Dog Breeding
Best Age To Breed A Dog (Male & Female)
5 min read
Find out the best age to breed dogs and the key factors involved. Ensure your dog’s health and safety with our expert breeding insights.
December 4, 20251,184 views
Connect with responsible Rat Terrier breeders and find the ideal breeding partner for your American original
Essential characteristics to consider when breeding these exceptional American originals
12-18 years
Exceptional longevity
Intelligent, Loyal
American original
Discover what makes Rat Terriers exceptional breeding companions and why they're treasured American originals
Developed on American farms for unmatched versatility. Rat Terriers combine working ability with exceptional companionship, creating the perfect balance for modern families.
Years of American heritage
Preserving American farm dog legacy
From apartment-friendly miniatures to farm-ready standards, Rat Terriers offer the perfect size for every family while maintaining the same exceptional temperament.
Legendary rat-catching ability that earned their name. Natural hunting instincts make them invaluable on farms and perfect for earthdog competitions.
One of the longest-lived dog breeds! When you breed Rat Terriers, you're creating companions that will be with families for nearly two decades of love and loyalty.
Your breeding choices create decades of companionship
Fearless defenders despite their size. Rat Terriers form deep bonds with their families and alert to any unusual activity, making them excellent watchdogs.
These exceptional traits make Rat Terriers one of America's most versatile and rewarding breeds
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible and successful Rat Terrier breeding
Wait until 2 years for full maturity. Rat Terriers often remain fertile and healthy into their senior years due to exceptional longevity!
Remarkably healthy breed with exceptional longevity!
Once per year maximum
Skip at least one heat cycle
Despite their hardiness, adequate recovery ensures long breeding careers. Most limit to 4-5 litters lifetime.
Ensures safe whelping for mothers
Variety Standards:
Match sizes appropriately for safe breeding outcomes.
Color Dilution
Avoid blue x blue or chocolate x chocolate
Natural Bobtail
Test before breeding two bobtails
Working Ability
Preserve hunting & vermin instincts
Understanding genetics preserves breed excellence and health.
Temperament Priority
Select for intelligence & loyalty
Preserve Heritage
Maintain farm dog versatility
Early Socialization
Critical 3-14 week period
Exercise Needs
High energy requires active homes
Connect with verified Rat Terrier owners for safe and ethical breeding
Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier mix
Rat Terrier mix
Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier mix
Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier mix
From profile to puppies - your rat terrier breeding journey in 4 simple steps
Set up a detailed profile with photos, health records, and pedigree information
Browse verified breeding partners based on breed, location, and compatibility
Message owners directly to discuss breeding plans and health certifications
Meet safely, complete breeding agreements, and welcome healthy puppies
Set up a detailed profile with photos, health records, and pedigree information
Browse verified breeding partners based on breed, location, and compatibility
Message owners directly to discuss breeding plans and health certifications
Meet safely, complete breeding agreements, and welcome healthy puppies
Join thousands of responsible rat terrier owners who trust us for quality breeding connections
Every breeder is verified, ensuring you connect with genuine, responsible pet owners.
Find breeding partners near you to make meetings convenient and stress-free.
Customize your search with detailed filters for breed, age, health status, and more.
Chat directly with pet owners to discuss all details before making any commitments.
Join thousands of responsible rat terrier owners who've found quality breeding partners on Petmeetly.
Get Started NowReal stories from dog owners who found perfect breeding matches on Petmeetly
Yes! Sammy has successfully found a breeding partner through Petmeetly. Things are going really well, and the next heat looks very promising. We’ll keep you updated on how it goes. Thank you!
Laszlo
Ontario, CA
Everything is great! I am going to contact one person who is interested in having puppies with our dog. Thank you so much!
Deborah Anderson
Montana, US
We’ve had great success with Moose and his Petmeetly mate, Lola. They are now the proud parents of seven healthy pups!
Steve
England, GB
Celebrating remarkable health and exceptional longevity that makes Rat Terriers one of the healthiest breeds
OFA patella evaluation ensures stable kneecaps. Most Rat Terriers have excellent knee structure supporting their active lifestyle.
