• Public Gallery  • Help  
• Join Now!  • Log In  • Feature Tour
 Bruce Strand | Home  
Spring High Rat Terriers
"Home of Champions"


  


Susan Cooney and Bruce Strand of Spring High Rat Terriers in Lake City, Florida welcome you to our site.

Our personal goals as active members of the rat terrier community since 2000 are as follows:

1. To selectively breed health tested and OFA-certified, pedigree registered adult rat terriers that exhibit the best companion temperaments, along with correct conformation, to meet the breed standard as set forth by the United Kennel Club.  

A NOTE ABOUT THE HEALTH TESTING WE DO: See the OFA certified health testing we do on our dogs at: http://www.offa.org and type in the dog's full registered name.  We health test and certify our dogs for ... cardiac ... patellas (kneecaps) ... hips ... elbows ... Legg-Calve Perthes Disease ... and now as of October 2009, Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).  We began OFA certified health testing our rat terriers for cardiac and patellas in June, 2003 and CHIC certifying our rat terriers in 2005 when rat terriers were added to the CHIC list of breeds.

2. To raise happy, healthy QUALITY puppies for ourselves and to show them in the United Kennel Club show ring, thereby keeping our breeding program moving forward.
 
3. To carefully place pet quality and show/breeding potential puppies (as well as an occasional retiring adult dog) in their best forever homes, and to assist the new owners as much as possible and for as long as necessary.  References available upon request.

4. To follow our puppies and dogs and their adventures with their new families over the years. Should circumstances ever change, please know that we will gladly take back any Spring High puppy or dog, at any time and for any reason, with no questions asked.

For lots of information about rat terriers:
-The Rat Terrier Club of America:    www.ratterrierclub.com
-The National Rat Terrier Association: www.nrta.com
-The American Rat Terrier Association: www.artaukc.org
-The United Kennel Club: www.ukcdogs.com
-The American Kennel Club: www.akc.org
-The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: www.offa.org

Our rat terriers are registered with AKC (American Kennel Club, Foundation Stock Service) and UKC (United Kennel Club).

We specialize in AKC/UKC MINIATURE VARIETY rat terriers (10 inches to 13 inches tall at the shoulder) and AKC/UKC STANDARD VARIETY rat terriers (over 13 inches tall to 18 inches tall at the shoulder).

We look forward to hearing from you, and we enjoy introducing everyone we meet to this wonderful, versatile breed.

Thank you for your interest.
Sue, Bruce & rat crew @ Spring High
www.SpringHighRatTerriers.com
Tel: (386)754-0835
Email: shcooney@bellsouth.net
Fax: (386)754-6165





1 - 21 of 21 Total.
WE DO CERTIFIED HEALTH TESTING
1. WE DO CERTIFIED HEALTH TESTING  (Updated February 06, 2010)
*Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to open this album.*

Every breed of dog has health issues, and rat terriers are no exception.  In 2005, the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and the American Rat Terrier Association (ARTA) worked together to develop a list of major health concerns found to be prevalent in rat terriers.  Rat terriers that have been tested in all required areas, regardless of the results, are designated as CHIC certified.  Health tests required for CHIC certification for rat terriers are: congenital cardiac ... hip dysplasia ...patellar luxation ... and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.  Optional tests are: eye clearance (via CERF testing) ... congenital deafness (via BAER testing) ... and elbow dysplasia.

In October 2009, the University of Missouri developed a DNA test for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) for all breeds of dogs.  PLL is a very serious and painful genetic condition affecting the lens of the eye that can lead to blindness.  This very new and important test can be ordered online from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).  The kit comes in the mail.    You take a cheek scraping at home with a swab, you dab the swab on a test card and you mail it back to OFA.  It's just that easy and simple to test for PLL.  The test kit costs $65 and doesn't require a vet visit.  This is a one-time test,  and even young puppies can be tested for PLL.  THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT TESTING BREEDING STOCK FOR PLL.  THIS DISEASE CAN BE ELIMINATED IN ONE GENERATION.

When you get your certified PLL test results back, you will know if your dog is CLEAR of PLL, a CARRIER of PLL or is AFFECTED by PLL.
~#1 CLEAR of PLL means, your dog will never get PLL and can never produce a dog with PLL if bred to another CLEAR mate.
~#2 CARRIER/LOW RISK for PLL means, your dog will never get PLL but can pass it on to its offspring if bred carelessly to another PLL carrier, or if bred to a PLL affected dog.
~#3 AFFECTED/HIGH RISK for PLL means, your dog will probably get PLL and will probably pass it on to its offspring if bred carelessly to a PLL carrier or to another PLL affected dog.

