Rat Terrier (Decker Lines)

[Tiercel78]

Well I have always wanted a larger Rat Terrier for a falconry dog. I have always been told that the JRT is the way to go. After seeing a falconer buddies Rats work and thier attitude in the field and at the house, I started doing research. Don't be fooled a Rat terrier is a great dog. I'm not going to tell you they are better than the JRT but they are just as good. Course, I'm not intrested in my dogs going to ground at all which JRT do more of. I got really intrested in the larger line of Rat Terriers called Deckers. They are bred for the hunt and are very verisitle. I'll include some links if you want to read up on them .
Well last month I ended up buying a 43% Decker Rat Terrier from a breeder in Georgia. Her name is Jesse. At four months of age I love her to death. Enough to place a deposit on another pup form a another kennel that specializes in the Decker Line. THe New pup will be a a full Decker and will be a little bit bigger. Jesse(female) should end up around 20-23 lbs and the Male Decker will be around 30-33lbs. I have about two weeks to wait to get the little boy. Jesse is doing great at four months she is following me in the field, chasing squirrels, and quick to learn basic commands. The great thing I have notice about them is that they have a off switch when in the house. All and all I've heard and I belive that these dog are a great little falconry dog. They can do just as much as any other terrier out there if not more.

Check them out! www.deckerterrier.com/index.html

My Breeders:
www.picturetrail.com/chuchababy
imageevent.com/bluegrassratterriers

New pup that I'm waiting on from Blue Grass Kennels:
imageevent.com/bluegrassratterriers/dogsforsale/cassiedeacon?p=13&n=1&m=-1&c=4&l=0&w=4&s=0&z=2

This is Jesse my four month old. She came from Southern Sands Kennels in GA

[borderhawk]

That's a fairly convincing website. You'll have to keep us updated on how it goes.

[harrishawker]

I have two patterdale terriers, one killed a fox in my back yard and so far this summer they have had 21 rabbits between them.
And i don't even hunt with them just give them 'Walkies' but let them loose and they get a scent it's road runner time ;D

[K9JaY]

I always thought Rat Terriers were JRT's? What's the difference between a JRT and a Decker Rat Terrier? What's in a Decker Rat Terrier?

He looks just like a mini-staffy lol. Cute puppy.

[Tiercel78]

Well, If you want to read up on them more I put links at the top of this thread.

Rat terriers and JRT's are quite diffrent. JRT's come in three diffrent coats Smooth,Rough, and Wire. They are usally shorter smaller dogs. Most of the Rats that I have seen unless you buy a toy are taller and only smooth coat. Rats most of the time have erect standing ears wear JRT's have floppy or button ears. Rats tend to be less of a ground dog than the JRT. Meaning that they don't go down holes like most JRT tend to do. Something that I really dopn't want my dogs doing anyways. I have heard too many stories of losing dogs in holes. Rats tend to be more sight oritated and will cover more ground faster due to thier longer legs. Rat terriers seem to have a off switch when not working the are calm in the house and tend not to be so hyper all the time. Course, I have Pups so they stay pretty active.
My female should be around 20-25lbs but she is only 41% Decker. My male that I picked up today from the airport is 91% and he should be 28-30lbs. The Decker line is the largest of the Rats. They can get up to 40lbs max. Don't get me wrong JRT's are great dogs but the Rats are just as capable. the Decker line was bred as a versitle hunting bred. I have hard of them used to track hog, deer, retrive ducks, tree squirrel, chase rabbits, and hunt raccon. Shoot, my buddies rat terriers even scents quail. JRT's have the rep of being tough but Deckers have been know to kill boar coons and jump in with the tackling dogs on hogs.

[Tiercel78]

Like I said I got my new pup in today. He is a lot bigger than Jesse was at that age. He is a little truck of a pup and his feet are already just as big as Jesse's. Jesse was a little rough with him today wanting to play. He didn't care too much for all that and made that clear to her. She put him on his back a few times in submission but he actually but her on her back once today. He is only 8weeks old and Jesse is 4months. I watched them real close today but wanted them to figure everything out themselves. Lots of talk only though only sounds like they are fighting pretty good. Through the day things calmed down and they are curled up together asleep...lol. I'll get pictures of him up soon.

[Tiercel78]

Harris Hawker,
I have heard those patterdale's are pretty tough dogs. I haven't had the pleasure to see one yet in person. I have seen the German Hunt terriers and they are pretty nice dogs aswell. I like the little bit bigger dogs I guess more personal prefrence and I have always like the Rat Terriers. I just learned about the Deckers this year and kinda fell in love with them.

[Tiercel78]

Ok here are some pictures of both pups Jesse and Tucker.