I have a Decker which is the largest of the breed, up to 40 pounds, and he is the best dog I've ever owned. I know the breeders like to keep them as hunting dogs but this breed makes such wonderful pets. I don't understand why there are not more of them out there. You surly don't find many in rescues shelters, I've looked. I searched the net for information on the perfect dog and found it in the Rat Terrior.

Pros: LovableFlexibleAdaptableFriendlyPleaserEasy to trainSmartCleanNo known health problemsLoves people and other dogsEnergetic but have their down timeQuietWill alert when hears noise

Cons: Can be slightly territorial with their space, toys and food

These dogs make great companions. They love kids, and adults. They literally, love being a member of the family. They will spend more time in your lap than their own beds. Very clingy. They are not outside dogs. They get cold easily. If you didn't know better, you would think they were not scared of anything, but really, they are big babies, and chickens:)

Pros: Very affectionate, and loving. Great with kids.

Cons: Our 'Gracie' is very territorial, but only with other dogs in our house. Unfortunately, she does not welcome other dogs because we want another one. She's soo territorial that the last time we were dogsitting, she climbed in my lap an peed on me. She also started pooping, right in front of us, in the house. She was not happy.

We adopted our Rat Terrier named Nikki when she was just 6 months old. What makes her unique are her ears though many people think they are too large for a small dog. She resembles a small deer but that's what makes her special. She has been an enjoyable additional to our family. She adapted very well to living with a young child and 3 female cats. She loves the indoors just as much as the outdoors, except in the winter. She is everything a great dog should be to a family who has the time for affection and playfulness I would recommend a Rat Terrier to anyone looking to adopt or purchase a new dog or puppy.

Pros: Extremely happy, lovable, gets along great with other animals even cats! Very Loyal and affectionate as well as playful.

Cons: Very territorial when it comes to their toys, bed and food

I have wanted a dog for a long time now, I just could not find the right one. We went to the Humane Society, and there she was-Dixie, our new family member! We love her, we could not have rescued a better dog. I was told that she is a mix of some sort? I am not sure does any one have a good way of telling? Sorry to hear about your loss, I am glad you and your brother were not there to see it though.

Pros: Very well behaved dog. Great with the kids, and lovable!

Cons: Hates our cat!

I just love this breed! I have had several breeds of dogs, and the Collie and the Rat Terrier were two of the best breeds for me. My 14 year old daughter wants to show our 9 month old male. He is gorgeous. I am going to see what I can do to help preserve the quality of the breed. They are nearly perfect dogs now, and I would hate to see the breed messed up by overbreeding, and bad breeding. Love1lost, I feel your pain, as we had a collie who was hit by a truck in the country. He thought it was my husband coming home, and he got too close to the road. We were devastated.

Pros: Very loving, sturdy, intelligent, easy to train, well-behaved, not excessive yappers, gets along well with other dogs and cats, one doesn't take up the whole couch by themselves

Cons: My female can be territorial with food and toys with my male, although stopping when I scold her.

I can't say enough about my "Little Girl." She loves to cuddle, sleep, run, cuddle, sleep....... She thinks shes' a Mastiff (I'm not telling her any different!) Very protective. Sometimes she gets along with other dogs or strangers, sometimes not and is not fond of young children. Likes to play!!! When she feels neglected or bored, she chews on blankets on the couch or will relieve herself in front of me. (I have a 3 legged 15yr old corgi rescue she gets along well with, but who is starting to need extra attention getting around). I got Little Girl when she was just about 3, shes now 4. Not sure why her other family gave her up, but I'm glad to have her. She always puts a smile on my face :)

Pros: great apartment dog, very lovable, usually well behaved, lots of personality-good and bad-

Cons: can't think of any

We rescued our Rat Terrior someone dropped the poor thing off at our church,she was starving to death,but now she is perfectly healthy,she follows my 7 year old little girl everywhere she goes,it's so cute when the school bus pulls up she stands at the door scratching wildly untill she finally comes in.We have an 11 year old chihuahua that tollerates her(he is old and lazy) but we have a yorkie(2years old) who is so territorial but she is starting to come around as long as Tinker doesn't get to close to my husband,the yorkie seems to think my husband belongs to her!!LOL!! But all and all Tinker has been a great addition to our bunch,I think she must still be a puppy though,she chews up anything that isn't tied down or up where she can't reach it!! She is very smart and loves to play now my daughter has a companion,our other dogs are to little for her to enjoy,Tinker is about 8lbs.and 16 inches long with the biggest ears I've ever seen.I would definantly recommend this dog.:)

Pros: Very loving dog,loves our children and gets along well with our yorkie and chihuahua but they don't understand why she is so active.They are calm and she loves to play!

Cons: Is very nosy,loves to get into everything!Very territorial when it comes to food,I think because she was so starved when we got her.

We originally fostered a pup destined for euthanasia. Fell in love and adopted her. Our Dafney is now one year old. We are looking to adopt a companion for her. She is truly a wonder.

Pros: So smart Inquisitive, playful and affectionate

Cons: Easily distracted by movement of potential prey. Falling leaves, birds, squirrels, etc making house breaking a chore of keeping on task

I got my Rat terrier 2 months after she was born. My sister named her Nemesis and I think that was a bad idea. She has been my Nemesis. She is the cutest thing, but has the biggest attitude. Sometimes she’s sweet and sometimes she isn’t. She is extremely territorial. She is not a fan of outsiders, be it people or other animals. She barely tolerates our other dog. She is the alpha dog in the house, and keeps our Pit-Bull in check. And if she isn’t in the mood for company, she bars him from his own bed. She is overly energetic, easily distracted, extremely playful, enjoys attention but is independent, and very stubborn. She is also an escape artist. We have many disagreements because she thinks she is in charge. However, she is an awesome little thing.

Pros: Very intelligent, playful, and affectionate

Cons: Stubborn, an escape artist, and easily distracted