NRTA - National Rat Terrier Association

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...

02/14/2024

Why does the NRTA stand alone ? First of all the National Rat Terrier Association is namely for "The Rat And You", not You first then the breed. From our inception in 1995 we vowed that we would not be political and that we would keep the Breed as it was developed and true and have never wavered to these facts.

The NRTA/NRTR wrote the Standards for the Breed back in 1995. Because there was so much variation in the breed at the time we broke them into categories by size namely Toy, Mini, Standard and Decker Rat Terrier (Strain). Since there were two body types we broke them into Type A and Type B the latter being the short legged type. It was a great success and our Breeders proved themselves to be scrupulous people and did what was right for the Rat. Thanks to the hard work of our breeders we have what we have now in our amazing beloved Rat Terrier and producing True to Type.

The average dog lover can be confused by all these registries. Although UKCI Universal Kennel Club International, was registering before us they did not have breed standards and factually adopted our Breed Standards. Then came along UKC United Kennel Club who solicited us for a cooperative adaption to incorporate our breed standards with what they were writing. They totally ignored us and tried to create their own version of the Rat Terrier with the addition of the American Hairless Terrier. This left some of the dogs that were registered with them with Hairless genes mixed in. Buyer beware if you are a breeder, look carefully at their pedigree. The only way the UKC would take on the Type B they separated them out and called them a New Breed, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. Perhaps a good idea, perhaps not, they are still Rat Terriers not a New Breed.

AKC just added them into their registry and they failed to recognize the Toy size and the Decker Strain. Therefore only two sizes exist within AKC. The mini and standard and they have created their own version. The NRTA is the ONLY registry that has tracked the Deckers from the original creation of them. AKC's decisions were also tainted by a breeder who went rogue around 2008. They are not the only ones. There are still to this day major issues especially surrounding the Decker Rat Terrier because of the incident. UKC also does not recognize the Decker. If you want a true Decker Rat Terrier then the best registry is the NRTAR as we have the original creator of the Decker Rat Terrier, Milton Decker registered with us.

Most importantly if you want to show for the look, go for it, if you want a rat with the original characteristics with good health and temperament as they were intended with preserved heritage then the NRTA is the Association for you. We have Toy, Mini and Standard sizes. Type A (Longer legs) and the Type B (Shorter legs). There are no hairless or merle color registered with the NRTR as other breeds were added to by different breeders to create these. Unfortunately there are no experts as there are so many opinions from breeders who mixed in other dogs and breeders who falsified records. This is how the NRTA came about by not registering unethical breeders litters. There needed to be some sort of conformity and structure to breeding the Rat Terrier. We can pride ourselves on successfully accomplishing all this. Just to add; if a dog or puppy has no registration papers from a reputable registry, you have no idea what you are getting.

11/24/2023

Please be aware that there is a mystery dog virus going around. It can be deadly and kill all of the dogs in a facility. Any place where there are several dogs are at risk of getting it and spreading it. Keep it in mind when taking your dog anywhere. We hope they can find the source of this illness. Please read this link.

Cases have been reported in Oregon, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, California, the Northeast and more.

10/24/2023

Please take the time to read this post, as it’s important to understand whom what where and why there are “People Breeding Dogs” as apposed to “Dog Breeders”.

The following is the truth about the industry and can apply to any breed. We just want to keep you updated, as most people don’t know about this. The matter is getting worse from advertisements that mixed dogs and so called designer dogs are healthier. Pure breed dogs that all look alike have illnesses associated with that breed because of inbreeding. This leads people to believe that mixed dogs are better. That is not true but it has become a big advertising tool for business people. Without the knowledge and history of where a dog comes from, you have no idea what you are getting. Even though a mixed breed may not be in**ed (You never know), they all carry hereditary illnesses and genes. If any two dogs are mated that carry the same problem, you will end up with that problem. With so many genes and illnesses, it is difficult to pinpoint them all.

A random person breeding is not very different from a puppy mill since the focus is for profit. People just breed any two dogs and put puppies up for sale on some of these puppy websites and on Facebook to make a buck. Shopping around for a reputable breeder is more important than the cost of the dog.

There are medications and vaccines for the mother and puppies that inexperienced people and puppy mills don’t care about. Next thing you know these puppies find themselves at the Vet with astronomical fees. You have already fallen in love with your dog and are willing to spend the money for care. For reputable breeders this is very frustrating. Time, effort, education and dedication go into being a responsible breeder. Reputable breeders will never sell to a puppy store or sell them for a bargain. Here at the National Rat Terrier Association (NRTA), we have reputable breeders and some have been breeding for a long time. They take pride in producing healthy puppies.

