Sassy Girl came to us from a high kill shelter. This is what the staff had to say about her:

 

This girl looks like a purebred rat terrier (ears stand straight up and no tail). She smiles when she is excited and shows alot of pearly whites. She is only about 1-2 years old and was surrendered with her buddy Harley. Her owner "did not want to be bothered" with them anymore. They need someone who will really love them like part of the family.

 

Foster Update: Sassy Girl is very quiet and sweet and she is housebroken.  She will make a cute little whine to let you know that she is next to you.  She enjoys the comfort of her kennel, doesn’t jump on the furniture, but I do pick her up and put her on the couch with me.  She sits up in my lap so I can rub her belly and likes to rest her head under my chin.  It is very cute.  I do believe that she will be the politest, sweetest dog EVER once placed with a family that will show her unconditional love.  She gets very scared and runs to her kennel if you yell. 

 

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.