This journey started as my amazing Malinois Dazzle was getting up in years (he lived to be almost 18!). Now my Labrador Voodoo is 10 and I’m ready to welcome my next family member. I knew I wanted a smaller breed and considered several, but decided on the Rat Terrier for their versatility, temperament, health and size. Plus I love the way the breed looks!
So then I started researching breeders. I am VERY picky about what I want in my dogs (temperament, health, conformation, and lots of other traits) and I know just how important it is to get a breeder that is responsible, knows what they are doing, and does lots of early socialization and training!
I found Stacy McWilliams and River Ridge Rat Terriers. She and her dogs check all the boxes for what I was looking for. I talked with her about her breeding plans and the litter I put a deposit on was still ‘up in the air’ with some unknowns regarding timing of various things but I really loved the male.
Meanwhile, just recently, a spot had the potential to open up in a litter she co-bred in Oklahoma and I was looking at THAT litter (with only 1 male in it) that just turned 6 weeks old.
Then I get word that a pup might be available in her current litter that has an AMAZING sire and dam! The litter has 3 boys and they are all so good that she’s having a really hard time picking who goes where! Another breeder that gets pick male is also having a hard time choosing based on photos/videos, so she will be going to Stacy’s to see them in person and attend a show with Stacy in VT July 9th-12th where they might get a chance to have some Judges look at them as well.
Once they decide, I’ll know who my pup will be. I should know on the 9th or 10th. The pups turn 10 weeks old on Sunday the 12th and I’m hoping the other breeder that went to look at the pups can also bring mine with her because she lives in VA, which is MUCH closer than PA! Though I would be willing to drive to the other side of the U.S. for the right pup, so if I could get the pup sooner, I would definitely drive up to get him. That said, I’m very hopeful to have Mr. Sir in my arms on July 13th.
Waiting for things I want is NOT a strong suit of mine :-) Especially when the waiting means 2 less weeks I can spend on the socialization I love to do! But I know Stacy will be continuing to socialize and work on basic training with the pups. And they all have phenomenal bold temperaments!