The NRTA has been around for a very long time (Since 1995) preserving the heritage of the Rat Terrier before they became popular. Weeding out problems in the breed that we are proud of. This is the kind of registry that does not breed just for the look of the dogs and that has made us successful. Please be careful when buying a puppy. If the price is too low, it’s a red flag. Pet stores have very high prices and charge you 10 times more than they pay. Some sell them for thousands of dollars and tell you they are from award winning dogs. Award winning doesn’t mean that it is healthy or their offspring will be healthy, as they lead you to believe. They are bred for the sport. You will get a leftover unless you are involved in that sport. We hope you find this information helpful in finding a breeder and a healthy puppy.

10/20/2023

If you are searching for a Rat Terrier Pup look no further...see our Breeders List for ethical, honest breeders for healthy and the highest quality dogs for companions, hunting and just being your best loving friend.

Rat Terrier Breeders, Rat Terrier Puppies, Extensive pedigree histories, NRTA-National Rat Terrier association List of excellant breeders in the USA, extensive pedigree history

06/15/2023

URGENT HELP NEEDED for these two lovely female Rat Terriers Bella and Coco. Due to a tragedy that the owner had they need to be placed together or separately in a new home. They have all shots and are on Interceptor Plus and Credilio. For more details contact Janet at 612-240-2000 or email [email protected]. They are located in Minneapolis Minnesota and owner is willing to travel to get them to their new forever home. Thank you.

12/31/2022

Someone got a bed and someone got a tricycle for the holidays!

12/25/2022

Happy Holidays to all, regardless of how you celebrate. Rat Terriers are the best!

11/19/2021

Some information on worms and parasites:

All dogs carry parasites and worms within their tissues that lay dormant. They can replicate at any time. All puppies are born with worms from the birthing process. In addition there are a number of parasites a pregnant female can contract from the soil, other dogs stools, wild animal and bird droppings along with stagnant water. A pregnant female may not be affected by some of these bugs but can transfer them to the puppies. A good breeder will treat for worms along with preventive medicine for some parasites. A young pup can break out with a parasite when put under stress like going to a completely new environment or when going to their new homes. Stress is one of the number one causes of outbreaks in young pups even if treated by the breeder.

Rat terriers were bred to hunt vermin and they naturally get into everything. It is therefore important for them to have routine f***l testing at least every 6 months, if not sooner. If you have multiple dogs, they can infect each other which is why it is important to be diligent. Providing fresh drinking water and clean bowls everyday can prevent infections and reinfections. It is best to get a more extensive test at your Veterinarian because over the counter tests do not test for everything and you will need the correct medication. Please be aware that these are common problems that can occur and will not affect the health and well-being of dogs or puppies unless they are untreated.
Happy Thanksgiving. Please note that some dogs can be allergic to Turkey or holiday table food. :)

10/30/2021

To My Fellow Rat Terriers; The parental unit is making me dress for something called Halloween. I hope you do not have this torture where you live. Merciful Heaven! Photo/Owner Pam Hastings

05/04/2021

The glorious Pond Walk with Maggie and Chauncey. Photo credit Pam Hastings

04/24/2021

A little information on Rat Terriers. There is no one expert to the existence of the Rat Terrier. Rat terriers started in England with the Fox terrier and the Manchester terrier. This breed took different directions from people who introduced other breeds. Each breeder was trying to create his or her own look and purpose. It was getting out of control early on as some breeders were falsifying records and adding new dogs to their breeding program. There were many disputes by breeders and there still is to this day. The National Rat Terrier Association was formed in 1995 in order to stop the influx of too many mixed dogs to the breed. A breed standard for the Rat Terrier was created because they were sometimes referred to as mutts. Breeders that would not comply with DNA testing of their dogs if a situation arose, were considered unacceptable therefore banned from registering with the registry. Some breeders went to other registries to register their dogs so they could create their own form and add different breeds like the Hairless or by adding a Merle colored breed to create Merle Rat Terriers. The NRTA was interested in preserving the original history of the Rat terrier and does not recognize those newer strains. The National Rat Terrier Association has been registering thousands of Rat Terriers since 1995 and their policies remain the same. It has always been our purpose to preserve the Rat Terrier as it was.

04/24/2021

04/11/2021

We would like to remind everyone about toxic substances for dogs at home that may be in your yards. Please be advised that many fertilizers and w**d treatments for lawns are toxic to dogs. They can cause neurological problems, cause cancer and damage their organs. There have been many lawsuits for Round up w**d killer causing cancer in people and they will certainly cause cancer in dogs as well. Please be diligent as to what products you use on your lawn as it makes a big difference as to their health and well being. Many landscapers do not know about chemicals that can affect your dog. Please research and ask what products they use and look them up on the Internet. I can be a case of life and death for your dog. Please use environmentally friendly pesticides and fertilizers that are not a hazard to animals. In addition there are plants and flowers that can cause sicknesses in dogs. You can find them listed here https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants?field_toxicity_value%5B%5D=01. Most Veterinarians will treat the problem and not the cause. It is best to ask the Veterinarians many questions as well as be aware of hazards you may have at home. We want every dog to live a long healthy life and inform you of things you may not realize in the environment that are toxic. In this way you can prevent any hazards that can affect their health. Have a safe and healthy summer!