Another designation for PLL testing is "CLEAR BY PARENTAGE," which means that if the dog's parents have been tested for PLL, and both are certified CLEAR, and if sire, dam and offspring are DNA verified, then all offspring will be certified CLEAR as well.

Read about PLL at the University of Missouri website:  http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/GLX/mainGLX.htm

If you want to test your dog for PLL, rat terrier or any breed, this is what you do.  Go online to the OFA website, which is www.offa.org and click on "OFA DNA TESTS" in the table of contents.  The "OFA DNA DISEASE TESTING" page will come up.  Scroll down to "ORDER OFA DNA TEST."   Click to go to the  "OFA STORE" page.  Scroll down to "PLL".  Visa and M/C are accepted methods of payment.

LET ME REPEAT - THERE IS NO GOOD EXCUSE FOR NOT TESTING BREEDING STOCK FOR THIS GENETIC DISEASE.  PLL CAN BE ELIMINATED IN ONE GENERATION!

Read about disease information and CHIC certification at: www.offa.org

Here at Spring High, we do OFA health testing and CHIC certifying for:
  1. Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), via DNA testing.  This is a one-time test.  
PLEASE NOTE: As of February 04, 2010, we have completed all of our PLL testing on a total of 11 dogs and puppies.  Now we will move forward in 2010, totally "CLEAR" of PLL in our breeding program.
ANY SPRING HIGH SIRE X ANY SPRING HIGH DAM = SPRING HIGH PLL "CLEAR" PUPPIES, EACH AND EVERY TIME: NO CARRIERS, NO AFFECTEDS, ALL CLEAR OF PLL.
  2. cardiac and patellas, via vet exam, @ 1 year old, repeated as the dog ages
  3. hips, elbows, LCP, via radiography (x-rays) @ 2 years old.  These are one-time tests.
YOU WILL SEE THE HEALTH TESTING WE DO FOR EACH OF OUR BREEDING DOGS, AND THE DOGS BEHIND THEM, IN THEIR ALBUMS.

SO NOW YOU KNOW!!!  BEFORE YOU CONSIDER PURCHASING A PUPPY OR AN ADULT DOG FROM ANYWHERE OR FROM ANYONE, ASK ABOUT THE HEALTH TESTING THAT BREEDER HAS DONE ON HIS/HER LINES. YES! - health testing costs money.   YES! - health testing takes time.  YES! - sadly, health testing results may force an early retirement of a young dog or puppy from participating in a breeding program and/or a promising show career.  
MAKE HEALTH TESTING A PRIORITY WHEN SHOPPING FOR YOUR RAT TERRIER.  AND BE SURE TO ASK ABOUT PLL - NOW YOU KNOW!!!
4 Visits
9 Images
Shared Album
SPRING HIGH'S 10 YR ANNIVERSARY
2. SPRING HIGH'S 10 YR ANNIVERSARY  (Updated  January 25, 2010)
***Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to open this album.***

This album is dedicated to the very special rat terriers that have contributed so much to our lives since 2000.  This is Spring High's tenth anniversary - where has the time gone?  See pictures that warm our hearts - photos of the little terriers we love and admire and, in one very special case, miss dearly: Sunflower 1999, Boo-Boo 2000, Daisy 2000, Ralph (RIP) 2001 and his sister Alice 2004, Skye 2002, Benny 2002, Molly 2003, Munchie 2003, Drum 2003, Raven 2003, Lark 2004, Fudge 2004,  Surf City 2005, Jack 2005, Twist 2006, Sarge 2006, Oreo 2006.
63 Visits
85 Images
Shared Album
LOCATED IN LAKE CITY, FLORIDA!
3. LOCATED IN LAKE CITY, FLORIDA!  (Updated Sept. 16, 2009)
***Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to open this album.***

Hi folks!  Sue, Bruce and rat crew are located in Lake City, Florida.  Lake City is in north Florida, near the junction of I-75 and I-10.  We are about one hour north of Gainesville, between Tallahassee and Jacksonville.
10038 Visits
58 Images
Shared Album
BREEDER'S CODE OF ETHICS
4. BREEDER'S CODE OF ETHICS  (Updated Sept. 15, 2009)
***Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to open this album.***

"The United Kennel Club, Inc., requests that all breeders subscribe to the following Code of Ethics to promote and foster the highest standards among breeders, owners and fanciers, and to encourage sportsmanship and cooperation in the improvement and advancement of UKC registered breeds."
109 Visits
21 Images
Shared Album
A DOG'S TEN COMMANDMENTS
5. A DOG'S TEN COMMANDMENTS  (November 29, 2008)
***Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to open this album.***

"Ten Commandments From a Dog's Point of View" was written by Stan Rawlison.
97 Visits
10 Images
Shared Album
LOOKING FOR A RAT TERRIER?
6. LOOKING FOR A RAT TERRIER?  (Updated December 28, 2009)
***Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to open this album.***

NOTE: THE PUPPIES SHOWN IN THIS ALBUM ARE NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.  THEY ARE JUST SOME CUTE PHOTOS WE TOOK IN THE PAST THAT WE WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU.

