Hi I just adopted 2 puppies that were supposed to be Chinese Crested dogs one hairless & one Powderpuff however I think I adopted 2 Rat terriers one smooth coat & one American hairless.They are sisters from the same litter.Is there a way I can post a picture so you Rat Terriers  exsperts can help? They are 4 months old.They really have the breed traits of a Rat terrier not a CCD.No papers did not see parents etc. Thanks rachel

I'm in the same boat and not real sure if our new puppy is a "true" rat terrier.  We adopted Spencer at the local pound on Saturday.  I'm no rat terrier expert, but he sure looked as rattie as I think they come.  He was born on New Years eve and is 10lb 2 oz.  The humane society manager stated that there were 4 littermates all brought in by a breeder....She indicated that the market has been somewhat flooded with them here and that this happens periodically when a breed gets overly popular.  We really weren't looking for a "bargain rat terrier" - more looking for a small dog with good personality.  He really seems to fit the bill.  I am so impressed with him.  He is full of energy, but not pinging off the walls.  When you sit, he likes being in your lap, but immediately is calm and is only yappy when it is fairly appropriate to the situation.  I guess I expected a handful, but he is nothing of the sort, and I'm very pleasantly surprised.  Should I be?? 

He is very well-behaved, minds well, is very hurt when he is scolded and has learned sit and stand on command with very little effort.  Did I say how impressed I am???  Anyway, he is truly a joy.  Is there any reason to expect that all his goodness might become MORE problematic with the passage of time, or is my perception (call it stereotyping) of Rat Terriers a bit unfairly skewed?

RobJJ ~

Welcome to the group!

Your pup in your avatar looks like a true rattie to me and you just described my Dink to a 'T'....he'll run the rattie 500 and play and play but the minute you relax on the couch, he's on the couch with me snuggling.  I'm a new to this breed too and we've had Dink for 9 mos now and he just has the best personality and is such a sweet lovable dog.  Enjoy your Spencer...love him and he will love you back. 

Please post some pictures of him.  We love them around here. 

robjj, looks like a rattie to me!! I am so happy you rescued and I hope the breeder who dropped them at the shelter is done breeding now.  I think you are in for wonderful surprises and lots of comedy with Spencer. These little dogs will steal your heart before you even know it's gone. They can be stubborn but it comes with the breed as they are not "aggressive". I find much humor in the stubborness of my dogs only because in the end they know they have to listen.

Post some pics and keep coming back to share your experiences with Spencer.