Our handy list contains plants that have been reported as having systemic effects on animals and/or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

03/15/2021

Meet Sophie ! Photo Courtesy Sandy P

02/27/2021

During this Covid pandemic, everyone is looking to get a puppy since they have more time at home. Getting a Rat Terrier puppy during this time can be challenging since the breed needs to be socialized with people, other animals and get accustomed to loud noises. It is very important to get in as much socialization as possible or your puppy could become very weary of unfamiliar noises and people. They can become extremely protective of their families and territory. It will then be harder to socialize them. In these difficult times you can still socialize them by taking them to as many places as possible. Just so they can watch and be exposed to different noises and people. It can be as simple as taking them for a walk in a dog park or simply sitting on your doorstep and people watch. Puppies that are very young can be held for them to observe. Repeat these things as much as you can.

They are a sensitive breed and need proper training. Rat terriers were created from many breeds and that is what makes them special. Each one has their own quirks but all have the same loyal, playful and protective instinct. You may hear that Rat terriers are the best dogs. People will rave about them but they are truly a product of the owner’s time and effort they have given them. We have seen a difference in Rat terriers that are socialized and ones that are not. They need to feel safe and sometimes it's as simple as a reassuring word or being calm yourself in situations they are uncomfortable with since they feed off their owners emotions. Reacting to their fear in a coddling way will make it worse. Ignoring their fear will help them to realize there is nothing to be afraid of. Keep exposing them and eventually they will see there is nothing to fear. If you have a very busy chaotic family its essential that you get them young and allow them to take in what they will be exposed to in their new living environment. Finding their secure place could be a lap, a crate, and a special area of your home or a combination of all three. Early training and socialization is the key to raising a well-rounded life long companion. They need interaction, direction, routine and guidance.

If your puppy or dog is fearful or is over active it is a good idea to look at the food and treats that you are feeding them. Generally a 26 or less protein food is best, no sugar and low protein treats. These ingredients should not be excessive. Certainly processed people food is the worst for them. If you want your Rat Terrier to live a long life, make sure you are diligent as to what they are eating. .

There is no perfect Rat Terrier for every family but the key is to understand them, make adjustments and they will mold into a great companion. It is not the end of the world if they are not socialized, as they are the greatest best friends to their owners regardless. Rat terriers are perfectly fine with their owners whether they are socialized or not. You can't just expect them to like other people, as they need socialization for that. Regardless they are the best dogs ever! We hope everyone stays safe in this pandemic and we know socializing dogs are difficult right now.

02/26/2021

Rats just Love their Cats !!!😍

01/21/2021

We have heard many reports over time that "My Rat is Allergic to Something". Welp, first of all the last thing you want for your dog is to stay on a medication that was prescribed from the vet for the rest of his/her life. These are some things that can cause allergies. That is, Food, treats new cloth type items such as rugs or beds, fragrances, toys, medicine and vaccinations.

Its relatively easy to find the cause of food or treat allergy by process of elimination. Rather than buying a big bag of food start off with a small one and see how your dog does on it. Also read the ingredients. All of them. There are many fillers that are put in dog food and any one of them can be the culprit if the allergy is from the food. Sometimes dog food ingredients will be changed or have been mixed (different meats) with ingredients from another food the company makes. If your dog is good on a food and suddenly gets an allergy, it can still be the problem. Dog food companies are notorious for changing formulas. A great way to test the theory out is to feed them nothing but boiled chicken and rice for a few days and see if the allergy subsides. They can certainly not live on it but it is fine for a week or so. This is a cut and dry and no fancy medication solution not just puting a band-aide on the problem. It is more important to find the cause and not just treat the symptoms. Once the allergy reduces you can then start reintroducing the food or treats one at a time. Sometimes its a slower process but well worth your dogs health. There are so many foods and treats on the market that cause problems. It is a good idea to stick with only a few so you can easily troubleshoot what the allergy can be.

