That was a great read!!!

And now, for my RT story...  Growing up, my family always had mini dachsunds and then a dach/spaniel mix and I decided I would NEVER own a "small" dog.  I owned a full size collie (NO more long-haired dogs!!!) and then Sam, my black lab/dalmation mix.  I love Sam to death- she has stood by me through a failed marriage and singleness and then my current BF.  After about a year with the BF, he decided he wanted a dog of his own, so bought Schatzi, a German Shephard/terrier mix, from the local shelter.  We had a happy family- two people and two dogs.  Until we doggie-sat my sister's boxer mix one week....  Sam was older than Schatz by 6 years, and they didn't play together very well.  However, when my sister's dog was there, Schatzi had so much fun running and playing in the backyard with a youger dog, we decided we needed to get her a companion.   James (my BF) and I talked about it for a while- we live in a very small house and already have two big dogs (60lbs), so the idea of getting another dog semed a little overwhelming.  James was thinking something like a Chi at first, but I was afraid it would be too small.  (And, as I stated, I am NOT a small dog person!  No dogs that I can't take running with me!)  Then he wanted a JRT.  I didn't really care too much about the breed- just wanted a shelter dog and wanted it to be smaller, but big enough to handle playing with Schatzi.  So, I went to petfinder.com and looked at my local choices.  I saw a couple RT's on there and suggested one of them.  (I'll admit, the only thing I knew about RT's were that they were similar to JRTs and that the character in "Good In Bed" had one.)  We decided to go to the shelters and check out the RTs/JRTs we had selected.  Then, last minute, James decided to go riding his dirt bike (and NOT take me along!!!!!!) instead.  He told me he would hurry home so we could get out in the afternoon to look at the dogs, but of course, he wasn't.  And I was PI$$'D!

So, I just went out without him...  My first stop was at this shelter that tok in dogs that ASPC wouldn't take to see this large RT named "Samm".  Where I was ushered into a little playroom and Samm was brought out to meet me.  He was a little timid and didn't seem to care about the toys or treats I had to offer him.  But, then, after sitting and talking to him for 5 minutes, he suddenly jumped into my lap and sat down to rest and let me just pet him.  When the shelter volunteer came back to check on us, we had already bonded and I knew he was the dog for me!    So, I called James, told him we were getting a dog, and bought Rowdy right then and there!  (Of course, after we got him home, we had to change his name from "Samm", and chose "Rowdy" before we even got to know the full scope of his crazy personality.  And it took him a couple weeks to warm up to James and James even longer to get used to how sensitive Rowdy is...)

And, now, I wouldn't trade Rowdy in for the world!!!  He is the PERFECT companion for Schatzi and my little cuddly shadow.  I would have more if our little house weren't so full with two people and three dogs...

Oh, and the two types are the Type A body an Type B body, plus there are the sizes- the small, regular, and Deckers...

Here's a link to help explain a little...

http://www.ratterrierswest.com/RT-rat-terrier-101-conformation.html

Gee - Rowdy looks just like my Smokey - almost twins! Aren't they great dogs???!!! Smokey is a big dog in a little body and by no means is dominated by his big (65 pound) brother Bandit. We put a little more meat on his bones since we rescued him and he is now a 20 pound powerhouse.

Good luck with him

You're right- Smokey looks a LOT like Rowdy!

In fact, so much so, I almost skipped your post because I thought it was one of mine!  Ain't they cuties!!!

About 10 years ago I was sitting in my vet's office with my last dachshund and a lady beside me was holding an extremely small tricolor rattie.  I asked her if it was a TFT or RT.  It was love at first sight.  I asked if it was a pup and she said "No, she's two years old".  I swear it couldn't have weighed 4-5 lbs!  Smallest one I've ever seen. 

Started reading up on the breed & liked what I read.  Read about breed strengths & weaknesses, their energetic, persistent personality, & started looking at pics on the net.  My, what color variety!  7 years later when my last miniature dachshund died there was no hesitation as to what type dog I wanted to let replace the hole in my heart.  Button sure did that and much more! 

Welcome to the group!  Can't wait to see pics of your little blue guy.  I love the blues!  Like you, I was just smitten when I saw my first really tiny rattie.  All my life I had only seen overweight standards, black & tan tuxedos and a few tricolors, none of which were particularly "pretty" specimens of the breed.  With more researching, I soon learned they are gorgeous little dogs that come in a bizillion color combinations, it seems.  They are just such happy, sweet, smart and affectionate little dogs!  Hope to watch Linkin grow up here. 

