Active
Playful
Loving
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Inquisitive
Easygoing

Friendly
Energetic
Active
Intelligent
Trainable
Vocal

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

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

United States

New Zealand

American Rat Terrier and Maltese

Collies, English Hound, Old English Sheepdogs, Labrador

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Dog Registry of America Inc.
New Zealand Kennel Club

1990s

1900's

Blue
Hazel
Brown

Brown
Amber

Black

Black

Black
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Blue
Silver
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

Pied
Black
Brown

Rateses have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Huntaways have medium-length coats.

Straight

Wavy

A Ratese can have a litter of 5-7 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.

A Huntaway can have a litter of 12-14 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.

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

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

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

The Huntaway breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Patellar Luxation
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)

Bone Cancer

Demodectic Mange
Dental Disease
Color Dilution Alopecia

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Ear Health and Infection

Eye Examination
Dental Examination
Blood And Urine Analysis
Complete Physical Examination
Diagnostic Imaging
Electromyography (EMG)
DNA

Full Physical Examination

Rateses' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

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

Ratese has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Huntaway has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Rateses require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Huntaways need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Rateses sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Huntaways are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

The Ratese is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Huntaway dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Going for walks, Playing fetch, Fetch

Training, Sea paddling, Long walks, Dancing, Playing, Chase, Playing Ball, Walk, Name te, Cuddles, Scentwork, Walking, Hoopers, Fetch, Hiking, Puzzles, Running, Run, Catch-ball, Tug-of-war, Football, Go on Vacation, Road trip, Play, Nap, High Five, Bath time, Off-leash, Car rides

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Ratese, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Huntaway, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Rateses usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Huntaways usually need at least 80 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Ratese has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

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

Ideally, Ratese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Huntaway should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 20-25 pound (9 - 11 kg) Ratese feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 65-88 pound (29 - 40 kg) Huntaway feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Ratese is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of a Huntaway is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Ratese is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Huntaway is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Rateses are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Huntaway is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Rateses make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Huntaways can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Rateses are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Huntaways are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

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

Huntaways are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Rateses are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Huntaways are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.