If your dog gets a rash on its belly or paws it can be a contact allergy rather than a food allergy. A doggie bed that has not been laundered and the cloth is still full of processing chemicals. This holds especially true for young pups. Again through a process of elimination you can safely get to the bottom of it and spare your dog and you a life time of medications that may cause other psychological or medical problems and then more medications. With Rat Terriers, less is more. Keep that in mind when raising them. They will live longer and have a healthier life. We all love our dogs and want the best for them. :)

01/06/2021

When you register a dog with the National Rat Terrier Registry NRTR you can be sure that you are getting the original breed as they were created long before show dogs came into the picture for this outstanding breed of dog. The NRTA was created to preserve the health, companion, and working abilities of the Rat Terrier. More power to the people who love being in the show ring but that does not necessarily give you a "better" dog. It is a misconception that Show Dogs are better due to the Westminster dog show. Show registries are notorious for closing the studs books early on which leads to limited gene pools, close breeding and degradation of health. Concentration tends to get focused on the "look" of the dog rather than keeping the positive and instinctual traits. Over time the breed transforms into a piece of art rather than retaining the quality they once were revered for. The NRTR registers quality dogs with excellant health and all the traits that make them a part of any family. Thank you for your continuing support.

12/14/2020

Merry Christmas to you all from the National Rat Terrier Association. May you and your Rats have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year. Thank you for all your support through out the years.

Photo Courtesy Pam Hastings Chauncey Spirit Chaser

11/05/2020

10/07/2020

Please be aware, if you have an 8- 12-week puppy some activities can affect their growth and development.
Studies have shown that if you run them excessively it hinders their bones to grow properly as they are growing at a rapid rate. Excessive jumping and walking can also hinder their bone growth and cause early issues like Patella Luxation and hip problems. Also jumping off couches and beds can severely injure a young puppy. We advise you not to over walk or over stimulate young puppies. They need to rest at least after 20-30 minutes of activity. Puppies do not know when they have to rest. It is up to you to limit their activity and excitement for their overall health. Too much activity can cause an uncontrollable wild puppy that is more difficult to train. Frequent naps are a very good thing for growing pups.

09/30/2020

Three beautiful well adjusted Rat Terrier boys that live together in harmony. They love the lake. Courtesy Andrea

07/04/2020

As a last minute solution to the fireworks for the 4th of July. Most dogs can take a Benadryl that will make them calmer. Keep the lights on so they cannot see the flashes of light and blast the stereo. Some veterinarians will prescribe a tranquilizer to help. Stay well and be safe!

07/01/2020

Pam Hastings Maggie with her cat. Now isn't this just pure love !!!

04/18/2020

What Cat !!!?? Courtsey Pam Hastings

03/04/2020

Great action shot, just one of the things that Rats do best ! Courtesy Pam Hastings.

02/29/2020

Now this is how you spoil a puppy !!

02/26/2020

Mischievous !!!

02/26/2020

What a lovely Blue Tri Rat with a personality to match !

02/11/2020

Young pup learning the ropes !!! You go girl......

02/10/2020

My how fast they grow up ! From 8 weeks to 1 year old.

10/08/2019

How's this for an artistic shot of Pam Hastings Maggie !!!

07/21/2019

The wonderful curious look of our precious Rat Terriers !!!

07/04/2019

The NRTA informs Rat Terrier owners information we have collected dating back to 1995. Medical treatment is up to the owners. Unfortunately many veterinarians can over treat as we have seen countless times. We do not dispute any medical treatment but we will always share information we have to help you decide what is best for your Rat Terrier.

07/04/2019

We would like you to be aware that we have had reports that general teeth cleaning for the Rat Terriers can come with complications. Many veterinarians are pushing teeth cleaning but they have to be under anesthesia. Some people have said their dogs were not the same after the treatment.
If your dog has a tooth problem, it is necessary to treat the tooth but not necessarily a whole teeth cleaning. Many Rat Terriers have no problems with their teeth and never need teeth cleaning. There should be no need for professional teeth cleaning as long as the Rat Terrier is on the proper diet and not fed anything with sugar in it. Please check your treats for any type of sugar. Table food has hidden sugar also. It is in bread, milk etc. Also appropriate teeth cleaning toys can be a great help in keeping your dogs teeth clean.

We would also like you to be aware that some breeders misuse antibiotics and wormers and use them on a daily basis in order to prevent sicknesses when they do not need them. This is common practice in large breeding facilities and puppy mills. Unfortunately it can affect their long term health. Their teeth can be discolored and even brittle. There are also genetic and nutritional factors that can affect a dogs teeth. Teeth cleaning may do more harm than good. You may get better results from certain vitamins. Check with your veterinarian or do some research.

06/11/2019

Please note we do not respond to negative derogatory statements from members of the AKC or breeders formerly banned from the NRTA. Some may be deleted. We are not here for conflicts or discussions. Excessive rude postings may also be reported to Facebook as harassment.

06/11/2019

The NRTA takes pride in our diverse Rat Terriers as they were from the beginning. These two puppies are from the same litter. A lemon apricot and a calico. One ear has yet to go up!

06/03/2019

The typical relaxed pose of the Rat Terrier !