I LOVE IT  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   LOL

Ya know, I have always had dogs. Large dogs like 50 pounds plus. Never considered a little guy for a minute. One of those BIG DOG things, I guess. To tell you the truth, Since Smokey has come into our lives he has filled us with so much joy, laughter and endless affection we will always have a Rattie. I just think they are the best. Have loved every dog I have ever had but, there is just something really special about this breed! The second best thing about having a Rattie - is all the wonderful people I have met in here - You're all the best!!!!!

Bill- you are SO right!  And I am the same way- always had large dogs.  Wouldn't even give the time of day to a dog less than 40 lbs.  After all, a dog is meant to go running with you and hiking and camping.  And be able to handle a day in the woods.

Now I've got Rowdy I wouldn't trade him for the world!!!  And I will always make sure I have a rattie in my house.  Even if there is another, bigger dog around...

I asked my BF for another rattie for my birthday, but I don't think it's happening.....  but was worth the try!

Have you tried that "Pweeeeze look???

Bill, I was always the same way!  I NEVER wanted a "little" dog. Yippers, hyper all the "type".  But after a lot of reasearch, we too ended up with a rattie.  And let me tell you, I will never go back!   Ratties it will always be.  They are amazing little creatures and I couldn't ask for more.  And I agree, rattie "people" are amazing as well!

When Steve and I married I had a rescue dog, "Angel", a maltese/poodle type mix breed and he had "Pato", a Lab for hunting.  When our daughter was born Angel was pretty old and she had Diabetes melitis, tumors and she was blind.  I had to have her euthanized when her seizures took over.  It was awful.. I had had her 10 yrs and she had overcome so many problems created by severe neglect and abuse when she was young.  About six weeks later Pato was stolen.  So we lost both our dogs close together. 

We later adopted a dog we had fostered from the local SPCA, Buddy and lab/rott mix and a cat, Hoss.  But I really wanted a house dog again and one that could grow up with our daughter.  My husband knew a guy that "Bred" RT's but after looking at his dogs I was not impressed.  He breeds Type B's and it just doesnt appeal to me.  I started to research the breed and after surfing breeder sites and the RTA I realized they where awesome little majestic dogs and I knew this was the dog for me.  I sought out a reputable breeder and that is how we came to get Boogie.  I prefer the standard size and we are going to get our second in about 2 weeks her mom and granddad carry the Firemountain line, we have named her T'eo.  I am very excited.  I tell everybody what an awesome breed this is!!! lol my friends are getting used to it I think  

Its a long story but that is how it occured.

Penny

Sproket is my first ever dog. We moved to Wyoming last year about this time, bought our first home. Thought now to complete everything we wanted really bad to adopt a dog. Prior to moving to Wyoming, we lived in Northern Virginia for 4 years in an apartment and weren't allowed to have a dog. We'd go every Saturday to Pet Smart and look at all the dogs that needed adopting, they'd have local shelters there every weekend for people to adopt, etc. So we make our way to the local pound and are in the market for a small dog, no particular breed, and not expecting to find a "breed" so to say at the pound.  Sproket was one of two dogs that were not kenneled, and he was running around, and playing, he would run into a room in the back of the building that was where they stored all the blankets for the animals. It was piled about as tall as we are, and he LOVED them. We were just taken with his personality the moment we saw him. We had a week to "try" it out. We got him home and never once considered taking him back.  The ironic thing about all of this is that we didn't know he was a rat terrier until about a few weeks ago.  I never had even heard of a rat terrier. I was at work and a customer had his dog, and I had to stop and ask him what "type" his dog was. He said a rat terrier. His dog, and mine could be identical! It was really amazing. So I immediately got online and googled rat terrier. and now here I am!  So I guess I didn't really choose Sproket because of his breed, but rather he just chose us!

lost my mind and decided i wanted a dog. went on petfinders and found my girl. drove outside of atlanta pouring rain got to the petsmart and there she was. adopted her and went outside and the sun was out , shining and we drove back to the city!

We were living in an appt. and we worked separate shifts. So... my hubby started talking about us getting a puppy. I think we werent' even married yet. Before I knew it there was a new little peanut of a puppy in my kitchen. And Mooch definately picked my husband. John said he picked the puppy who was alert and happy and wagging his tail to play with him. Tada, a rattie! I love this breed of dog. They are fantastic little friends.

After we lost our cocker spaniel 1 yr ago, the house felt really empty after a few months so my husband & I started looking on Petfinder for a small dog, which was his choice, I wanted a lab. When we came across a pic of Phoenix we fell in love! We had never heard of a Rat Terrier so we researched the breed and found that it would be a great choice for our family. We then pursued adoption through Ratbone Rescues and the rest is history