CaliRats Rat Terriers

Deborah S.

Breeder of Rat Terriers

  • Atlanta, TX ·
  • Responds within a day

Available puppies and older dogs

Johnny

Ready now

5 years old · Male

Upcoming litters

Charlie
LILY

Expected Rat Terrier litter

Due Sept. 2026

Ready Nov. 10
Charlie
Jersey Girl

Expected Rat Terrier litter

Due Sept. 2026

Ready Nov. 11

Meet the breeder

I'm Deborah S., the breeder behind CaliRats Rat Terriers located in Atlanta, TX. and I'm Melissa Dillon, located in California. We focus on producing healthy, well-socialized puppies that grow into loyal companions for loving homes. Our puppies are nurtured with care, enrichment, and early socialization to help them thrive. We do not just raise dogs we raise best friends.

Q. & A. with Deborah

  • Why did you start breeding?

    Deborah purchased her first Rat Terrier in 2007, quickly fell in love with the breed, and pursued a breeding program focused on producing the amazing qualities that make up a Rat Terrier. Melissa joined in 2017 under Deborah's mentorship, and they have been devoted to the program ever since. We love what we do and do what we love.
  • What makes your program special?

    At CaliRat Rat Terriers, our breeding program is built on heart before anything else. We believe bringing a puppy into the world is a lifelong promise, which is why we offer 100 percent support for the entire life of your dog. When you choose a CaliRat puppy, you are not just getting a pet, you are joining a family that stands beside you every step of the way.
  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include white and lemon, white and chocolate, white, chocolate and tan, white and blue fawn, white and blue, red white and sable, black and white, and black white and tan. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Deborah

Deborah has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.

After buyers complete the application and screening process, Deborah partners with them to find the best puppy match.

“We have an application process that will let us get to know you better. ”

Price

Puppy prices include a $200 non-refundable deposit and between $1,000 - $1,400 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“This price includes UKCI paperwork once spayed/ neutered, first vaccination, microchip for vet to insert, worming, and puppy packet. Deposits are our way of reserving your puppy. The deposit will be subtracted from your full price of puppy when picked up.”

Contract & health guarantee

Deborah 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 Deborah 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 Deborah directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

You’re protected
on Good Dog

When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.

What's included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
      • Microchip
    • Extras
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Deborah.

Breeder's location

Meet in Atlanta, TX

1016 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Texarkana Airport (Webb Field)

996 miles away

·


Meet in Texarkana, AR

999 miles away

·

More about Deborah

  • Certifications & recognitions

    Canine Behavioral Consultant Certificate (e-Training for Dogs).

  • Deborah has been a member of Good Dog for 5 months

    Deborah was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.

  • Deborah’s links

Deborah is a trusted Good Dog breeder

CaliRats 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

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Good level

CaliRats 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.

  • Vet Wellness Exam

    A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.

  • 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 Deborah to bring home their puppies.

  • bp

    brian p.

    Verified owner · Apr. 2026

    "Calirats" What a wonderful and cathartic experience for me and my old buddy Jaxx.. I had 3 furbabies then 2 then 1 Life right!!! Didn't know I was ready a new pup until I happened upon Good Dog Which led me to Calirats and Melissa who is knowledgeable friendly and genuinely caring about people who are looking for a very special breed of dog indeed. If you are looking for your next furbaby I highly recommend good dog as a start. Thank you Melissa.

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Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.