Everywhere you turn there seems to be a lot of dog breeders offering their services and their puppies for sale. If you are thinking of finding a Rat Terrier from among the numerous breeding services, here is a list of things to remember.

Every dog breed has a specific breeder. So if you want a Rat Terrier puppy, then seek the services of a Rat Terrier breeder. Try to stay (far) away from dog breeders who have a lot of dogs under their name. Chances are, their dogs are procreating on their own (especially when the breeders aren't looking) and you can't be sure if their so-called purebred is really a purebred. A good rule is to only find a Rat Terrier breeder with accreditation.

Responsible dog breeders do more than hand you a pup when you want one. If you think that the person you are dealing with is only after a quick buck, you are probably right. A speedy "delivery" may sound enticing, but taking care of a purebred will entail much more than that. If no one is asking about your background or your abilities to take care of a Rat Terrier, then you are not with a responsible dog breeder.

A responsible Rat Terrier breeder will medically test parent dogs for genetic health problems and temperament measures. If your breeder can't seem to provide these services for your potential pet, find one that will. Veterinary aid does not come cheap, plus the puppy suffers from the effects of bad breeding. You can also check out their "breeding facilities."

A responsible Rat Terrier breeder will show you their litter and how they take care of the pups. If you find the puppies living in squalor or in less than desirable habitation, it will be best to bail out. If the breeder cannot take care of his pets properly, what makes you so sure that you will be getting a good pet?

If your Rat Terrier breeder is offering you other services like obedience training, agility training or rescue training, then you may have just found yourself a winner. Your breeder obviously works closely with other dog agencies and these agencies are comfortable enough to associate their names with him. If you have a local dog breed club or association, (for example, a Rat Terrier Club) you may want to approach them and ask for recommendations for Rat Terrier breeders in your area.

Finally, a responsible breeder will help make your pet fit in its new home by offering tips or suggestions. A responsible Rat Terrier breeder may even educate you on some of the traits of your new pet, its diet, its recommended exercises, etc. When you find a breeder that is passionate about his puppies, you will also find a wise business person who wants you to seek his services again and again. And he will do so by providing you "quality" puppies and great customer relations.