I'm the breeder behind Gems Rat Terriers located in Shelbyville, TN. We hold ourselves to high standards for the integrity of our program. All of our puppies are socialized, nurtured, and loved! We’re so lucky to be able to do this and match wonderful families with our perfect puppies. We also donate 5% of our sales to select rescues.
About Janet
We have been breeding for 20yrs. We love the breed and care about each and every one of them. We have 9 generations and have parents, grandparents and great grandparents as all our dogs are also our pets. We take pride in producing healthy puppies with no genetic defects as has shown in 20yrs. Our dogs are cared for on a 24/7 basis. We try to match the right puppy with the right owner.
What makes Janet’s program special
Our dogs and puppies are raised in pristine conditions. We tell you the truth as to our puppies temperaments. We have a long line of healthy dogs and have sold over 400 puppies. Many people keep in touch and send pictures. We are here to answer any questions our dog owners have. We love to help and love making great healthy dogs.
Janet’s certifications & recognitions
Puppy Culture Breeder
Blake
Male • Ready Apr. 21
Rat Terrier
Priscilla
Female • Ready Apr. 21
Rat Terrier
Zack
Male • Ready Apr. 21
Rat Terrier
Boy 7
Male • Ready Apr. 21
Rat Terrier
Randy
Male • Ready Apr. 21
Rat Terrier
Butch
Male • Ready Apr. 21
Rat Terrier
Dawn
Female • Ready Apr. 21
Rat Terrier
Girl 1
Female • Went Home May 16, 2024
Rat Terrier
Luke
Male • Went Home May 16, 2024
Rat Terrier
Boy 3
Male • Went Home May 16, 2024
Rat Terrier
Boy 1
Male • Went Home May 16, 2024
Rat Terrier
Boy 4
Male • Went Home May 16, 2024
Rat Terrier
Keith
Male • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024
Rat Terrier
boy 1
Male • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024
Rat Terrier
Toby
Female • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024
Rat Terrier
Whisky
Male • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024
Rat Terrier
Brandi
Female • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024
Rat Terrier
Sonny
Male • Went Home Mar. 22, 2024
Rat Terrier
Newborn Rat Terriers from Storm and Jesse
Born Dec. 2023. Ready Apr. 11, 2024
Newborn Rat Terriers from Storm and Jesse
Born Feb. 2025. Ready Apr. 21
Newborn Rat Terriers from Storm and Jesse
Born Dec. 2023
Ready Apr. 11, 2024
Newborn Rat Terriers from Storm and Jesse
Born Feb. 2025
Ready Apr. 21
Janet has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Puppy prices range from $1,300 and include a non-refundable deposit of $200.
“NRTA pedigree papers. Health guarantee. 5 way vaccination. Worming and parasite prevention. Small bag of food. Leash and harness. All puppies are the same price. We may reduce the price due to age. We donate 5% to select rescues.”
Janet may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Janet offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Janet directly.
We socialize our puppies with children and people as best we can. They are paper trained and learn manners as to be gentle with people during their teething process. They know certain commands as in No, Wait, good dog and they get hugs and kisses and lots of love. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Various sounds, Socialized with other animals, Daily handling, Socialized with children, Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Scent introduction, and Socialized in new places.
All puppies are wormed, parasite preventative, 5 way vaccination and guarantee to be healthy.
We send our puppies home with Registration, Food & treats, Basic obedience & manners, Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent, Initial potty training, Vaccinations, Dew claws removed, Blanket with Littermates Scent, Food Starter Bag, Puppy Leash, and Puppy Collar.
Janet offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
“We do not ship our puppies. Please call for special arrangements. ”
Work with a trusted flight nanny to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.
Why Janet started breeding
We loved our first one so much we decided to get another. The plan was to breed and keep one. We liked the process and bred again. We then got addicted to these dogs and we grew from there. I am the vice president of the national rat terrier association with a breeder of excellence award. We love what we do.
Janet is a Preferred Good Dog Breeder
Preferred Breeders are recognized for their quick replies and exceptional buyer support.
Janet has been a member of Good Dog for about 1 year
Janet was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2024.
Janet’s program includes six colors
Janet’s Rat Terrier puppies include white and apricot, fawn white and tan, blue white and tan, white, chocolate and tan, white and blue, and black tan and white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Gems Rat Terriers meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier
About Storm
Storm is such a sweetheart. He listens very well and wants to please. He is more mellow than the other dogs. He tells me when one of the other dogs are doing something wrong. He is also protective.
Rat Terrier
About Dee Dee
Dee Dee is a female Rat Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Janet decided to make her part of their program. Janet has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Rat Terrier
About Jesse
She has a good prey drive. She caught a mouse the other day. She does have lots of energy. She is eager to please. She listens to commands well.
Rat Terrier
About Jolene
Jolene is a sweetheart. She listens well and is great with her puppies. She knows many commands and is a fun dog to be around. She has a keen sense of hearing.
Rat Terrier
About Amber
Amber is a female Rat Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Janet decided to make her part of their program. Janet has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Rat Terrier
Good level
Gems Rat Terriers reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Rat Terriers.
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Hear what other owners say about working with Janet to bring home their puppies.
LYNNE E.
Aug. 2024
I drove over a thousand miles to pick up my Georgie. Janet had sent pictures, answered questions and spent time with me on the day of delivery giving me advice, food, treats and a strip of blanket...
Kelsey L.
July 2024
Wonderful experience! I was updated all along the way. I was sent pictures of my puppy while I waited for her. When the day came to pick up my puppy, Janet was awesome! She gave me useful things for...
Stephen N.
July 2024
Janet is an experienced and professional breeder. She was super responsive, helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. She made the entire experience from inquiry to purchase an easy one. ...
Beth A.
July 2024
Janet was responsive and knowledgeable about the breed. You can tell she and her husband really care about their dogs. She sent pictures when requested and gave me updates about my puppy. The process...
Sarah R.
June 2024
Life with my new dog is fantastic. Janet described his personality accurately, so there were no unpleasant surprises. He's healthy, fun, sweet natured and has won over my grumpy older Doxy mix. I'm...