Gems Rat Terriers

Janet L.

Breeder of Alaskan Klee Kai and Rat Terriers

  • Shelbyville, TN
  • Responds within a day

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?

    Our 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 Alaskan Klee Kai puppies include red and white and gray and white. 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. 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.

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.

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 include a $200 non-refundable deposit and $1,100 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“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.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

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
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • 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
      • Registration
      • Initial potty training

Location & pick-up

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

Puppy pick-up locations

  • Meet in Shelbyville, TN

  • Meet at BNA airport

  • 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 over 1 year

    Janet was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2024.

  • 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

Parent dogs

All breeds

Alaskan Klee Kai

Rat Terrier

Parent health testing

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.

  • Chloe C.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2025

      • +4

    Janet 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.

    RR

    Rachel 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!

  • 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.

    Andrew N.

    Verified owner · May 2025

    We had an excellent experience picking up our puppy, Zack. Janet was responsive to all our questions and she helped us select the puppy with the traits we wanted. GoodDog made communication and payment easy. She and her husband drove an hour to deliver Zack to reduce our travel time. We were grateful for this. Zack is a healthy, playful, sweet dog, who loves to snuggle. We highly recommend Janet for your next rat terrier.

Photos

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.

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