Ratahoula bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Ratahoula? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Ratahoula? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Ratahoula has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Ratahoula do?
Ratahoula dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Ratahoula dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Ratahoula Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Ratahoula dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Ratahoula is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Ratahoula breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Ratahoula breed? Most common health risks of Ratahoula:
Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes DiseasePatellar LuxationEye ProblemsBloatHeart ProblemsDeafness
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Ratahoula breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Ratahoula see the vet?
Average
The Ratahoula should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Ratahoula dogs live? How old can a Ratahoula be? What is the age limit of the Ratahoula? How many years can the oldest Ratahoula live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Ratahoula?

How long is the lifespan of a Ratahoula?

14-18 years
The average lifespan of Ratahoula: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Ratahoula Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Ratahoula have? What is the activity level of the Ratahoula?
Ratahoula dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Ratahoula need? How much exercise do Ratahoula dogs require per day?

Do Ratahoula dogs need a lot of exercises?

Ratahoula dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Ratahoula breed need?
Ratahoula dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Ratahoula Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Ratahoula need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Ratahoula breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Ratahoula? How much food should I feed my Ratahoula?
3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Ratahoula risk for obesity:
Average: The Ratahoula has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Ratahoula weight regularly.

Ratahoula Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Ratahoula have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseShinySmooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Ratahoula coats?
BlackGrayTan Red Blue White SilverBrown Brindle Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the Ratahoula and how often? How often should I take my Ratahoula to the groomer?
Effortless: The Ratahoula requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Ratahoula is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Ratahoula dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Ratahoula? Do Ratahoula dogs shed a lot?
Ratahoula dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Ratahoula need a bath? How often should you give a Ratahoula a bath? Can I bathe my Ratahoula every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Ratahoula breed hypoallergenic?
No
Ratahoula dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Ratahoula has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Ratahoula drool?
The Ratahoula is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Ratahoula could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Ratahoula.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Ratahoula Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Ratahoula dogs get along with other pets? Are Ratahoula dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Ratahoula dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Ratahoula temperament with other people:
Ratahoula dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Ratahoula dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Ratahoula temperament with children:
Ratahoula dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Ratahoula dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Ratahoula breed live with a cat?
Ratahoula dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Ratahoula good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Ratahoula dogs get along with other dogs?
Ratahoula dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Ratahoula breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Ratahoula breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Ratahoula dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Ratahoula dogs good office canines? Do Ratahoula dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Ratahoula is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Ratahoula dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Ratahoula temperament with senior people? Are Ratahoula dogs good for elderly owners?
Ratahoulas are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Ratahoula As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Ratahoula be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Ratahoula is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Ratahoula be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Ratahoula be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Ratahoula is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Ratahoula be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Ratahoula is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Ratahoula be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Ratahoula breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Ratahoula be a boat dog?

Not really

Ratahoula breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Ratahoula be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Ratahoula is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Ratahoula dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Ratahoula Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Ratahoula pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Ratahoula breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Ratahoula: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Ratahoula have in a litter? How many puppies can the Ratahoula breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Ratahoula have? How many puppies can a Ratahoula give birth to?
8-12 puppies

Ratahoula Recognition

AKC Group
Is Ratahoula recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Ratahoula recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Ratahoula Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Ratahoula dogs have great intelligence.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Ratahoula requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Ratahoula is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Ratahoula dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Ratahoula dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Ratahoula dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Ratahoula dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Ratahoulas are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Ratahoula dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Ratahoula dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Ratahoula is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Ratahoula dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Ratahoula is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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