NRTA - National Rat Terrier Association

05/21/2025

Each of our beloved Rat Terriers all have their own personalities and its pretty obvious in this little video !!! The last doggie is a plush coated Rat Terrier bouncing in the wind. Enjoy Courtesy Pam Hastings.

03/14/2025

RESCUES AND PROFESSIONAL BREEDERS:

Breeders (reputable) have studied and done extensive research and care about the health of their dogs. Most have many generations of well-bred dogs. It is an immense 24/7 job to breed dogs correctly. Most people can’t do it scrupulously and it takes years to create healthy and emotionally well-rounded dogs.
Rescuing a dog is a wonderful thing to do and there is a need for people willing to rescue, however the dogs that wind up in the rescues are filling the dog population are from people who should not be breeding. It’s huge revenues for Veterinarians. Even worse, the mentality of some Vets is that ALL dogs are the same and are not able to recognize a well-bred pedigree dog. Well-bred pedigree dogs do not need so many treatments because they do not breed sick dogs and perfect their lines over a long period of time.

This source of the influx of rescue dogs has been known for many years, but it is not regulated. There are so many businesses profiting including rescues. Rescues keep the source of their rescues private. It’s the owner who suffers financially and emotionally from a sick or unstable dog. It’s quite upsetting that these places are allowed to breed these poor innocent dogs.

KNOW THE INDUSTRY:

Many Rescue puppies are from left over irresponsible/backyard people who let their dogs roam without spaying or neutering them. These dogs are carrying many genetic and hereditary diseases that show up later in life.

People breed their dog to get a clone of their dog or to make some money not knowing that they can be creating a problem dog. It’s too easy to put 2 dogs together. They sell them cheap or you can get them for free and then the Vet bills come in and the dog has behavioral problems. That creates more rescue dogs. Way to many times these puppies have not been treated for worms, parasites or diseases that can result in death. There are unknown long-term consequences.

Puppy mills abuse and mass-produce puppies sell to puppy stores and Internet stores (brokers). These dogs are shipped, arrive sick and sometimes die. This is where most of the rescues come from when they don’t sell. These mills keep dogs in disgusting environments causing more sicknesses in addition to breeding dogs. It has been known some of these mills are cruel and shove a pipe down a dog’s throat to shut them up. Why are they still in business?

Instead of frowning upon and lashing out at reputable breeders, how about getting involved to stop the cruelty, strays and people from breeding. How about respecting responsible breeders and direct your anger to the businesses and people who are the cause of these rescue dogs. Responsible breeders are not the cause. Most of their dogs don’t go to rescues.

03/03/2025

Here is an example of Veterinarians overcharging and over treating for things they don’t need and certainly all at once:

This dog 7yrs was in perfect health. She went to a new home and was not even there 1 week when she was prescribed an antibiotic for a urinary infection without a test. Then gave her multiple vaccinations in one day along with the antibiotic and wormer. Four days later she was spayed. During that time she was give another preventative antibiotic on top of her prescription.

Her attitude suddenly and without warning changed and she was crying and wouldn’t eat. She had strange behavior and strange reactions to these vaccinations and treatment. She even got aggressive but was always the sweetest dog. She lost 4lbs and was skin and bones.

Please understand that this is why dogs and puppies should not have more than one vaccination as they can have a reaction to more than one. It could be a death sentence. We have heard some dogs have to be treated with steroids for a lengthy time for these reactions and that may not even work. More visits and more medication. Seems these veterinarians are more interested in selling products but will convince you that it’s for the dog’s health and it is necessary. Not all vaccines are necessary. We have seen many reactions to vaccinations and we want you to know so this does not happen to you.

Yes some vaccinations are needed for some things but not all at once. Not all dogs are the same. Some dogs can handle it but why take the chance when you can say no or come back for a vaccination at any time.

Another example:

A pregnant dog went for check up. Dr. was questioned about the Rabies vaccination since the dog was pregnant. The Dr. said oh it’s all dead cells and it will be fine.

The dog had a litter that was deformed and they all died. The Dr. said the cause was the pair that was bred and they should not be paired again. We wouldn’t advise this but this dog had several more litters that were perfect after 1yr.

These veterinarians should be held accountable for malpractice. They are able to continue these practices since there are no consequences for them. It becomes your fault for letting it happen. Please think for yourself. It’s become more of a retail establishment.

01/31/2025

Tango needs a new home.........
I'm looking to rehome one or both of my girls. I was a breeder and my kennel name was Triple T Rat Terriers. When my 2 girls turned 2-3 years old, they no longer could be kept together, as they were both alpha females and became territorial & aggressive towards each other. Separate they are great dogs. I was hoping once they were spayed that would possibly go away. Sadly that doesn't seem to be the case.
I feel that Tango would make a great dog for someone without other pets. She is still is a "mighty" hunter, loves to play ball, swim, hike...Basically anything outdoors. She is a couch potato in the house, loves to cuddle & give kisses. She has a strong chew desire, so loves STRONG toys, bones etc. But never chews anything but her own toys, which she basically destroys until the squeaker & foam are out!!
If anyone might be interested in a great dog she is available for adoption.
Tango will be 8 yrs.old this May. It would be best if they have a fenced yard and preferably live in the country. That's my ideal place for her. I live in Colorado. Transport would have to be arranged. Please feel free to give me a call about her 970-270-5451 Lisa. Or email [email protected]

10/01/2024

Veterinarian awareness:

We have had many customers contact the NRTA with questions on health issues. We have also heard from breeders. Many times a Veterinarian will instill fear by over diagnosing. Sometimes it’s for money or sometimes they just don’t know.

