Howdy y'all,  I am a senior genetics major at Texas A&M, and a lifetime dog lover.  The past few months I have been thinking of getting involved in breeding dogs, as a hobby.  Of course, my interests are for the betterment of the breed; health, temperment, etc.  I have been trying to decide what breed I would like to focus on, and have had my eye on rat terriers for a while. 

From my research, it seems (correct me if I am wrong) this breed has a lot more variation than most breeds, which would be exciting to work with.  It also seems like a very healthy breed, healthier than most anyways, probably because they are not as popular as say, labradors.  I believe the popularity of that breed has pretty much ruined it, by breeders who just want to make money and do not do research on the genes of their stock, thereby fixing undesireable traits (hip dysplasia)into the breed.  GRR makes me so mad. Anyway, the fact that ratties do have a lot of variation, and few health problems makes me very interested in breeding them.  I have never owned one, but I can tell from reading yall's posts that they have an awesome personality to boot.

But getting to the point of this long post, I would like to start my breeding program (by that I mean acquire a momma dog) in a year or two, preferably after I am done with school.  I still have a lot of research to do, and I want to be sure to pick the right dog, as well as the right stud.  I was hopping y'all could point me in the right direction as far as good sources of research or how to get started.  For example, I should probably try to get an adult female that has already been tested for undesireable traits and proven to throw good pups first, as opposed to starting out with a new pup?  I also would like information about shows because I have not been able to find much.  Sorry for the long post, I just want to be sure I do everything right, and any help would be appreciated.  I have been considering this for a while, and am willing to deal with any set backs, such as not being able to find homes for pups.  Also, am I allowed to make a contract with future owners that if they want to get rid of the dog they have to sell it back to me first, unless they have a forever home already picked out?  Bah, so many questions, this post just keeps getting longer...

Thanks for taking the time to read this

Oh, there's nothing wrong with saying that you're a hobby breeder. I got my first ratty from a hobby-breeder and that little fella was a dream dog; he was in great health, had definitely been with the family (opposed to a kennel) and had the personality of a lifetime. I think the huge difference between hobby/professional is that hobby breeders may have one couple or two couples to mate, where as professionals will have several litters and often sell off their adult dogs when they are no longer able to breed them.

It's awesome that you're doing research...I think you are going to be an asset, should you decide to breed. But like someone else said, once you get a ratty, it's hard to go with another breed. I am a testament of that LOL

I never thought of the c-section aspect. The female that we're getting is 3.2# at 5 months and I was shocked when I found out that she was an "only child." Now I understand why. The smaller the dog, the less they have and the more complications. I suppose that's also part of the reason why breeders charge so much for teacups. I will make sure to get my female spayed to prevent any accidents.