UPDATED 10/20/2023 CAL VAL RAT TERRIERS - RAISING RAT TERRIERS IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA FOR 31 YEARS.

FAMILY HISTORY: Since the late 1920's my grandparents (& mother) raised Rat Terriers. Our children & grandchildren (& great grands) all know the importance of Rat Terrier in our family's history.

RAT TERRIER HISTORY: Previously called "Toy Fox Terriers, Ratters & Feists" this AMERICAN DEVELOPED BREED was the FARM DOG of the 40's and 50's. They Kept the rodents under control in the barn & became the cherished family pet & childrens playmate.

ABOUT US: John and I (married 56 years) are retired and old. We recently moved from our Mtn Home in Mariposa back to Ceres, Ca. where we raised our children. Now in our late 70's we can be a nuisance to them as we age further! We loved our mountain home but fire danger was too stressful!

LIFE WITH OUR DOGS:Our dogs spend most of their day outside in our yard & sleep in kennels in our garage at nite. Fans in the summer, heaters in the winter. As a good neighbor we kennel our dogs when we leave the house.

PUPPY SOCIALIZATION: "MOMS" and their puppies are raised in our home close to our TV & recliners. Guests are encouraged to pet & interact with them. Puppies learn confidence when exposed to a busy home & a variety of people.

PROPER PUPPY PROTOCOL: Our puppies are introduced to outside adventures at 4-5 wks old. Moms, Grand Moms and Cranky Canine Elders are great teachers as the puppies must learn proper pack behavior. It's great fun to watch!

DOG SHOWING: 23 years of dog showing, first with UKC & then AKC, has taught us a lot! Most importantly, making good breeding choices aiming for healthy, structurally correct Rat Terriers with good temperaments. Our dogs are evaluated & validated by professional judges in the Conformation Ring. We've learned that "show quality" means a lot more than a pretty face. I've stopped showing my dogs now as I use a cane. Tripping over my dog in the ring would not be pretty!

PUPPY PLACEMENT: Most of our puppies go into "pet homes" not "show homes." If you are looking for a purebred, we believe you want the best quality we can produce & Getting compliments on your "show quality" dog never gets old! We love to see some of our dogs enter the show ring, so if you WANT to do that we will help you! It's good for our egos!

HEALTH TESTING: Our dogs are tested on 212 DNA issues thru "WISDOM PANEL." We can show you their WISDOM PANEL records. We only breed dogs who are CLEAR for PLL, PRA-PRCD, DM and the "length" gene (all found in some terrier breeds)Hearts & patellas are vet examined and deemed excellent.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I am an RN & IBCLC; Registered Nurse & International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. My professional education keeps me focused on health, safety and good record keeping. My OB experience helps me as I assist my "dog ladies" giving birth. I give my own vaccinations, worming meds, tail docking and microchipping. You will receive detailed health records with your puppy. Our local veterinarians have my deepest respect. They are my friends & are invaluable to me with their advice & help as needed.

SPAY/NEUTER: We support spay/neutering when our dogs go into "Pet Homes" but strongly encourage new owners to wait until their dog is at least a year old. Puppies NEED those hormones to mature. Neutering too young is detrimental to their health and development

AKC KENNEL INSPECTIONS: AKC Field Rep. Scott Jackson visited (inspected) our home & kennels in 2019 & 2021. In his final report to AKC he added .... "This Breeder is in compliance with all the rules and regulations of the AKC and should be commended on the overall care and condition of her dogs and the organization of her records."

CAL VAL PUPPIES ARE ... **Sold with 1 year Health Warrantee **Out of Grand Champion bloodlines **Out of PLL, PRA-PRCD, DM & coat "length" gene CLEAR parents who are Vet examined for "excellent" hearts/patellas **Microchipped/Vaccinated/Dewormed on schedule **Litter box trained (started at 4 wks)**Raised in our living room with lots of love **Lifetime return policy if you are ever unable to care for your puppy/dog.

LEARNING ABOUT RAT TERRIERS: I (Gail) was on the Board of Directors for ARTA (American Rat Terrier Assoc) for several years where I chaired several projects & committees. I personally designed the ARTA logo, which is still being used. I also created the ARTA Color Guide. I worked side by side with UKC (United Kennel Club) Vice Pres Cindy Cook. This was an invaluable time in my personal growth and learning about all things, RAT TERRIER.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: All our dogs are registered with the County. While we lived in Mariposa (15 years) we helped the ANIMAL CONTROL & SPCA rehome many Rat Terriers. We will continue to do that here in Ceres, Ca.

REFERRALS: We are not in competition with anyone. We refer to other breeders with the same health testing protocols. Most of our inquiries are referred to other quality breeders. We do not argue with those who feel differently than we do and we will not participate in slander.

PHOTOS / WEBSITE: I take all our photos & copyright protect them. Photographing puppies & keeping websites up to date is my passion. I try to put up NEW photos of our puppies every week to keep you happy! Please ask me to take extra photos of puppies you are interested in. It's a great excuse to avoid housework!

SHARING PHOTOS: We have had our photos stolen & used to promote puppy mills. SO, please understand when we ask you NOT to share our photos on social media. You may share our website & albums with friends & family but do not post the URL on social media. Once you have your puppy you, of course, can post your own photos. Please send us photos as your puppy grows. We love it! HAPPY RATTING! Gail & Hubby John (57 yrs and counting ...)