As owner of Puppy Love, I am beyond thrilled to say that I am, as of far less than 24 hours ago, a new mom to a Rat Terrier named Casey.
Casey is 9 months old and was brought to The Anti-Cruelty Society on April 27. He is sweet, affectionate, very hyper, and most ready to be in his forever home. I am anxious about the obedience training he will definitely need. Anxiety and nervousness, however, take a back seat to how much I adore and love him.
I adore and love Casey. . .a sentiment of puppy love.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Terrier breed is classified along many lines. The most popular line of the Terrier breed is the Jack Russell, or Parson, Terrier. Yet every line of the Terrier is different in terms of physical appearance. The Terrier breed along all lines generally exhibits the same personality and behavior. Always remember, though, that each individual dog no matter what breed can deter from what it should be. Casey is a mix and does not look exactly like a Rat Terrier. He does exhibit his breed's personality. So let's get to know my pup.
The American Kennel Club describes the Rat Terrier as an American born breed meant to hunt rodents. In the 1800s, immigrants to the United States crossed Fox Terriers with European Terriers - Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and so on.
Rat Terriers are multi-colored with large patches of color against solid white. Casey is solid white with large black patches. Note that other colors include chocolate brown, tan, red, blue, and many other shades.
Dog Breed Info describes the temperament of the Rat Terrier as follows : intelligent, alert, affectionate, energetic, playful, fearless. I was allowed to take Casey out of his kennel to walk around with him. Other potential adopters did the same with their desired dogs. Casey was highly energetic and fearless towards an approaching Saint Bernard and Pit Bull. He was most affectionate towards me, my mother, and especially my grandmother. Casey raised up to his hind legs every moment he sensed another dog coming his way. I note now how exactly Casey matches in behavior to his Rat Terrier/Terrier breed.
Rat Terriers are most known for not being loud barkers or obnoxious yippers. Casey barked once when he saw a dog being let out of its kennel. His bark was not loud and he calmed down fairly quickly. If I can train him to stay calm indoors, I should not have issues with my neighbors!
Dog Breed Info states that Rat Terriers learn quickly (hence their high intelligence) and train well. As a new mom to a puppy especially, this is very good to know. Rat Terriers, like many other breeds, are eager to please. I hope that my relationship with Casey will be a two-way street - I will learn about him and what most interests him and what most disinterests him, and he will learn about me and what makes me happy and pleased and what will make me upset. I hope he will love me as much as I love him. The learning process will start immediately and last for time to come.
As with all dogs, training in and out of the classroom requires firmness, consistency, and confidence on the part of the owner and the owner's family. As a new mom, this rule is particularly important. . .which is why I am so nervous.
Rat Terriers come in three weight classes - toy, medium, and standard. Casey falls under the standard class. He currently weighs 12 pounds and The Anti-Cruelty Society prefers he gain 10 or so more pounds. Therefore, he should weigh no more than 35 pounds. (See Dog Breed Info for all weight classes.)
Rat Terriers need extensive and daily outdoor exercise. A long walk will do and playtime outdoors will be fun. Rat Terriers, however, are fairly active indoors. As Casey is only 9 months old, outdoor time initially is especially important - more specifically for potty breaks (The Anti-Cruelty Society suggested 8 to 10 times a day for the first month or so!). When he learns to better control himself and outdoor time isn't as frequent, we will still go on walks. I, though, will look forward to toy time. I do not want to completely spoil Casey, but oh the selection of toys!
Dog Breed Info does not indicate major health problems. Casey's health records did not indicate health problems either. And. . .I am lucky in owning a Rat Terrier. This breed's life expectancy is 15 to 18 years. I want him to be with me and my family for a long time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's it. A look at the Rat Terrier. An expected look at my Casey. Photos will come to Puppy Love soon. Until then, I wish all dog owners a pawfive and I declare a pawfive to all those looking to adopt. They will love you more than you will ever know.
No comments:
Post a Comment