Carol34446

Not like a Jack Russel except a little in looks. We have been breeding them for 14 years and had many litters, sweetest dogs ever. We have fights once in a while, but I spank offenders, put them in the crates they sleep in and scold them and it doesn't usually happen again. And we have a bunch here in house with us. Ours go from 4 to 20 lbs and our oldest is 14, have a lot of older dogs we will keep until they pass unless we find a great home for them.
Now that we are 67 and 81 trying to cut down. They make a great pet. I used to have cockers and they have problems and WAY too much hair for me. Dobermans if right breeding I love and had, have two Goldens now, mother and 5 month old daughter. A cat and a horse too. Can't go wrong with a RT.

Carol34446

RT's want to please their people and are not as stubborn by far, as most terriers are. You can raise your voice and you would think you beat them they are so hurt.

sewplease

Thanks so much to those who posted pictures in this thread! What great dogs! :-)

cindyscoralreef

Thank you to all who replied and posted pictures. The rat terriers do seem sweet! There do not seem to be any breeders around us (outside Philadelphia) but did see one on-line in FL (not you Carol34446 - do you still breed?). We are going to be in FL this summer, so maybe we will decide to swing by!

Again, thanks to all.

QUILTNMO

i have a jack russell a very hyper=active dog loves a soccer ball

quilter2090

I have a rat terrier, he is a love. I adopted him last year from the humane society. He is old and I knew no one would adopt him, so he came home with me. He is very gentle and sweet. Check out your local animal shelter, they have so many wonderful dogs just waiting for someone to love them. One thing I have learned with all the dogs I have adopted, they never forget who rescued them. I think you would like one.

DebbE

Rat terriers are high energy dogs, but very sweet & loving. I'd get a pup so that when the new dog comes into the house the other dog could 'mother' it and get used to it before it grows full size.

sewplease

That's what I did with the 2 senior minpins in my avatar picture. Max and Zena had always been together and for whatever reason got dumped at a kill shelter. The staff kept them for two months but time was running out. I saw their pictures and thought who else would want them? I LOVE them! :-)

lalaland

I'm going to be a bit more candid. I had a standard male rat terrier, pure bred, averaged 18 lbs. I got him when he was 6 months old to be a companion to my chihuahua mix female. From day one she let him know she was boss and he did everything she told him to do. We named him Jack.

Of all the dogs I've had, he is the one I miss the most. He was smart, funny, had one heck of a personality, and everyone loved him. He gave us 15 years of unconditional love, laughter and companionship.

That being said, I knew nothing about the breed so contacted a gentleman in Georgia who bred standard rats and he sent me a video and recommended a book. Thank goodness.

There is not a chew toy in the WORLD big enough to satisfy a rat (especially a youngster). They are high energy and smart as a tact, and easy to train, but in a heartbeat they will throw all that training out the window to pursue something (I referred to it as getting a bee in his bonnet). They do not react well to anger, loud voices or conflict so when you train them, you must be upbeat when you scold. They are tremendously curious and will stick their nose in your business, as well as everyone elses. They are friendly but if you are threatened, they will protect you. And if they are threatened, they may attack. Our dog was people friendly but very selective about the dogs he would be friendly with.

Now, not all rats are the same I realize, but they do have common characteristics. Do your research. We are a pretty easy going bunch so when Jack ate a recliner down to the wood, we took pictures, grinned and took it in stride (it was an old chair, there was some loose fabric, he tugged at it, it tore, and the rest was history). If I had known more about the breed before I got him, I probably would have passed and it would have definitely been my loss.

ShabbyTabby

I had my Sammy for 8 yrs. She was the sweetest, most intelligent, loyal dog I have ever owned. I would gladly tell anyone to get a Rat Terrier. They are very loyal and make a great family dog. They are energetic and do need some fun play time to keep them from getting bored. Sammy had her "monkey" toy that made a sound like a monkey and she played with it all the time. Even hiding it from the other 2 dogs in the house. (they get along well with other dogs in the household) I miss her so much. She was my best friend that I could tell my troubles too and she wouldn't gossip or judge me. LOL