Your next clue about this week’s Purebred of Interest is here: This breed is often referred to as “le meilleur chien de maison” (best house dog).
The description could fit most of our dogs, but some breeds are more family oriented than others, and the Rat Terrier is one of them. Nineteenth century immigrants crossed Fox Terriers with other terriers that included the Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier and Old English White Terrier – and later, more crosses with the Toy Fox Terrier, Beagle,Whippet, Italian Greyhound and Smooth Fox Terrier, and one might think that so many terrier ancestors would result in an independent dog, and yet,
“Ratties” have an inherent need for human contact. Infusions of the Italian Greyhound and Whippet, coupled with the contributions of the affable Beagle provided the breed with an even and pleasant temperament that sets them apart from many of the other traditional terrier breeds. Bottom line: They’re very happy to be with their people.
“Tip at the Beach” by Rebecca Korpita
www.korpita.com
fineartamerica.com/profiles/rebeccakorpita.html
Penny Lane, my heart!
this is Dino my rattie
Here is sweet Sonny!
Lara, that face is to die for!
My Ratty is a Seahawks fan just like me! Well, maybe not as big a fan of the Hawks as I am, but he is a big fan of me and he is my little buddy.
True companion. Very affectionate, loyal and protective.
Love the frog legs, Francis.
Crockett and Murphy.
Crockett and Murphy are wonderful, Cindy!
Devo makes our house a home. I find Ratties intelligent, protective and so much fun. Devo loves to play soccer with me, he is an amazing defense.
Barbara, this is THE funniest picture!!
Love my Ratties. They are the best! My Ratties were right with me during stage 4 breast cancer.
We hope this find you beating back this horrible disease, Colleen. Keep up the good fight.
At 60 years old, a lifetime of being a dog lover, my Rattie Lucy, is quite possibly the most perfect canine I ever had. Protective, loyal, loving, smart, I could go on and on. She understands English, that’s all I can say.