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Registered
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 7,956
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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. |
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10-12-2004, 10:52 PM
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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 |
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10-13-2004, 03:47 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Naples,FL
Posts: 3,469
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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.
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10-13-2004, 04:38 AM
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The Unsettler
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Lantanna TX
Posts: 23,885
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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
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"I want my two dollars" "Goodbye and thanks for the fish" "Proud Member and Supporter of the YWL" "Brandon Won" |
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10-13-2004, 05:22 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tustin, CA
Posts: 103
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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
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1983 SC 1958 TR3 2014 Cayenne GTS (wife' car) 2006 KTM 450EXC |
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10-13-2004, 05:45 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Naples,FL
Posts: 3,469
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I don't think a mini Schnauzer and a rat terrier are the same breed:
Mini Schnauzer  Rat terrier 
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10-13-2004, 05:53 AM
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Too big to fail
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Quote:
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"You go to the track with the Porsche you have, not the Porsche you wish you had." '03 E46 M3 '57 356A Various VWs |
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10-13-2004, 06:38 AM
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The Unsettler
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Lantanna TX
Posts: 23,885
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Correct they are not "Rat Terriers", they are terriers that hunt rats and other vermin.
Scott
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"I want my two dollars" "Goodbye and thanks for the fish" "Proud Member and Supporter of the YWL" "Brandon Won" |
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10-13-2004, 08:24 AM
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1971 Porsche Targa 2.5L