***PUPPIES BORN 8/31/09, SEVERAL ARE STILL AVAILABLE***  
For photos and details, please go to this link:
http://www.imageevent.com/mangojam to the Skye X Surf City Litter album

P.S.  Also, please consider contacting RATBONE RESCUES to rescue a rat terrier puppy or adult in need of a loving, forever home....www.ratbonerescues.com
7998 Visits
15 Images
Shared Album
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
7. AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION  (Updated December 30, 2009)
***Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to open this folder to view the album within it.***

SPRING HIGH'S BLACKJACK - neutered male
DOB: Feb. 11, 2009
Weight: 12 lbs
Color: white black tan
Ears: buttonfold    Tail: docked
Via DNA Testing: Blackjack is "Clear By Parentage" from Primary Lens Luxation 12/16/2009
Microchip Identified #0A10676A35
2 Albums
Shared Folder
MALES AT SPRING HIGH
8. MALES AT SPRING HIGH  (Updated December 28, 2009)
***Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to view albums in this folder.***

1. Spring High's Boonton - Boo-Boo
  C.H.I.C. #48062: cardiac NORMAL, patellas NORMAL, hips EXCELLENT, LCP NORMAL, elbows NORMAL
  Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) NORMAL/CLEAR, 12/21/2009

2. Spring High's Cool Waters - Mr. Cool
C.H.I.C.: testing in 2012
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): NORMAL/CLEAR , Feb. 04, 2010
2 Albums
Shared Folder
FEMALES AT SPRING HIGH
9. FEMALES AT SPRING HIGH  (Updated January 19, 2010)
***Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to view the albums in this folder.***

1. CH Spring High's Cinnamon Twist - Twist
  C.H.I.C. #45568: cardiac NORMAL, patellas NORMAL, hips EXCELLENT, LCP NORMAL, elbows NORMAL
  Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) NORMAL/CLEAR on Jan. 13, 2010

2. CH Spring High's Color Me Smart - Oreo  
  C.H.I.C. #59656: cardiac NORMAL, patellas NORMAL, hips GOOD, LCP NORMAL, elbows NORMAL
  Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) NORMAL/CLEAR on Dec. 21, 2009

3. Spring High's Ocean Breeze - Breeze
OFA Health Testing When Age Appropriate
~ @ 1 year old: cardiac, patellas
~ @ 2 years old: hips, elbows, LCP
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) NORMAL/CLEAR on Jan 13, 2010
3 Albums
Shared Folder
SPRING HIGH GRADUATES
10. SPRING HIGH GRADUATES  (Updated February 04, 2010)
***Click on the title, above, or the thumbnail photo, left, to view the albums in this folder.***

Meet our Spring High graduates and notable retirees:
Callie, Cruise, Fudge, Jack, Lark, Molly,  Peanut, Raven, Sarge, Skye, Surf City
11 Albums
Shared Folder
BRUCE'S PROJECTS
11. BRUCE'S PROJECTS  (Opened Jan. 3, 2008)
Bruce's projects include: generators, small engines, wood chipper, cement mixer, irrigation system, antique cars,  farm equipment, cattle gates, welding projects
2116 Visits
68 Images
Shared Album
UKC DOG SHOWS 2005
12. UKC DOG SHOWS 2005  (October 10, 2005)
***CLICK ON THE TITLE (ABOVE) OR THE THUMBNAIL PHOTO (LEFT) TO VIEW THE ALBUMS IN THIS FOLDER.***

This folder contains individual albums of the dog shows we attended in 2005.

1.  Lakeland, Florida - July 23rd & 24th
2. Clearwater, Florida - August 13th & 14th
3. Clearwater, Florida - Sept. 24th & 25th
4. Wesley Chapel, Florida - Oct. 29th & 30th
5. Wesley Chapel, Florida - Dec. 10th and 11th
6. Davie, Florida - Dec. 31st, 2007
6 Albums
Shared Folder
UKC DOG SHOWS 2006
13. UKC DOG SHOWS 2006  (Jan. 1, 2006)
***CLICK ON THE TITLE (ABOVE) OR THE THUMBNAIL PHOTO (LEFT) TO VIEW THE ALBUMS IN THIS FOLDER.***

This folder contains individual albums of the dog shows we attended in 2006.

