The Wonderful Type B Rat Terrier
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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
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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
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Type A
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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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