At The Bear Den,
our #1 priority is the whole package
"Temperament, Health and Beauty"
"THB"
First priority to us is outstanding temperaments.
We carefully assess our dogs for their personalities and When and IF we make a mating Temperament is 1st on our list.
We next strive for health.
We want your Rat Terrier to be a part of your family for as long as possible. We health test at 3bear for hips, Cardiac, Legg Calve Perthes and Patella luxation. While this doesn't Guarantee your puppy will not have any of these issues, we try out best to avoid such a catastrophe.
Finally comes beauty/conformation. With each generation, we attempt to come as close to our interpretation of the written UKC
standard for the rat terrier as we can.
We take reservations for puppies throughout the year and encourage all new owners to come and help socialize the babies shortly after their birth.
About the Rat Terrier
RAT TERRIERS are highly intelligent and learn quickly. While they do make great companions they are not a "companion" breed like a chi. Rat terriers are TERRIERS first. These dogs are bred to hunt and retain that hunting abilities to this day.
If you do not have the time to spend with a tenacious little dog, I beg you don't get a rat terrier.
These are not a dog that you can toss and the back yard on a chain.. they need to be with their persons! These dogs become so in tune to people they serve, that they often can tell when something is wrong healthwise with their person long before their person does! They have in many cases been able to pick up on seizures before they happen and even Cancer before its diagnosed!
Although its sometimes hard to remember, Ratties are not just a pretty lap adornment, Please always keep in mind these dogs are Still very much TERRIERS.
(Definition of a Terrier=The terrier is a group of dog breeds initially bred for hunting and killing vermin. While usually small, these dogs are brave and tough with a lively, energetic, and almost hyperactive personality.)
These dogs need their exercise and most importantly brain stimulated daily to be a gentle sweet non-destructive companions in your home.
A healthy Rat Terrier is a mischievous and good-humored animal, and is not above testing the limits of its environment and owner just for sport. They can be often can be aloof with strangers but form strong bonds with their owners. They are a breed that needs to be socialized heavily and exposed early on to all walks of life. If not supervised or trained properly, Rat Terriers become bored and destructive when left alone. Rat terrier are also expert climbers, and have been known to scale chain-link fences as much as eight feet high. They also can easily clear a 4 ft fence from a standstill leap. They also have a very strong sense of territory, and they consider their home plus the whole area where they are regularly walked their territory. Because of this, they can be very hostile towards other dogs in those areas. Females are more likely to tend to do this over males. Quick and fast on their feet, Rat Terriers love to run, chase and hunt their prey. They often will bag a squirrel, chipmunk, bird, mouse or Rat, There are
few creatures a Rat Terrier is likely to encounter (including its owner!) that it does not believe it can outwit. This, combined with the
breed's typically fearless approach to the hunting world, makes it a good idea not to allow a Rat Terrier to run free in an unconfined area or where it may get into trouble.
Showing - Why is This Important?
Exhibiting my Rat Terriers at a dog show is an essential aspect of my breeding program. Success in the show ring means that a 3bear Rat
Terriers is constructed well, and possesses the stable temperament required for this event.
If you are looking for a pet Rat terrier, these same characteristics should be important to you: a well-constructed Rat Terrier will be more
fit for any events you like to do (walking, hiking, running), and the temperament should be such that you enjoy having your Rat Terrier
companion along with you!
Terrier Racing
Not only do we have many UKC Conformation Champions, but our Rat Terriers love to run as well! Several of our Rat Terriers have Terrier race points and titles! Terrier racing events are fun for the Ratties since the dogs chase a
simulated prey tail in a long stretch with or without obstacles at the end having to make it thru a "hole" to finish the course. Rat Terriers are quick and are hunters, while I do let mine off leash
often, Keep in mind they can be gone in a flash. I never trust them off leash unless they are in a secure area away from traffic or large
animals that may seek them for prey. And never off lead without supervision.
If you are interested in adding a Terrier to your family,
Please email us for an application.
