Anyone own a Rat Terrier?
 

Vash's thread about his dog got me thinking about my old Frisbee dog that passed away last Christmas. Losing that dog after 18 years was tough on my me and my family. Now, I think, we're ready again to have a canine best friend.

This time I'm looking into Rat Terriers because I have rodents in the garage and I've just caught a mouse in the house. I heard that this breed is not only great at catching mice but also makes a great family dog. Does anyone here have first hand experience with this? Most of the stuff I've read are from breeders so I'm looking for info from actual owners. Thanks.

No Rat Terrier, but we had a Wire Fox Terrier. Similar dog. Similar temperment (Pit Bulls are also Terriers). To make a long story short, after about 2 years we had to have the dog put down due to aggression. This was after many attempts to train her and discussions with professional dog behavior people.

No question, there are many people out there who have had success with Wire Foxes, Rats and other Terriers. But they do have a tendency to be highly strung and capable of aggression. I think one indication is when doing an internet search for the breed you're interested in and a bunch of "rescue groups" come up .... you may be going against the odds. -- Curt

My parents have a rat terrier. It is by far the most friendly dog I have met. I highly recommend get one. Great with children.

Had a Mini Schnauzer, they are rat terriers.

Highly independant dogs.

Good family dog, highly intelligent but also highly aggressive.

Just as likely to bite you as lick you.

Last dog was a male English Mastif, 225 lbs.

Current dog is a female English Mastif Newfoundland cross. 160 lbs.

That 20 lb. schnauzer scared me more.

I'd still get another one, but only when the kids are older.

Scott

When I was a kid my family had a Kerry Blue Terrier. One of the smartest dogs I have ever known. She could learn a new trick in two days. Also an incredibly loyal dog and great watch dog. She was very active but a lot of fun. They also have hair not fur so grooming is necessary. My mom learned how to do it, if not it does get expensive to have them groomed. I would recommend them any day.
Pete

I don't think a mini Schnauzer and a rat terrier are the same breed:


Mini Schnauzer
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1097675592.jpg


Rat terrier

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1097675623.jpg

Gimme 20 minutes and a hedge trimmer...

Correct they are not "Rat Terriers", they are terriers that hunt rats and other vermin.

Scott