Gems Rat Terriers
- Shelbyville, TN
- Responds within a few days
Available puppies
Nash
6 weeks old · Male
Eva
6 weeks old · Female
Meet the breeder
I'm Janet L., 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 puppies. 5% of our sales go to select rescues. We breed diversified puppies. They are all original.
Q. & A. with Janet
Why did you start 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. We feel it is important to continue the original heritage of the Rat Terrier. I am the vice president of the national rat terrier association with a breeder of excellence award. We love what we do.What makes your 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. We love to help and love making great healthy dogs. All of our puppies are diversified. It's our breeding practice to create healthier pups.What are the different breed sizes in your program?
Alaskan Klee Kai puppies include mini and standard sizes. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our Rat Terrier puppies include fawn white and tan, white and apricot, blue white and tan, white, chocolate and tan, white and blue, and black tan and white. Alaskan Klee Kai puppies include red and white and gray and white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and a kennel on my property.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Whisky
Went homeMale
Brandi
Went homeFemale
Keith
Went homeMale
Toby
Went homeFemale
boy 1
Went homeMale
Zack
Went homeMale
Dawn
Went homeFemale
Bandit
Went homeMale
Randy
Went homeMale
Smokey
Went homeMale
Priscilla
Went homeFemale
Troy
Went homeMale
Delilah
Went homeFemale
Daisy
Went homeFemale
Dottie
Went homeFemale
Nash
Went homeMale
Dallas
Went homeFemale
Thelma
ReservedFemale
Boy 1
ReservedMale
Sonny
Went homeMale
Luke
Went homeMale
Boy 4
Went homeMale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Beau
Went homeMale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
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, 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, Janet partners with them to find the best puppy match.
“We tell you the truth as to the temperament of these puppies. There will be no surprises. ”
Price
“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. Our deposits are non refundable because we hold a puppy for you. The deposit is good until you find your puppy.”
Contract & 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.
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
- Scent introduction
- 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
Extras
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Basic obedience & manners
- Toys
- Food & treats
- Registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Janet.
Breeder's location
Meet in Shelbyville, TN
552 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Nashville Airport (Berry Field)
542 miles away
·
Flexible meeting point
Janet can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Janet
Club memberships
Janet is a member of CKC and NRTA.
Certifications & recognitions
Puppy Culture Breeder.
Janet has been a member of Good Dog for about 2 years
Janet was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2024.
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
Parent dogs
All breeds
Alaskan Klee Kai
Rat Terrier
Dolly, mom
Alaskan Klee Kai
About Dolly
Dolly is very active. She is a sweetheart and loves to be held and petted. She is very smart.
Travis, dad
Alaskan Klee Kai
About Travis
Travis is athletic. He can flip over. He has a wonderful termperament and is very friendly. He comes when you call and has quite a lot of energy.
Amber, mom
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.
Good health testing
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).Jolene, mom
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.
Good health testing
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).Dee Dee, mom
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.
Good health testing
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).Storm, dad
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.
Good health testing
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).Jesse, mom
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.
Good health testing
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).
Parent health 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.
David K.
Verified owner · Nov. 2025
Janet was very good to work with. I couldnt be happier with the entire process. She always responded quickly to my questions and when I got there to pick up my little boy she had food, treats, leashes, a toy and blanket. Everything I needed to help with his transition to his new home. I would highly recommend Janet if you are looking for a new family member. Thanks Janet!
Suzanne M.
Verified owner · Oct. 2025
Janet always responded quickly and was pleasant to work with. My Allie is smart and beautiful. She’s already taught herself to use the steps and we’ve taught her to use doggie door.
Len G.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
We are very happy with our experience. We feel that Janet is truly concerned about where her puppies go. I am glad we meet her standards. We now have a beautiful little girl that is keeping us quite busy.
Chloe C.
Verified owner · Oct. 2025
+4Janet was amazing from start to finish. She responsed so quickly and made the transfer so easy. More importantly she raised the most amazing and healthy dog. I really believe her dogs are the best quality and so affectionate.
Cheryl L.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
Janet was very easy to work with, responsive, and really cares about her dogs. She provided papers to transfer him to us and other items to bring home with him. I wouldn't hesitate to work with her again.
RRRachel R.
Verified owner · June 2025
Janet was great to work with through Good Dog. She responded to all inquiries quickly and had a ton of great information. She was able to bring Bandit (now Rocky) to the airport on our quick layover in Nashville. We've checked in several times since we've been home and all has been great!
