Description:
What an adorable little girl Peanut is!!! We think she is a Rat Terrier mix and judging by her paws, unlikely to get real big. She is a bouncey thing now, but when we first got her, her back legs were paralyzed. Animal Control had her but called Judy because they can't really do any medical care. Judy took her to the vet who couldn't find anything wrong with her. A volunteer took her home and cleverly started physical therapy with her by making a sling out of an apron! Pretty soon she was walking on her own. Then she was fortunate enough to have a chiropractor take a look at her. He found "the equivalent of a 5th lumbar" out of alignment and gave her an adjustment - she gave a yelp but has steadily improved ever since. Now she can run and play with the best of them! She's even able to run up a flight of stairs! Meanwhile, she loves to play tug-of-war, chew on sticks, and lick faces! Peanut is a sweetheart!

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com the Rat Terrier was named by the preceptive Teddy Roosevelt. They were develope in Great Britain originally from Smooth Fox Terriers and Manchester Terriers in 1820. They were brought to the USA in the 1890's. At that time they were all their original color of black and tan. Life Magazine showed President Roosevelt with three black and tan Rat Terriers. American breeders crossed them again with the Smooth Fox Terrier as well as the Beagle and Whippet. The Beagle increased bulk, trailing and hunting ability, along with the red color. Whippet contributed the speed and agility and probably the blue and brindle colors. The smallest variety was derived from the Smooth Fox Terrier and Chihuahua. The Rat Terrier proved to be one of the best in the rat-baiting pits. One Rat Terrier is reported to have killed over 2,501 rats in a span of only seven hours in a rat infested barn. The Rat Terrier is a hard-working farm hand, able to rid an infested barn of vermin with no problem. The Rat Terrier is an intelligent, alert and loving dog. Very inquisitive and lively. This affectionate dog makes an excellent companion for those who will enjoy an energetic dog. They are good with children, especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood. They are fairly territorial, and for the most part friendly with strangers. Rat Terriers make good watchdogs. These dogs are quick and very playful and are not yappers. The temperament of these dogs is pure terrier. The lively, feisty, fearless nature can be found in the best of terriers. They are eager to please and respond and pick training up faster than most dogs. The Rat terrier is a very well mannered, well rounded dog. They are easy to train and very eager to learn and to please their owner. They love to go with you and to do what you do. They are also very good swimmers, not bashful or afraid and have no problem with the water. They make good farm dogs as well as excellent family dogs for pets and companionship. This hardy dog is used for hunting expeditions as well as terrier work. They are easy adjusted as mature dogs into families with or without children. They have a life expectancy of about 15 to 18 years.