Description:
Jessie is a marvelous Rat Terrier! We found out about her from someone associated with the Pug Rescue in Polk County. She had gone to Animal Control to pull out a pug when she saw Jessie and was struck by how beautiful and sweet this dog was. She ask the folks there what the story was. They told her that Jessie's owner had turned her in because she was hyper and not good with kids; since they don't screen their applicants, they didn't want to risk a child being bitten so they were going to put Jessie to sleep! The woman was horrified. She spent quite a bit of time with Jessie and did not believe she was either hyper nor mean so she called us. Cassie and Kelly drove two hours each way on October 31st to rescue Jessie (the shelter through in 5 kittens for good measure), then met me at the Wild Kingdom Night at Aloma that evening. Jessie spent four hours being petted and fawned over by hundreds of people, toddlers through seniors, and was an absolute joy the whole time. She was alert, friendly and out-going. She has continued to demonstrate this wonderful personality everywhere we've taken her. When she arrived at her foster home, she paid never-you-mind to the kittens, was dismissed by the Chow, and tolerant of the one-year-old puppy. It is very possible that Jessie's owner felt she had to "give a reason" for surrendering her pet and latched onto hyper and not good with kids, not realizing that it was a death sentence at that shelter. We are very grateful to the Pug Rescue volunteer who interviened and so saved Jessie's life. Now we want to find her a happily-ever-after home!

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com the Rat Terrier was named by the preceptive Teddy Roosevelt. They were develope in Great Britain originally from Smooth Fox Terriers and Manchester Terriers in 1820. They were brought to the USA in the 1890's. At that time they were all their original color of black and tan. Life Magazine showed President Roosevelt with three black and tan Rat Terriers. American breeders crossed them again with the Smooth Fox Terrier as well as the Beagle and Whippet. The Beagle increased bulk, trailing and hunting ability, along with the red color. Whippet contributed the speed and agility and probably the blue and brindle colors. The smallest variety was derived from the Smooth Fox Terrier and Chihuahua. The Rat Terrier proved to be one of the best in the rat-baiting pits. One Rat Terrier is reported to have killed over 2,501 rats in a span of only seven hours in a rat infested barn. The Rat Terrier is a hard-working farm hand, able to rid an infested barn of vermin with no problem. The Rat Terrier is an intelligent, alert and loving dog. Very inquisitive and lively. This affectionate dog makes an excellent companion for those who will enjoy an energetic dog. They are good with children, especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood. They are fairly territorial, and for the most part friendly with strangers. Rat Terriers make good watchdogs. These dogs are quick and very playful and are not yappers. The temperament of these dogs is pure terrier. The lively, feisty, fearless nature can be found in the best of terriers. They are eager to please and respond and pick training up faster than most dogs. The Rat terrier is a very well mannered, well rounded dog. They are easy to train and very eager to learn and to please their owner. They love to go with you and to do what you do. They are also very good swimmers, not bashful or afraid and have no problem with the water. They make good farm dogs as well as excellent family dogs for pets and companionship. This hardy dog is used for hunting expeditions as well as terrier work. They are easy adjusted as mature dogs into families with or without children. They have a life expectancy of about 15 to 18 years.