Mountain Top Rat Terriers    
                                           

 Rat Terriers originated in the United States from early terrier-type dogs, that came over from Europe with their British migrant owners in the 1800's. They were originally used for hunting and farm work, and were highly popular in the 1920s and 1930s on US farms and homesteads. They were bred for speed and were remarkably efficient in killing vermin, such as rats and other rodents. Rat Terriers today have evolved into a small to medium dog, and enjoy a wide genetic diversity leading to the breed's overall robust health, with few inherited genetic issues, keen intelligence, amazing athleticism, and strong trainability. The Rat Terrier was recognized by the AKC on July 1, 2010, and had been previously recognized by the UKC on January 1, 1999. The standard Rat Terrier is 13-18 inches and a miniature is usually 10-13 inches tall. Do not let their smaller size fool you.  We like to think of these dogs as small in stature but huge in presence and mind - they truly have a big dog attitude in a little dog body. To us, Rat Terriers are the perfect combination of a mind that is quick, easy to train and wants to please, with an incredibly athletic, well-muscled and pleasingly balanced body, with short coats that have mild to light shedding.