i have a chinchilla (for those who don't know, it a rodent. like a squarrel and a mouse mixed, i guess.) i resently got a rat terrier. he has gone up to my chinchillas cage about twice, and followed me while i carried him just once, but i think thats because hes curious.
i know its stereotypical of the breed, but do i need to be concerned with the 2 of them in one household?
2006-12-08 13:03:15 · 4 answers · asked by XO 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Boy that's interesting. I too have a Rat Terrier - 5 mos old. I've read a couple of things about them, one of which said they naturally hunt rodents. I might ask your vet. I would think they would have to be trained to kill rodents??? But what do I know...
Good luck!
2006-12-08 13:12:57 · answer #1 · answered by Mum2Boys 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes you need to be very concerned. This is not just a curiosity, it's a killer instinct. The Rat Terrier is a hunting dog (a ratter). It's an intense instinct in this breed. In the early years of this breed, they were called "Fiests". Do not let this dog get to your Chinchilla, or the dog will kill the Chinchilla instantly. This breed will kill rabbits, rats, mice, squirrels, gophers, etc. They are better than cats. There is also a Giant Rat Terrier. Hunters use these dogs for large game. Rodents and small game+Rat Terriers=DEAD!
2006-12-08 22:35:11 · answer #2 · answered by a10cowgirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had two dwarf rabbits when I got my first dog. From the start when I brought the dog in I made sure it understood it could not bark or paw at their cage. The dog would follow me whenever I had them out and would lick their faces (nice gesture) while I was grooming the bunnies. However, I never left them unattended together. The rabbits were caged exceot when I was interacting with them. Remember, that no matter how nice they seem to get along when you're there you cannot have your chincilla mingle with the dog while you're not there to watch them. Rat Terriers were bred to chase and kill small rodents...nature could kick in at any time. Don't risk the life of your chinchillas with an "accident".
2006-12-09 00:12:44 · answer #3 · answered by smurf 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't you know ANYTHING about DOGS??? Let alone TERRIERS???
KILLING VERMIN is what they've been selectively BRED to do for hundreds of years!
DUH??
2006-12-09 08:12:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