Jack Russel's vs Rat Terriers

[Mtnman]

Hello all!

I've been hanging out quietly in the wings, doing lots of reading on this site for a while, but no posting...

I'm an apprentice in central Wisconsin, and am going into my second year. My FRT and I did pretty good this past season on squirrels and rabbits, but I am considering adding a canine partner to the mix. My sponsor recommends a JRT, but I am having difficulty locating any good local prospects (at least in my price-range). I have however located a few sources for Rat Terriers. My sponsor and I are not familiar with this breed, and I was hoping to get some input from you guys.

A few questions I have are-

Are the two breeds comparable in the field? Is one better than the other? (Most of my hawking is for squirrels, and I'd like a dog to help keep them from bailing out of the tree and disapearing into the underbrush...) I do some rabbit hawking also though.

How about behavior with children? I have a 10 yr old, and a 7 yr old.

Training? Obedience? I've trained retrievers to handle, so have some experience. Is one better than the other?

I'm wondering if the Rat would work out well for me, or if I'd be better off to wait and find a JR. I'm interested in the Rat Terrier, but don't want to just "settle" for one if it won't work out as well.

I'm hoping some of you will be able to give me some input. The info on JR's is fairly easy to locate, but the Rat is new to me.

I found the link to "Treeing Feists", but was not able to locate the original thread. Is there a way to access old threads?

Thanks!

Phil

[Falcon Boy]

Phil, in regards to the treeing fiest thread, it was started from information in a different thread although i dont know which old thead it was.

Unfortunatly i dont know anything about rat terriers though

**EDIT**

just found this
dogbreedinfo.com/ratterrier.htm

[MarkT]

I haven't had any experience with a rat terrier but had a JRT for over 17 years. It was a great hunting companion. I used her mostly for rabbits but when we hit the woods she would keep the squirrels off the ground. When the breeder that I got my first JRT from has puppies, I will be getting a new one then. I would personally recommend saving your pennies and get a JRT. You wont be disappointed. You may also look into groups that do rescue. You may be able to find on somewhere here. Jack Russel Terrier Club of America

[goran]

There is 3 sizes of Rat Terriers.I hunted with big ones and they are smart, fast and alert.They will not mess with anything underground (size).JRT will go to ground for chucks, fox, coon, possum and skunk.Not as good in water (size).Rat T will range more but are more trainable without shock collar use.

[Gyre]

I've got a Rat Terrier, though the only thing I've done with him hunting wise are Earth Dog trails where the dog is put to ground after a caged rat.

As Goran said, they are very smart and at least mine, is good off leash and doesn't go to ground unless I tell him to. I'm his third owner, so I don't know what might have happened, but there are some fear issues with this particular dog.

He's very good with kids IF the kids are good with dogs.

My only other suggestion would be to make sure the dogs bloodline is clear of medial luxating patella, I had my dog permanently knocked out of agility competition because of bad knees.

I've never owned a JR, but as far as I can see both are a good all around terrier.