Toy Rat Terrier

[airenlow]

I am contemplating getting one of these cute little guys but I don't know much about the breed. I have read countless websites but I would like other opinions from people who aren't trying to sell me one. It would be strictly an inside dog, in an apartment with no children or other (furry) pets. I have been around dogs my whole life (family breeds GSPs and beagles) so I'm not too concerned with the basic training. Little dog syndrome scares the crap out of me!

What do you think of these little guys? Any obvious reason why I shouldn't get one? Any other opinions are welcome...even if its "this one at the dog park is a royal PITA"

I really like the blue & tan merle...

But I'll probably end up with a blue & white...

 

[Calift]

They are definitely terriers in every sense of the word.

If you do get one....adopt....so many people get overwhelmed with the breed and there are many, wonderful dogs that need homes.

Here are some in Ohio:

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12192189

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12398458

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12811226

 

[kshannon]

I rescued a lovely little rat terrier about 11 years ago, she is a neat little dog. I have found that they can have a milder personality than a lot of terriers, I have had JRT's also. She gets along great w/ my cat, the rat was a problem. Gets along w/ other dogs with no problems also.

I have really enjoyed being around her, she can get a little barky some times, but generally she is happy go lucky. Unfortantly last month at 12 years old I nearly lost her to Addison's disease (heart failure because of high levels of potassium) and a couple of weeks ago I noticed the left side of her face is paralyzed, the Vet thinks most likely a brain tumor so I will probably lose her soon and there will be a big void in my family.

They are a neat bread, I do recommend rescue, she is the most loyal dog I have ever had and they are a terrier and a lot of people don't understand what makes a terrier a terrier!

 

[airenlow]

They are definitely terriers in every sense of the word.

If you do get one....adopt....so many people get overwhelmed with the breed and there are many, wonderful dogs that need homes.

Here are some in Ohio:
http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12192189

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12398458

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12811226

Thanks for the links! I will definitely check them out

I rescued a lovely little rat terrier about 11 years ago, she is a neat little dog. I have found that they can have a milder personality than a lot of terriers, I have had JRT's also. She gets along great w/ my cat, the rat was a problem. Gets along w/ other dogs with no problems also.

I have really enjoyed being around her, she can get a little barky some times, but generally she is happy go lucky. Unfortantly last month at 12 years old I nearly lost her to Addison's disease (heart failure because of high levels of potassium) and a couple of weeks ago I noticed the left side of her face is paralyzed, the Vet thinks most likely a brain tumor so I will probably lose her soon and there will be a big void in my family.

They are a neat bread, I do recommend rescue, she is the most loyal dog I have ever had and they are a terrier and a lot of people don't understand what makes a terrier a terrier!

Thanks for the info! Sorry to hear about your little girl :awcrap:

 

[jpccusa]

It would be strictly an inside dog, in an apartment with no children or other (furry) pets.

Terriers are quite hyper and if they get bored due to lack of exercise, you can start to have several problems.

Here is more info about the breed: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ratterrier.htm

My suggestion for an apartment dog would be a ex-racing greyhound. Let me know if that is an option you would consider and I can help you out.

More info on greyhounds here: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greyhound.htm

 

[airenlow]

Terriers are quite hyper and if they get bored due to lack of exercise, you can start to have several problems.

Here is more info about the breed: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/ratterrier.htm

My suggestion for an apartment dog would be a ex-racing greyhound. Let me know if that is an option you would consider and I can help you out.

More info on greyhounds here: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greyhound.htm

By "strictly inside" I just meant that it wouldn't have a yard to run around in. My GF and I are very active and would have him outside running around a lot. I skimmed that site last night but I will go back and read it much closer now. My apartment complex has a 20lbs or less policy or else I would be all over a greyhound...

 

[Nanci]

I'm sorry, I thought of this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC8rZq3oKuI

 

[Eriathiel]

Well as was stated - they have extreme terrier personalities. I personally wouldn't own one. I have worked as a veterinary assistant for years and I have yet to meet one I really truly like. I've found that they can be touchy (like to bite) and have dominance issues. And they yap. Yap yap yap yap yap. I know constant yapping would drive me nuts!

But that being said, some people really like terrier breeds. I'd do more research, maybe talk to a breeder. And of course adoption is always a great option!

 

[airenlow]

Well as was stated - they have extreme terrier personalities. I personally wouldn't own one. I have worked as a veterinary assistant for years and I have yet to meet one I really truly like. I've found that they can be touchy (like to bite) and have dominance issues. And they yap. Yap yap yap yap yap. I know constant yapping would drive me nuts!

But that being said, some people really like terrier breeds. I'd do more research, maybe talk to a breeder. And of course adoption is always a great option!

Yapping would get to me a little. Don't worry I'm not going to rush into this!
You're the perfect person for my next question. I read that many rat terriers have dental issues...is it as common as people think or did I just find all the ones that had problems?

 

[Eriathiel]

Yapping would get to me a little. Don't worry I'm not going to rush into this!
You're the perfect person for my next question. I read that many rat terriers have dental issues...is it as common as people think or did I just find all the ones that had problems?

I have noticed that many of them have dental issues. Now can I say that its a breed issue? Not entirely. Most people don't brush their dogs teeth and down the line they have problems because of gingivitis, plaque, and such. Then a major dental is required and often the dog loses several teeth. Its just a good idea to take care of their teeth from the start.

But I have noticed that lots of rat terriers retain puppy teeth and need to have that taken care of.

Actually what I would be worried about the most with these guys in allergies. So many of them have bad skin allergies that require medication, a special diet, and lots of vet visits.

 

[airenlow]

I'm currently lurking on a rat terrier forum and everything is WAY over my head...newbieness blows!

 

[dionythicus]

Check out www.dogster.com and search for TFT and see what owner's say about their dogs. My dogs have their own pages on Dogster. There's lots of TFT on there.