Annual Eye Exams
CERF examinations maintain clear vision
PLL Testing
Primary Lens Luxation testing available
Simple testing ensures lifelong vision
Optional cardiac screening available. Rat Terriers typically have strong hearts matching their energetic personalities.
Maintain proper weight to prevent diabetes. Natural athleticism helps maintain metabolic health.
Some lines prone to skin allergies. Careful breeding selection and proper nutrition minimize issues. Strong genetics and proper care maintain healthy skin and coat.
Proper nutrition ensures healthy coats
Regular dental care prevents issues. Good oral hygiene ensures comfortable eating throughout their long lives.
Regular care maintains dental health
One of the longest-lived breeds! Hardy American farm dog heritage gives them remarkable constitution.
Your breeding creates decades of companionship
By breeding Rat Terriers, you're preserving a true American original. Their farm dog heritage provides exceptional health, longevity, and versatility that few breeds can match.
America's healthiest heritage breed
Expert advice and tips for Rat Terrier breeding
Find out the best age to breed dogs and the key factors involved. Ensure your dog’s health and safety with our expert breeding insights.
Understand the importance of socializing your pet. This guide will help you create positive experiences for your pet, ensuring they thrive in various environments.
Planning to breed your dog? Use our step-by-step dog breeding checklists to manage health tests, mating, whelping and puppy care—always with vet-backed guidance.
Get answers to common questions about breeding Rat Terriers responsibly
Recommended tests for Rat Terriers include: Patella (knee) evaluation through OFA, Annual eye examinations (CERF/OFA), Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) genetic testing, and awareness of color dilution in blues and chocolates. Optional tests include hip evaluation and cardiac screening. Rat Terriers are exceptionally healthy with remarkable longevity, making them excellent breeding candidates.
Rat Terriers typically have 3-7 puppies per litter, with an average of 5. Miniature varieties tend toward smaller litters (3-5), while standards have larger litters (5-7). They're excellent mothers with strong maternal instincts, and their hardiness makes whelping typically straightforward.
Rat Terriers can be excellent for responsible first-time breeders. They're remarkably healthy, have manageable litter sizes, exceptional longevity, and strong maternal instincts. Their intelligence makes them easy to work with. However, understanding terrier temperament and joining a breed club for mentorship is recommended.
Rat Terriers come in two recognized varieties: Miniature (10-13 inches, under 15 lbs) and Standard (13-18 inches, up to 25 lbs). Some breeders also work with 'Decker' lines (larger, over 22 lbs). When breeding, match sizes appropriately and avoid extreme size differences between breeding pairs to ensure safe whelping.
Rat Terriers excel as farm dogs! Bred for vermin control, they're tireless hunters of rats, mice, and other pests. Hardy constitution handles outdoor life. However, high prey drive means they'll also chase chickens if not trained. Excellent working companions.
PLL causes lens displacement leading to glaucoma and blindness. DNA test available identifies affected and carrier dogs. Usually appears at 3-8 years. Early detection may allow surgical correction. Test all breeding dogs to prevent blindness.
Rat Terriers have moderate to high energy needing 30-60 minutes exercise daily. Mental stimulation equally important given their intelligence. Without adequate activity, they become destructive. Excellent for active owners wanting portable adventure companion.
Rat Terriers have two varieties: Miniature (10-13 inches) and Standard (13-18 inches). Historically bred for different prey sizes. Some breeders produce 'Decker' giants over 18 inches. All varieties share same temperament and health concerns.
Rat Terriers can adapt to apartments with adequate exercise. However, they're alert barkers who announce everything. Bark training essential for apartment living. Their small size helps but energy level requires daily outlets.
Rat Terriers are one of healthiest breeds due to diverse foundation stock and working selection. Few genetic issues compared to other breeds. Long-lived (15-18 years common). Hardy constitution from farm breeding. Minimal health testing required.
Discover breeding guides for different dog breeds and find the perfect match for your breeding program
Join our community of responsible Rat Terrier breeders preserving America's healthiest heritage breed