A Little About Us

We here at Southern Sands Kennels are exclusive breeders of the remarkable Rat Terrier (coated variety only). We are dedicated to preserving the fine qualities, history, and lineage of the Rat Terrier, and our NUMBER ONE priority is the betterment of the breed. Our efforts are geared toward enhancing the quality and selectively widening the gene pool of this most sturdy and delightful 100 year old American breed.

Rat Terriers are famous companion dogs and rugged working terriers. They are loyal, loving, exceptionally versatile, highly trainable, self-thinking, and they posses a high desire to please. We have miniature and standard sized Rat Terriers in every color, and they are all nicely long-legged and square (we do not raise the short-legged “Teddy Terriers”).

We pride ourselves on breeding the best of the best to ensure complete soundness, and we have gone to great lengths to acquire extensive bloodlines. We do not do any inbreeding here! Each of our Rat Terriers is registered with both United Kennel Club and Universal Kennel Club, International, and we are working on the UKC championships of several of our dogs. We have been involved with Rat Terriers since 1988 when we acquired our first remarkable Rat Terrier, Belvedere (a.k.a. “Feisty”). We are licensed by the State of Georgia, and we are active members of UKC's fully licensed national parent breed club for the Rat Terrier, the ARTA. Please visit their websites for excellent breed information including a complete & thorough breed standard.

Another major goal of ours is to educate the public about the importance of not supporting the entities which foster the puppy milling industry and cruelty to animals: pet brokers, pet auctions, and pet shops. Please join us in spreading the word!

Our Rat Terriers are our beloved pets, not just “breeding stock”. We delight in each of them as precious members of our family, and no expense is spared where their comfort, happiness, nutrition, and health are concerned. Each of our puppies are socialized from day-one to ensure that they will be prepared to become loving and loyal members of their prospective new families. We litter train our puppies using the standard sized Purina Second Nature litter pans with regular cat litter to help foster clean habits, and they are also treated with Albon for the prevention of coccidia. Our Rat Terriers are sold with written health guarantees and are current on all vaccinations and wormings. A free Purina O.N.E. Puppy Starter Kit comes with each puppy.

Safe shipping is available with US Airways PDQ or Delta Dash out of Savannah, GA. If you are interested in acquiring one of our available Rat Terriers, please complete our online application form. References from numerous previous buyers and other highly reputable breeders are available upon request, and do feel free to contact us if we can be of any assistance.