I have had two rat terriers, Pennygirl and Nelly both who died of cardiac failure. They were wonderful dogs. Pennygirl came from puppy mill and lived to be 8 and Nelly was a rescue from an abusive home and lived to be 7. I still miss them both. I would not look for a pedigreed rat, but rather one from a decent breeder. They work well in a family situation or with multiple dogs. They will be a companion dog to whom ever they pick. Penny was mine. She stayed at my side through several surgeries. Nellie was my husband's dog and was always one step behind him. I hope you find you new best friend!

I had a Rat Terrier when I was about 10 yrs. old. It was the only dog I ever had in my youth and I am so glad that it was him. He was one good dog, no trouble no quirks, just an all around great dog. He was black and tan.

I have a rat terrier. She is 6 yro. Izzy is my baby she sleeps in her bed that is on the night stand next to my side of the bed. She doesn't like my husband, she barks at him . Rat terriers do shed ALOT !

Rat Terriers and Jack Russells are as different as day and night. In my opinion.

All terriers require good training and you have to be firm with them. I have a West Highland White Terrier, aka a Westie, Annie is sweet, but can be very stubborn. They also like to dig under fences.
Sharon W.

Rat terriers and Jack Russells as two different breeds, the rat is shorter and longer with a rounded face.

Sak658 I am so sorry you lost your pet. I have had mine for 7 years also and things are going fine.
He is smart and most of the time he listens unless he spots a squirrel. He loves to sit on the chair with my DH and have him rub him. He is a good watch dog. Lets you know when someone or thing is around. Just got a new GS and he is happy to see the baby, dropping his squeeky tool by the babies feet.

Our dog, Bob, is half Jack Russell, and the other half is divided between Rat Terrier and Blue Heeler. He is a very sweet, smart dog. Very bossy with our Cairn Terrier. He "heels" me and our other dog, Duke, everywhere he wants us to go! The antics of these two are endless. We went from 30 years of Labradors. A lot of activity and energy at our house. We were thinking small dogs would be less trouble. Not really... but we love our crazy terriers! Hard to make informed decisions when they are so stinking cute! Do over, would bring us back to Labs. Spend time researching dogs and knowing yourself and your lifestyle! Long term commitment! And enjoy!!!

Darby is a Miniature Rattie -- a rescue. She weighs about 8 lbs. now. She has gone from being confined in a puppy mill as a "breeder" to being a certified "Pet Therapy" dog. We visit nursing homes and schools and she's never been in a lap she doesn't like. Amazing dog. The photo is from her official therapy dog picture ID!

We love our rat terrier -- Rollie
 

We have had our Teddy Roosevelt Rat Terrier, "Rollie" for the past nine years. We got him at 6 weeks and he is the best dog we have ever had. He is extremely smart, loyal and protective. He is VERY sensitive and gets highly upset when one of our two cats has hairball issues. He whimpers until the kitty problem has been resolved. He dearly loves his "cat-sisters" even though they do not always treat him kindly. He has two favorite toys he plays with and he thinks they are his "babies." He is a great help when we are sick or recovering from surgery--he'll sit next to us and seems to understand we are "under the weather." I've posted a picture of this special little guy. You will not go wrong getting a Teddy Roosevelt Rat Terrier, they are very special little dogs.