Rat Terrier Questions?

Just giving this a bump to see if anyone has experience with a rat terrier.  Thanks.

They are definately terriers.  They are very hyper dogs, so if you are looking for a laid-back dog, you don't want a Rat Terrier.  If you are looking for a high energy companion that loves long walks and fetch, this is a good breed.  They are terriers though and aren't trustworthy off-leash.  They do tend to bark if left unattended.  I wouldn't reccommend them for people with kids under 10.  They don't tolerate ear pulling and such as well as Labradors do.  As I said before, they are high energy dogs but once they are tired out, they make good lapdogs.  They are real sweethearts, but still aren't for everyone.  I'd suggest looking into a Rat Terrier or Jack Russel mix at your local shelter.  It might be easier if you get one that's 2 or 3 years old so you can skip the puppy insanity and ruined carpet.  If you can find a rescue that specifically rescues Rat or Jack Russel Terriers, talk to some of the staff, they will know a lot about the breed and you can better decide if it's right for you. 

You must remember that Rat Terriers and Parsons are completely different breeds who actually have few similarities personality wise.

Rat Terriers tend to vary a LOT in personality and activity. It depends on their lines, age etc. Dogs with Decker percentage in them may always be considerably different as they had Basenji and a few other breeds bred into them a few decades ago.

Some Rats are loud and yippy. Some are quiet (like my Hogan). Some are protective, some just go with anything that comes their way.

My dogs are trained to behave off lead. It takes time. And varies with the dog. They are EXTREMELY intelligent (I know everyone says this about their breed, but this is very true).

They are wonderful with children if raised correctly. Most any dog will be gentle if socialized properly, though. They do make great family dogs but I must warn you, they are generally one person dogs. They will care about other people, but truely cling to one.

You must also be able to support a Rat Terrier's prey drive. Mine live peacefully with various rodents and small animals in my home, but once they're out the front door- anything is free game. It's what they were bred to do and I believe that any dog being deprived of that is basically being neglected.

You can satisfy this easily. I like to hang rubber snakes by a rope in a tree. It's great fun and exercise for them and also very amusing.

Of course, like most other things in this breed- prey drive varies and mostly depends on stimulation and genetics.

If you would like to know more, I can refer you to a chat board, great breeders or a rescue. Or I'll do my best to answer any other questions you have. I've got all the time in the world.