1.  Davie, Florida- Jan. 1st, 2006
2.  Wesley Chapel, Florida - March 11th, 2006
3.  Wesley Chapel, Florida - May 6th & 7th, 2006
4.  Kalamazoo, Michigan - June 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th, 2006
4 Albums
Shared Folder
UKC DOG SHOWS 2007
14. UKC DOG SHOWS 2007  (Updated Nov. 25, 2007)
***CLICK ON THE TITLE (ABOVE) OR THE THUMBNAIL PHOTO (LEFT) TO VIEW THE ALBUMS IN THIS FOLDER***

This folder contains individual albums of the dog shows we attended in 2007.

1. Mulberry, Florida - March 11th
2. Archer, Florida - April 21st & 22nd
3. Clearwater, Florida - June 30th & July 1st
4. Lakeland, Florida - July 22nd
5. Clearwater, Florida - Aug. 11th & 12th
6. Lakeland, Florida - Aug. 19th
7. Perry, Georgia - Sept. 3rd
8. Sydney, Florida - Nov. 3rd & 4th
9. Lakeland, Florida - Nov. 24th
9 Albums
Shared Folder
UKC DOG SHOWS  2008
15. UKC DOG SHOWS  2008  (April 19, 2008)
***CLICK ON THE TITLE (ABOVE) OR THE THUMBNAIL PHOTO (LEFT) TO VIEW THE ALBUMS IN THIS FOLDER.***

This folder contains individual albums of the dog shows we attended in 2008.

1. Archer, Florida - April 19th & 20th
2. Clearwater, Florida - Aug. 9th only
2 Albums
Shared Folder
BESIDES THE RAT TERRIERS.......
16. BESIDES THE RAT TERRIERS.......  (Updated June 6, 2008)
Sulcata tortoises Happy, Owl and Wilma....

an Indian Star tortoise named Twinkle....

an Emu named Big Bird....

and don't forget Woody, the Congo African Grey parrot!
3644 Visits
12 Images
Shared Album
JUST HORSIN' AROUND
17. JUST HORSIN' AROUND  (Updated December 16, 2009)
*KING*
Quarter Horse - Gelding
Color: Sorrel
No Papers - KING RANCH Brand, left hip
DOB: 1988?

*U NEEDA RITA*
Tennessee Walking Horse - Mare
Color: Bay
Registered TWHBEA #982712
DOB: June 9, 1998

*U NEEDA ROSITA*
Tennessee Walking Horse - Filly
Color: Blue Roan
Registered TWHBEA # Pending
DOB: Nov. 24, 2009
Sire: Rimrock's King Of The Ring
Dam: U Needa Rita
732 Visits
10 Images
Shared Album
OUR GOATS AND SHEEP
18. OUR GOATS AND SHEEP  (Updated December 31, 2009)
We are now looking forward to fresh goat milk, goat cheese, goat fudge, and goat pudding---------MMMM. Well, now all I have to do is convince Sue! Anyway, that's my plan.  
We have several Nubian goats now. The newest male is named Bucky II and the females are named Laverne, Shirley, Bambi and Lollipop (a Buster X Bambi daughter, born June 10, 2008).

We have a small herd of three white Katahdin variety "hair" sheep.  Maybelle & her daughter, Lamb Chop, are now joined by their future beau, Chester.
1959 Visits
13 Images
Shared Album
OUR "COOP DE VILLE"
19. OUR "COOP DE VILLE"  (Updated December 16, 2009)
Our chicken coop is named the "Coop De Ville."  Bruce converted the old pony shed and added a fenced-in yard.  We have a couple dozen hens that produce brown and aqua-green eggs as well as several roosters that can't tell the time.  We've also added young hen turkeys and Tom turkeys to the group.
3010 Visits
20 Images
Shared Album
BILLY THE BORDER COLLIE
20. BILLY THE BORDER COLLIE  (updated Jan. 11, 2007)
BILLABONG BILL, aka Billy, is our neutered male Border Collie.

Date of Birth: Nov. 21, 2005
Color: Tri; blaze, full collar, stockings; rough coat; medium variety
Breeder: Tracy Miller in Nisland, South Dakota
Sire: Michael ABC #214742
Dam: Bell ABC #233806

Billy is triple-registered with:
-American Border Collie Association: ABC #275554
-American Kennel Club: AKC #DNI3098503
-United Kennel Club: UKC #P474-899
2299 Visits
29 Images
Shared Album
PLEASE MOVE
21. PLEASE MOVE  (February 6, 2010)
0 Visits
7 Images
Shared Album
 
 External Links 
fruit trees & lawn

Share images with friends & family, Send Invitation or Share URL: