To Rat or not to Rat, that is the question. One of the most frequently asked questions of Rat Terrier owners is "Is a Rat Terrier right for my family?" The answer can be quite complicated. An honest look at one's lifestyle must be considered before making the important decision of bringing one of these beautiful pooches into your home. Questions, for example, will include:

• Do you spend a very long time away from home?
• Do you have children under 6 years of age?
• Do you have a yard?
• Is there a safe place for your Rat to spend while you are at work?
• Do you have time to spend with your dog?
• Do you realize that most Rat Terrier's are very energetic. This is a very people-oriented breed -- they need more time with their people than some other breeds require.

A Rat Terrier requires lots of room to release it's energy. You must consider the amount of space this kind of dog will have to spend most of it's day.

Rat Terrier owners put in their 2 cents on the issue:

I recently asked several Rat Terrier owners to tell me the negative side of having a Rat Terrier as a pet. Here are some of their responses:

"They are definitely not for anyone who is gone all day without a companion for the rat to play and interact with and they are not for families with children under 6 years- these are the two most common reasons they come into rescue, the 3rd is their high energy level and persistent nature. (National Rat terrier Rescue)"

"I don' think ratties are for people who are not willing to supervise them. I have found my two to be wonderful with children. Christi adores Bud and will gladly help him get into trouble but is never left alone for more than a minute or two with him. I think a new owner with small children must be experienced with dogs otherwise they should wait till the child is older. I have been blessed with calm temperaments in both my late Evie and Christi but they both craved being lap dogs so I don't think they should be for people who want dogs only outside. (cheryl)"

"If you don't like doggie kisses to the face or jumping up on you when you get home whether its been 5 minutes or hours you might not want a RT. God I love that. Here Holly-daddy wants more kiss's! (JCK)"

"If you are gone at work 8 hours a day, you need to provide a way for the dog to take care of his business. I was told by his foster mom that Max could only hold it about 6 hours. He makes it through the night, but has had accidents on the way to the door if I'm not quick about it. I go home at lunch every day. If I can't make it home, I need to make sure someone helps me out. My border collies could go 8 hours, but not Max. (LisaH)"

"If you get one and like it, you will probably end up with more. (the potato chip syndrome) More seriously, all the ones I have will chew to one degree or another and this is not a "puppy phase" thing. They need LOTS of toys and supervision. (Dot)"

"By and large they are.... Active dogs - always on the go! Unless you have the time and energy to direct their energy, it converts to behavior problems. Also, they are keenly intelligent - so much so that they will develop behavior problems, like over barking, to get the owners attention! I don't know if I could recommend this breed as a 'first breed' to a non-dog person. They are filled with such adoring devotion; you are the center of their universe! If you cannot handle a little dog fixated on your every move, you may feel smothered and bothered! You must definitely want a full time COMPANION if you want one of these guys! And yet again, can be vocal buggers, too! Not just yappy, but talkative! I can't do anything around the house without Xena throwing in her two bits! If I'm late with dinner, or if Conan is chewing HER bone, she's got something to say...ALWAYS! Some can be one person dogs! I think it depends a lot on how much each family member interacts with the dog, but some can be terribly one person types, which make others in the family frustrated by how the dog won't :come to them, obey them, etc. (T)"

"Rats like all Terriers are little terrors, full of energy, need lots of attention, exercise and activity.... so if someone wants a couch potato... adopt a retired greyhound. VBG (Donna)"

"OK - here go my 2 cents. The can be incredibly stubborn and single-minded and as such the have VERY selective hearing. Despite their small size a person has to be consistent in and out-stubborn them every time. They'll still run you life because they own your heart. But they won't make you miserable if you insist on winning the war of wills. (Cherie)"

"My two are backyard diggers! This would certainly be a con for some people who care about their landscape...I do agree that RATS are not for everyone...but I'm still not sure who shouldn't have one! hehe! (barbie)"

"Dixie recently began chewing things (chords, electric blanket, etc.), but we've gotten her broken of that, I think. Anyone who can't handle a little chewing may want to think about it. (Lisa)"

"They SURE ARE fixated little dogs! You should see me trying to play hide and seek with my son. He always knows where I am because there are always 2 dogs by whatever tree, bush, or picnic table I'm hiding under. And in the house, they are like little shadows. (Sharon C.)"

"Only con I can think of: Right now he is laying under my computer where my feet are supposed to go. Oh, another con: kisses other people besides me. Boo, hoo. :):) Also, if I scold him, he runs to hubby and "pretends" to be "his" best buddy. The reverse happens if hubby scolds him. (md )"

"Rats would be a lousy dog to have if you loved to brush out long fur or didn't like intelligence in a dog. We rat terrier prefer the short haired rats so we have more time to luv 'em! (Ronda) "

"IMO rats are chameleon's ... they adapt to whatever situation arises....they are perfect in all situations...of course I am totally blind...and can't hear either...hehehehe (anne )"

Some of the issues to cover with potential pet owners that they may not think about before getting their puppy include:

Where is the best place to get my new puppy or dog?
Maybe you should consider a rescued Rat or a dog from your local animal shelter. Most of these dogs need loving, warm homes. Quite often these unwanted dogs turn out to be the best dog-friend you'll ever find!

What if you decide to buy from a reputable breeder? There are questions you need to ask before bringing your new pup home. Will the breeder let you visit the kennel? If the answer is no, most likely they are hiding something. Visit the kennel. Take a good look around. Is it well maintained? Is it clean? Do the dogs look healthy? Do they have plenty of space to get around and is there fresh water and food in their kennels? Is the breeder willing to talk to you openly about his/her puppies? Check the pup out; look the coat, skin, eyes, nose, ears, mouth, bite, and belly button. Anything suspicious? Don't accept excuses. If the dog is not healthy, it's not healthy. Period.

Environment: Puppy-proof your home; get down on all fours (at puppy level) and check your home for possible hazards. Tape up electrical cords, remove unsafe items, cover holes or passages that a small puppy can get into or get stuck in (some kitchens, for example, have spaces between or behind appliances), remove all pest control (such as those cockroach motels or insecticides). What about your yard? Is it properly fenced? Go around your fence and look for holes that a puppy may try to chew through. Are there any dangerous plants or backyard (products) that your puppy can get into?

Why neutering and spaying is not only safe, but benefits your dog
Let's face it: it's a myth that your dog will get fat and lazy. Spaying or neutering your dog can only ensure a longer, and happier life for your dog. For more information on why you should have your animal spayed or neutered, check out this website: http://www.palc.org/

Selecting a vet: Ask a friend to recommend a good veterinarian. Interview potential vets. Walk into the place--is it clean? Ask questions! For more veterinary information, go to: http://www.avma.org/care4pets/
or visit:
http://netvet.wustl.edu/

Pet Health:

http://members.spree.com/annies/pethlth.htm

Places and hotels that accept dogs.
Travel with your pooch! There is a new trend emerging! More and more people are vacationing with their dogs.

http://www.dogfriendly.com/

I am your Puppy, and I will love you until the end of the Earth, but please know a few things about me.

I am a Puppy, This means that my intelligence and capacity for learning are the same as an 8-month-old child. I am a Puppy; I will chew EVERYTHING I can get my teeth on. This is how I explore and learn about the world. Even HUMAN children put things in their mouths. It's up to you to guide me to what is mine to chew and what is not.

I am a Puppy; I cannot hold my bladder for longer than 1-2 hours. I cannot "feel" that I need to poop until it is actually beginning to come out. I cannot vocalize nor tell you that I need to go, and I cannot have "bladder and bowel control" until 6-9 months. Do not punish me if you have not let me out for 3 hours and I tinkle. It is your fault. As a Puppy it is wise to remember that I NEED to go potty after: Eating, Sleeping, Playing, Drinking and around every 2-3 hours in addition. If you want me to sleep through the night, then do not give me water after 7 or 8pm. A crate will help me learn to housebreak easier, and will avoid you being mad at me. I am a puppy, accidents WILL happen, please be patient with me! In time I will learn.

I am a Puppy, I like to play. I will run around, and chase imaginary monsters, and chase your feet and your toes and 'attack' you, and chase fuzzballs, other pets, and small kids. It is play; it's what I do. Do not be mad at me or expect me to be sedate, mellow and sleep all day. If my high energy level is too much for you, maybe you could consider an older rescue from a shelter or Rescue group. My play is beneficial, use your wisdom to guide me in my play with appropriate toys, and activities like chasing a rolling ball, or gentle tug games, or plenty of chew toys for me. If I nip you too hard, talk to me in "dog talk", by giving a loud YELP, I will usually get the message, as this is how dogs communicate with one another. If I get to rough simply ignore me for a few moments, or put me in my crate with an appropriate chew toy.

I am Puppy; hopefully you would not yell, hit, strike, kick or beat a 6-month-old human infant so please do not do the same to me. I am delicate, and also very impressionable. If you treat me harshly now, I will grow up learning to fear being hit, spanked, kicked or beaten. Instead, please guide me with encouragement, and wisdom. (For instance, if I am chewing something wrong, say, "No chew!" and hand me a toy I CAN chew) better yet, pick up ANYTHING that you do not want me to get into. I can't tell the difference between your old sock and your new sock, or an old sneaker and your 200$ Nikes.

I am a Puppy, and I am a creature with feelings, and drives much like your own, but yet also very different. Although I am NOT a human in a dog suit, neither am I an unfeeling robot who can instantly obey your every whim. I truly DO want to please you, and be a part of your family, and your life. You got me (I hope) because you want a loving partner and companion, so do not relegate me to the backyard when I get bigger, do not judge me harshly but instead mold me with gentleness and guidelines and training into the kind of family member you want me to be.

I am a puppy and I am not perfect, and I know you are not perfect either. I Love you anyway. So please, learn all you can about training, and puppy behaviors and caring for me from your Veterinarian, books on dog care and even researching on the computer! Learn about my particular breed and it's "characteristics" it will give you understanding and insight into WHY I do the things I do. Please teach me with love, and patience, the right way to behave and socialize me with training in a puppy class or obedience class, we will BOTH have a lot of fun together.

I am a Puppy and I want more than anything to love you, to be with you, and to please you. Won't you please take time to understand how I work? We are the same you and I, in that we both feel hunger, pain, thirst, discomfort, fear, but yet we are also very different and must work to understand one another's language, body signals, wants and needs. Some day I will be a handsome dog, hopefully one you can be proud of and one that you will love as much as I love you.

Love,
Your Puppy.

May be posted, Reposted, cross-posted and used with permission as long as credit is given. © 2000 J. Ellis- Southern Shadows Rottweilers (Permission granted 11/18/2000)

I work as a police officer in a small town and was on midnight shift. I was patrolling the main drag through town when I happened to see a small dog run across the road in front of me. It looked just like my Sweet Pea, the rat terrier I currently had. I was thankful there weren't many cars out that late at night. I watched her cross the road and run behind a Hardee's fast food restaurant. I pulled into the restaurant parking lot and watched her go into a field. It was then that I noticed her limping, of course I had decided that I had to catch her and at least get her off the road. The other officers knew I was always finding strays and taking them to the pound. I knew the dogcatcher who ran the local pound and she always found homes for the ones I brought in. After several nights of seeing this little dog in the area of the restaurant and trying to lure her into my patrol car, I decided I wasn't having much luck. I told the dogcatcher that if she caught the dog, I would take her and try to find her a home - or something....well, a few days later the dogcatcher stated that she got a complaint from the football coach about 2 dogs - one matching the description of "my intended rescue" and of another much bigger dog...it seems that these dogs were pooping on the football field and the football players were playing, rolling, and whatever else in it, so the dogcatcher placed two of her cages on the football field. A day or two later, the dogcatcher called me and told me she thought she had the dog I wanted, so I went to the pound to check the dog and there SHE was! Oh, she was so sad looking...no hair on her legs, toothpick skinny, and her ears were all raggedy on the tips - like something had chewed on them....not to mention dirty and wild...quite wild!!! I talked to another lady and she stated she knew where this dog came from; she had given it to an old couple who had cats and it seems the dog had given the old man's cats a helluva time, so he kicked her out the door - for good! She also told me the dog's name was Chichi, well, I couldn't touch Chichi because she was a bit aggressive so I wrapped her up in a towel - she couldn't have weighed more than 5-6 pounds. She was so frightened and all she did was shake. I took her home and put her on a long leash and tied her to a post in the garage. I fixed up a big bed with a pillow and lots of towels, put down newspapers, lots of fresh water, and soft dog food. Due her to being so wild, I knew I had to start slowly. I started by sitting next to her and not touching her - just quietly talking to her, but she wouldn't look at me and she would hide her head. I then graduated to lightly stroking the top of her head - while it was hidden. She wouldn't touch her food if I was in the garage when it came time to eat. This went on until I was able put her in the house. I put the same setup in the kitchen with a baby gate between the kitchen and the living room. I would sit in the living room and she would come up to gate and watch me, however, when I would come up the gate, off to the bed she would go! Sweet pea would go up to the gate and they would sniff each others noses. One day I decided that I would let her out of the kitchen. I wanted to see how she would react. Out of the kitchen she came. She hopped onto the sofa where I was sitting-the other end of course-she eventually came around to where she is today - it may have taken a month or two...she is now named "Honey" and is terribly spoiled...she is still a bit skittish around others but she is the biggest baby....

We took her to the vets and they x-rayed her leg and said it had been broken. While she was on the run, her leg healed at a 90 degree angle but healed well. They said that it could be "re-broken" and reset but it might cause her unnecessary stress, so we decided to leave it alone since she runs like the wind and can jump and play just as well as my other rats! We also had her spayed, so now she is one of the "Ratastics"....LYNN, TN

Do good thoughts and wishes make a difference? Oh yes they do. As I'm sitting here writing, I'm looking at Em asleep on the back of the couch; exhausted, home, loved, familiar. Every once in a while she opens one eye and looks at me (still there? still there), and then goes back to sleep. It's been a very long day, and a bizarre not-quite-two-weeks odyssey. There's a change in Emmy's eyes. I know she's been through something, but she can't tell me. I have a lot of questions and no real answers. But she's home. I didn't sleep well last night and arrived at the airport an hour early this morning. It's a silly thing to do when you're anxious. There's only so much Starbuck's coffee you can drink, only so many times you can try the locked Continental office door. I didn't know what to expect when Emmy arrived, but prepared myself for the worst. I had heard she'd suffered trauma. I knew she was coming in on a too long flight, having been in a crate for 10 hours straight. I knew that the lady in California had forgotten to put anything soft on the bottom of the crate for her to lay on. I think her word was "bummer." I had been told by her also that she and her son had been diagnosed with Scabies, and that her doctor had told her it was "from the dog." No one here, dog or person, had Scabies. Was Emmy going to arrive sick in addition to traumatized? I expected to find her huddled at the back of her crate, disoriented and thoroughly miserable. I was ready to coax her out, with so many apologies ready. My vet was waiting back in St. Aug to receive her, as baffled by all this as we were. Nothing was making sense... except that Emmy was almost home. Drinking all that coffee, doing all that worrying and pacing finally required a visit to the restroom... and when I came out, the Continental office door was OPEN and there was a crate on the floor... You've never seen anyone move so fast. There were no "Hellos," no "I'm here to pick up a dog"... I did a home base slide to the front of that cage, saying "Emmy, Emmy, Emmy"... her beautiful face at the cage door, her tail thumping hard and happy when she heard me... she was out of that crate and in my lap before anyone could bother to ask if she was mine. I signed papers on the floor, clipped on her leash, saying, not asking, "Okay if I walk her out of here," because you're not suppose to do that, you know. And the lady mumbled something along of the lines of "Well I guess it would be all right since you don't have far to go"... but we were already out the door. Emmy practically pranced through the airport terminal. All I could think was, "Thank you Ratters," because something had gotten her through this and she looked so happy, and so healthy, and so relieved. I stopped every few feet to bend down and hug her. People smiled... I was still holding back the tears. On the hour long drive home Emmy spent half the time sleeping on the van floor beside me and half the time in my lap. My hand kept going down to cradle her muzzle. She was there. At the vet's, I saw the first signs of change. She was quivering and growling and pressing in to me. I held her in my lap as they talked to her, petted her, loved her and told her it would be okay. She showed absolutely no signs of having Scabies, she wasn't itching and didn't have any areas of hair loss, but because she'd been exposed we decided to treat her. Not the "welcome home" I would have wanted for her, but not worth the risk of exposure to my kids or other dogs. As I left her there, I told her, "I'll be back, I PROMISE." And that's when I started to cry. They gave her Ivomec orally and a mange dip, and completed a full exam... they did it all with the most gentle and loving care. If I can say anything to dog owners, it's to find a vet you trust who will love your dog. I got to pick her up again a few hours later, and bring her all the way home. The other dogs welcomed her back easily, sniffing noses and doggy dances. I took them all out into the yard to run. She was so excited to see the kids, and napped with Cole for an hour (a blessing on both counts) ;-). From the reports in California, Emmy hadn't relieved herself outside the entire time she was there... we haven't had an accident inside the house (yet) -- (not that I care right now). She's scratching at the door as always and going potty outside. Maybe it's having a yard, or maybe it's having the other dogs... Em's received a clean bill of health from the vet, and she seems very happy and relieved to be home, but there is a change in her. She's not the same trusting and confident dog she was when she left here two weeks ago, her eyes don't have that "sparkle." It may sound silly, but I know you know what I mean. Time and love will heal that. Emmy's home. I want to tell you all how much I appreciate your many kind words and wishes through all this. It has meant more to me than you will ever know.

Sue, FL

I was looking for the perfect dog not too big, not too small, one that would warn me of intruders, but would not bark its head off all the time. I was in college and the breed debate was foremost in my mind. I grew up with ChowChows. I knew i did not want HAIR... My intent was to have children, that took alot of dogs off of my list...... there seemed to be no breed out there. This was WAY before the internet, so my information came from books and there was NOTHING written on the rat terrier. It was as if it did not even exists. Finally i explaining the situation to a group of friends, One of them said "why don't you get a rat terrier?" I have to admit i laughed at him. He then started to say "No really a Rat Terrier, I grew up with them on the pig farm in Kansas." He continue to expound on the virtues of the breed. Everything he said about the breed brought my ears to attention. Finally i said "ok a Rat it is". Now came the hard part. Where the heck do i get one. Off to Kansas i went, i found my First RT Ginger and a lifetime of friendship was born. She completely sold me on the bred I continue to be as enthralled as i was then. Ginger lived to the ripe old age of 13 1/2. She will always be my FOREVER FRIEND.

Julia Kleutsch
Pooch Terrier Kennels, WA

You may see Julia's pooches at: http://hometown.aol.com/cutzpy/pooch.html

In August of 1998, Mysister and I brought our niece's to the movies in the afternoon. When we came out of the theater I spotted a dog in a shopping cart. He was very skinny and very dirty and he looked very fragile and small. He had a couple of popsicle sticks and some tape wrapped around one of this front legs. The top stick was digging into his skin and it had a big hole in it and it was bleeding. He looked like the saddest loneliest dog in the world.

Now I love dogs and have several others and love all oh them very much and did not need or even want another dog but I had to see what I could do for him. I know how important it is to carefully approach a stay/injuryed dog so I walked slowly over to the cart that someone had left him in and softly said Hello Little Dog! I reached out and pet the top of his head and he closed his eyes and sighed. A deep heavy sigh of hope and fear. I knew he would not hurt me and I also know then that we had a lot of work head of us. I asked several employees at the theater including the management and they said he had been abandoned there several hours earlier and they where calling the animal control to have him picked up. I informed them that was not necessary and I would take care of him. I got a blanket from my car and wrapped him up and we rushed off. Now with him safely in tow we got on the phone with the vet and asked them not to close because we were on our way with an emergency.

As soon as we arrived they rushed us in and started to work on this sick little dog. He was so weak he really could not hold his head up even though he keep trying. They gave him a shot to rehydrate him, wormed him, and antibiotics for the infection in this leg and removed the bandage to see what was the condition of this leg. It was concluded that he had been hit by something a lot bigger and a lot heavier then he was and had cuts and gashes all up and down his front leg as well as his side but nothing was broken. We took some ointment and pills with instructions to come back in the next few days and now had the task ahead of us to clean him.

Let me start by saying that it took my sister and I, five hours non stop to clean and remove the hundreds of fleas and ticks that had practically taken over his body. We washed him and discovered that he was going to be white with a black head and mask. Several washes later we began to attack the parasite problem. I have seen a lot things in my time of picking up stray and lost dogs but his really was the worst. He did not have an inch of space on this body that a tick was not attached. He had at the least 30 ticks in each of those beautiful ears. They were imbedded deep into his ear canals. I did not know at the time that so many ticks could cluster between a dogs toes. The only thing that keep me from crying my eyes out was I could not leave him suffering for another minute. Thank heavens for my other sister and her strength and skill (she had worked as a vet tech) and was springing into action. Little by little we worked combing over the same areas dozens of times using a flashlight to see into the pitch black hair on his head and always finding something else..... Finally it was done. He was free. We gave him some canned food and water, which he managed to lift his head up enough to eat. He was then moved to a soft and comfy warm bed and that is where he would remain for the next three days.

What a difference 72 hours can make. He was coming around. He was still weak but had a sparkle in this eye. He went to the vet every couple of days and he was getting stronger but we now knew that his leg had sever nerve damage and was never going to be normal again. We did consult with several specialist in and around our area and we tried physical therapy to help the nerves and muscles. We continue to do this daily and will for the rest of his life and it has improved his leg. He does not, however use it normally. He does use it as balance and he will walk on it but only on the front knuckle portion, he is unable to place his paw flat on the ground.

This does not stop or slow him down in ANY way what so ever. He is faster then a bullet out of a gun and climbs trees and jumps and plays with all the rest of the dogs with no visible sign of any handicap. He fly's on the furniture and likes to sleep on the back of the couch or under a blanket. He is the most wonderful and loving presence to have come into our lives in a long time.

Did I mention how beautiful he is? Well, I should. He has a snow white body with just a few small black spots, a gorgeous face with black with tan marking and a thin white line running from his nose all the way up the center of his head to his body. A black head that is the silkiest smoothest fur I have ever felt. The areas around his mouth and nose change from a pale pink to a bright crimson depending on the mood he is in and he looks like he is wearing black lipstick. Brown eyes that sparkle but are filled with mischief. A heart that is bursting with love. He practically bends himself in half wagging his tail when we come home. He has won the heart of all who meet him and can get away with practically anything. Everything he does is cute and I mean EVERYTHING! He has even inspired a special language we started to use and he has his own song. We just can't imagine our lives being without Arthur, he is the King around here.

Lisa Caron

I have two older brothers. My oldest brother was involved in an industrial accident many years ago and was left with brain damage. He needs special care 24 hrs. a day and doesn't say much or show much emotion.

My other brother has been his caregiver, taking him with him everywhere, and sacrificing much of his "life" for his brother's needs. My brother, the caregiver, has always been a "macho" type of guy. i.e., hunting, fishing, motorcycles, etc., and likes "big" dogs. Big dogs, that is until he met my Rat Terrier, Sonny on a visit here last year.

My caregiver brother fell right into Sonny's scheme of things. Throw the ball, throw the ball, play tug of war, give me treats and stuff, throw the ball some more. You all know how active and demanding Rat Terriers can be! However, when it would come time to settle down, Sonny would search out my mentally challenged brother and curl up on his lap to have his head stroked and petted. They both seemed to enjoy the quiet solitude of each other. One evening I looked out to the patio and saw Sonny sitting on his lap and my brother was "talking" to Sonny, and his talk made the usual not much sense at all. Sonny was giving him his undivided attention, and with his head cocked, looked as though my brother was telling him the most interesting story in the world. This has continued to be their relationship.

My caregiver brother has said if I ever want to give up Sonny, he wants to take him.

I love both brothers, but just can't bring myself to give Sonny up either. Whenever my brother and I talk on the telephone, he always asks about Sonny. I have volunteered to seek out a Rat Terrier for them, but he always mentions Sonny's special bond with our brother.

My brothers live about 500 miles from me, but lately we have become closer emotionally and Sonny has, no doubt, contributed to part of that bond.