The Wonderful Type B Rat Terrier
.....  The Rat Terrier breed is one of the most wonderful and overall perfect dogs
in the terrier group. Although, all the terrier breeds have some of the similar
traits in common, the Rat Terrier breed is the one that is suited for almost any 
lifestyle and family. There really is not anything you can say negative about this
wonderful little dog. If you want a dog that will be part of the family and love
and be loyal to everyone then this breed is for you. 

Shown Left - Shimmer and sister Sabine owned by Sherri Chatterton, NC
 

     For many years in the distant past, from time to time, there were several different breeds that have been crossbred into the Rat Terrier to make the breed what it is today. And because all these different genes have been in the background for many generations it is possible to see these different traits pop up occasionally when the right two dogs are bred together. These are called throw backs.

     There are two different body types in the breed. One being the longer leg dog usually with a square body frame called type A and the other type is the longer body but shorter leg type and that is Type B.
 

Type B
Type A
.
Marion Shiller from Meadow Springs Kennel in TX  says, “Although, I have bred both A and B body type,s through the years I personally prefer the type B body type. It has been my experience that the type B dogs have a more laid back and much more calm temperament and personality and not nearly as hyper or high strung as the type A dog. The type B has been predominately bred and raised in the South and Southern States and I feel it has gotten a bad reputation in the North or Northern States and so many people do not appreciate this wonderful little type B dog. But, I feel they are becoming more and more popular as more people become aware of them and just how great they are. In my opinion maybe the laid back and calm personality comes from the Beagle breed being bred into them in order to get the shorter leg. But whatever the reason the type B body type is my personal favorite and with that being said both body types are wonderful dogs and it really is just a personal preference. Sometimes I have people call me and they are wanting a type Teddy Roosevelt dog and I am happy to tell them that I only raise the Rat Terrier breed and that is all I will ever breed.”
     There seems to be a difference in what some are calling the “Teddy Roosevelt” and the Type B Rat Terrier in their version of the breed standards. Above is shown what the NRTA considers a good example of both types, distinctly different yet the same.

     She continues to say, “I raise the Tiny Tots and small Toy size so I try and breed for the shorter leg with good bone or otherwise these tiny dogs will end up with broken legs due to the fact they are more fragile than the larger breed size. So regardless of what body type appeals to you just know that owning one of these wonderful Rat Terriers will add so much to your life and will give you many years of pleasure.”

     Here are a couple of shots of  Brittany and April after a big soft shell turtle that climbed up on land to lay her eggs I suppose but they really gave her heck and I finally had to put the turtle back in the water myself. Pretty typical of the RT whether they are A or B Type !!! What great little hunters these dogs are. The solid black girl is Meadow Springs Brittany and she is only 4.5pds Type A. The tri girl is Meadow Springs April Type B and she is only 5pds so that gives you an idea of how big the turtle is. Enjoy, Marion Shiller, TX
 

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