Back in 1995, some Rat
Terrier lovers in the New England area were looking for events they
could enter their Rat Terriers in while educating the public about this
rare breed. They began to sponsor the “Fun on The Farm” fun matches.
These fun matches were hosted semi- annually from 1995 to 1999.
Club members spoke to several UKC judges, who encouraged them to write a comprehensive breed standard and contact UKC on how to begin the process of breed acceptance. They began to solicit support and guidance from the Rat Terrier community and started a new club called the American Rat Terrier Association.
Around September of 1997, ARTA members contacted United Kennel Club to start the breed acceptance process. They worked with Cindy Cooke who was UKC’s New Breeds Manager. Cindy, along with Michelle Morgan (New Clubs Manager), directed club members through the process. Cindy was interested in accepting the Rat Terrier as a new UKC breed and willingly assisted and guided ARTA. On May 15, 1998, UKC announced acceptance of the Rat Terrier as a new breed. Registration began immediately with full breed privileges given as of January 1, 1999.
Club members spoke to several UKC judges, who encouraged them to write a comprehensive breed standard and contact UKC on how to begin the process of breed acceptance. They began to solicit support and guidance from the Rat Terrier community and started a new club called the American Rat Terrier Association.
Around September of 1997, ARTA members contacted United Kennel Club to start the breed acceptance process. They worked with Cindy Cooke who was UKC’s New Breeds Manager. Cindy, along with Michelle Morgan (New Clubs Manager), directed club members through the process. Cindy was interested in accepting the Rat Terrier as a new UKC breed and willingly assisted and guided ARTA. On May 15, 1998, UKC announced acceptance of the Rat Terrier as a new breed. Registration began immediately with full breed privileges given as of January 1, 1999.
During the next few years, ARTA members worked on developing interest
in the breed and encouraged and assisted in the formation of four UKC
regional breed clubs. They are the Central Valley Rat Terrier Club in
CA, Volcano View Rat Terrier Club in WA, Red River Rat Terrier Club in
TX, and Apple Valley Rat Terrier Club in CT.
ARTA members continue to promote interest in the breed, host several shows and performance events each year, participate in regional Pet Expos and breed seminars, as well as promoting interest in UKC and its many activities. ARTA is now the official UKC parent breed club for our Rat Terriers.
ARTA members continue to promote interest in the breed, host several shows and performance events each year, participate in regional Pet Expos and breed seminars, as well as promoting interest in UKC and its many activities. ARTA is now the official UKC parent breed club for our Rat Terriers.