Below is a check list for you to print.....................................Back
and some things to think about before purchasing a new puppy
QUESTION
  ...............YOUR  COMMENTS..............
Are you sure the Rat Terrier is right for you .
.
Have you determined your purpose for the kind of dog you are choosing .
Have you found out what the breed is all about - temperament, care involved, size, health issues, length of hair, companion, hunter, guard  .
Are you willing to dedicate commitment,  time and expense for a lifetime- do you have time to housebreak, train, be prepared for regular vet checks, illness etc.  .
Can you provide a secure environment to protect your dog with a fenced yard or pen or responsible leash walking .
Have you  talked to breeders about the dog .
Have you avoided Pet Stores and Brokers .
Have you researched the breeds history and understand what the dog was bred for .
Are you, your kids or anyone in the family allergic to dogs .
If this is to be a family dog is everyone in agreement .
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Reasons why not to select a breed:  "It's cute and I love the way it looks" or  "It's for my kid" or "Everyone says to get a ... they are a great family dog."etc.
A registered dog is:  A registered dog, be it AKC, UKC, CKC, etc., simply means that it's parents (and their parents) are also registered with the same registry. This confers no merit in of itself, it simply means that the dog's parentage is known.
    Most registries do not make any assertions of quality in the dogs they register (except for some limited breed-only registrations, but these are uncommon). They do not restrict the breeding of their dogs and hence there is no guarantee that a registered dog is a good specimen of its breed.
If Your Still Interested This Is For You
Choice of Size
.
.
Choice of Color/Markings
.
.
Where to find a breeder
Newspapers, Internet, Dog Magazines, Breed Clubs and Shows
Choice of Breeders
.
.
.