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 had a rat terrier, and we also had another dog she was a black lab mix german shep. and she would run every night and come back so she could get excersize (we lived out in p.v.) and one night my puppy thought he could run after her and my dad isn't much of a cryer, so a car was coming and d.j just missed the car(black lab)and little E.D. hit his head on the tire of the moving car and he snaped his neck. My dad brought him down in the house and he was bleeding and my dad started crying. and that was a shock and he burried him and then i made him a sighn, and we prayed, and i hope he went to puppy heaven.

Pros: Me and my brother we not there when it happened.

Cons: I lost my puppy:^(

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