All dogs are not the same and if you purchase a dog from a reputable breeder, with a solid pedigree history, please get at least one more opinion. Since there are so many puppy mill dogs, rescues and irresponsible home breeders, poor veterinarian care will lump them all in the same category and sometimes resulting in a misdiagnosis. Similar symptoms can be indicative of a host of problems whether they are simple or complex. There are many home remedies that can solve many problems without the need for prescription medication.

If you go to a Veterinarian for an issue or as a new patient, some will try to sell you extras you don’t need for added profit. While people spend millions on their pets, businesses and Veterinarians try to cash in with false information to make sales. Pet stores are filled with treats and toys that can make your dog sick. While it may be attractive to you, it may not be healthy for your dog. Many of these products are created for you to buy claiming it is healthy for your dog. We have heard many times that rawhide chews have blocked their intestines and they require surgery. This is just one example. If your dog has a problem, think of treats and foods first that may be causing reactions or upset stomachs that may not seem to resolve. Did you know that vaccines could seriously impact your dog’s health? There are of course very important vaccines that you don't want to skip but the repeated number of the same vaccine is way over done and actually leads to illness if not immediately, later in life many times. Especially when it comes to elder dogs.

It is not uncommon for some veterinarians to over prescribe blood tests, x-rays and other tests and even medication. There are many foods, fertilizers, plants and flowers that can make a dog sick that may not be a life threatening illness. It is helpful to Google the name of a product then the word “complaints” to the search. Then you can read what others have experienced. All we can do now is get second opinions and do our research as we would do for ourselves. We need our veterinarians and they can save your dogs life, but we also have to be careful and question them as many have different opinions. Please wait for testing results that is needed before you start worrying. Emergency Veterinarians can really go overboard with their evaluations. We have heard of many people who were told the dog has a life threatening illness or that it is not treatable when in fact it was not true. Please be a little skeptical, do your research and stay positive before you worry you will lose your precious pet.

09/07/2024

Rat Terrier breed awareness that applies to all breeds.

Rat terriers were originally bred for their hunting ability. They were also great companions and all well-rounded dogs. Many breeders wanted to preserve their characteristics and stopped introducing different breeds and bred their lines accordingly. This is how the NRTA was formed. Unfortunately because Rat Terriers come in multiple sizes and colors it is hard to tell their DNA by just looking at them. There was a need for registry to track their heritage to compile and create a Breed Standard as it was getting out of control. Some breeders went off to create hairless and merle strain. The NRTA does not recognize the Hairless strain and if the Merle color is produced they are not eligible for litter registrations. Other registries have accepted them so if you are a new breeder Beware. Both these genes are carried recessively. The NRTA stands strong in our efforts to preserve the standards and will never sacrifice the health and temperament to participate in political contests for their look.

Currently many people think they are breeders because they can mate two dogs. People fall for the low price, not realizing how many genetic and hereditary diseases including problem temperaments they can have with untested lines. Some scammers just sell puppies as rat terriers since they can look like them. You can find some of these breeders on Facebook and all over the Internet. Some people breed their own dogs and you think you’re getting a bargain until you find yourself always at the Vet. If you are not getting a puppy from a reputable breeder or registry, you might as well rescue a dog. That is where these dogs and puppies will go, along with puppy mill and puppy store puppies that can’t sell them. Career breeders track and perfect their lines over many years and have a reputation. They will always find them a home.

This process of everyone breeding is starting to take over that is evident in all breeds. We are living in a world where many people don’t value the time, efforts, and dedication of well-educated breeders. It is possible that breeders who have spent years of trying to create healthy and sound temperament dogs will stop breeding. We certainly hope not because there will only be rescue dogs, that can become just money pits. That would truly be a shame.

Be diligent and do your research. Ask questions. Get referrals. There are even people just writing on the Internet about how to find a puppy and they are not breeders spreading false information. The best way to get information is to directly speak to a reputable breeder or even a few breeders. Support career breeders rather than random people saying they are a breeder just because they had a couple of litters. It is also false that mixed breeds and designer breeds are healthier. The truth is all dogs carry a multitude of problems. It’s in the breeding process with testing and health tracking that creates a well-rounded dog.

04/19/2024

BEWARE....There is a web site called https://companionratteriers.com/available-puppies/ that is a scam. We personally know of a person that got ripped off from them. Please check out where you are purchasing a Rat Terrier from and know your breeder. All our breeders that are listing on our web site are perfectly legitimate and honorable.

Adopt Yours Now! Available Rat Terrier Puppies for Sale Rat Terrier Puppies for Adoption Logan Breed: Rat TerrierStatus: AvailableAge: 12 WeeksRegistered: YesGender: MaleAdoption Fee: $700 Up to date on shots Trained to go outside 1-year health guarantee Contact Us Romeo Breed: Rat TerrierStatus: Av...