FOOD FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everybody duck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry. 

Well, I'm sorry if my humor was misplaced as I realize this is a serious topic.  I am totally against people who breed "just because the neighbor's dog is cute" , etc.  A breeder should be totally educated in what they are doing, hopefully mentored by a responsible breeder, be prepared for the financial cost of breeding and raising puppies, have all the proper tests done on their dogs and know the family tree of both male and female for any genetic flaws - physical or personality.

I do think that we need reputable breeders to continue the breed...but these people aren't doing it because they're getting rich doing it.  They do it for the improvement of the breed...whether they have 1 dog or several. 

People in the great USA can make $$ from a lot things - even if it's illegal, immoral, or unethical, but that still doesn't make it "right".

This is a friendly site and we try our best to avoid yelling and/or drama; however, as with most situations involving human beings - things happen and tension cannot always be avoided.

This subject in particular is one that causes emotional, sometimes heated, responses. We see that there are thousands of rat terriers, most of them apparently "purebred", and thousands more rattie mixes on sites like petfinder or available with rescue groups like Ratbones, and it's makes most of us ill to think of all these ratties needing a good home. IMHO - I think there are probably enough legitimate, knowledgeable and loving rat terrier breeders now to sustain the breed and sustain it well.

I agree 150% with Tracey's comments. I'm not a breeder... have never been a breeder... and do not claim to be an expert at all. But there are some basic facts which I do know and which apply to breeding in general... regardless of the breed. Here's a very informative website for those of us who are interested.

http://www.doginfomat.com/schmidt.htm

I own a full-blooded rat terrier who has one of the best dispositions of any dog I've ever trained or owned. SO many people have made comments to me about how "sad" they are that I had him neutered because they would love to have a puppy from him. I just kinda (to myself of course) roll my eyes because if these people were truly knowledgeable they would see that Bailey would not be considered by ANY reputable breeder as a dog to use as a stud.

He's a GREAT pet, and has been one of the easiest dogs I've ever had the privilege to train. He has an awesome personality... he's energetic yet not hyperactive. He would make a great dog for ANY family with or without children. I love this little dog with all my heart and soul... as I have never loved any other dog. But his rear angulation isn't what it should be. He has an underbite... and his ears are not conformationally (is that a word? haha) correct. His right hip would not pass OFA requirements (it's borderline). Why would I wish to pass these genetic "defects" on?

Just because you own a super duper pet, doesn't mean it should be bred. It's ok to disagree on this issue. Yes... it's a free country and people can choose for themselves to make money any way they wish, regardless of whether it's ethical or legal. I, for one, do not choose to do so and don't have a huge amount of respect for those who do...and I highly suspect that any RESPONSIBLE breeder would agree with me.

Everybody has a bad day.....don't worry about it. Like you website!

Ohh Me too!! Me too!!

I'm up for the dark chocolate!  Just make my coffee a latte. 

Hi... I was wondering... I have a miniature rat terrier named Lucy... she is 6 months old.  I would love to breed her.  At what age is it good to start breeding?  Also how do I go about finding a male to breed her with?  Help!!!!!!

HNL912@yahoo.com

Thanks