Gems Rat Terriers

Raised by Janet L.

Certified Breeder of Rat Terriers

  • Preferred Breeder
  • 100% response rate • Responds within a few hours

Meet the breeder

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.

Janet’s experience

  • 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

Puppies

Blake

Available

Male • Ready Apr. 21

Rat Terrier

Priscilla

Available

Female • Ready Apr. 21

Rat Terrier

Zack

Available

Male • Ready Apr. 21

Rat Terrier

Boy 7

Available

Male • Ready Apr. 21

Rat Terrier

Randy

Available

Male • Ready Apr. 21

Rat Terrier

Butch

Available

Male • Ready Apr. 21

Rat Terrier

Dawn

Reserved

Female • Ready Apr. 21

Rat Terrier

Girl 1

Reserved

Female • Went Home May 16, 2024

Rat Terrier

Luke

Reserved

Male • Went Home May 16, 2024

Rat Terrier

Boy 3

Reserved

Male • Went Home May 16, 2024

Rat Terrier

Boy 1

Reserved

Male • Went Home May 16, 2024

Rat Terrier

Boy 4

Reserved

Male • Went Home May 16, 2024

Rat Terrier

Keith

Reserved

Male • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024

Rat Terrier

boy 1

Reserved

Male • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024

Rat Terrier

Toby

Reserved

Female • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024

Rat Terrier

Whisky

Reserved

Male • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024

Rat Terrier

Brandi

Reserved

Female • Went Home Apr. 11, 2024

Rat Terrier

Sonny

Reserved

Male • Went Home Mar. 22, 2024

Rat Terrier

Newborn & upcoming litters

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

Getting a puppy from Janet

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.

Price

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.”

Contract and health guarantee

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.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What's included

Enrichment and socialization

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.

 … 
Puppy health practices

All puppies are wormed, parasite preventative, 5 way vaccination and guarantee to be healthy.

Extras

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.

Bringing your puppy home

Janet offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.

Pick up your puppy in Shelbyville, TN or nearby

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. ”

Get your puppy dropped off to you

Work with a trusted flight nanny to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.

More about Janet

  • 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.

  • Janet’s links

Janet is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Gems Rat Terriers meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Meet Janet's parent dogs

All breeds

Rat Terrier

Parent health testing

Rat Terrier

Breeder-Reported Testing

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).

Verified owner stories

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...

    KL

    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...

    SN

    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...

Photos