Hawthorne Terriers

Sara S.

Breeder of Rat Terriers

  • Iowa Falls, IA
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm Sara S., the breeder behind Hawthorne Terriers located in Iowa Falls, IA. We acquired our first female, Seegmiller's Pippin, in 2016. We fell in love with the Seegmiller breeding program from the moment we made contact. We selected a female from our first litter, Carmen, for our daughter. Carmen has been an exceptional all-around dog for our family and breeding program.

Q. & A. with Sara

  • Why did you start breeding?

    We acquired our first female, Seegmiller's Pippin, in 2016. We purchased her for our son for rabbit hunting. We have owned and bred a variety of other working dogs, but this was our first Rat Terrier. We bred Pip and kept back our female Carmen from this litter. Carmen has been an exceptional all-around dog for our family and breeding program.
  • What makes your program special?

    We raise our puppies in our home as part of our family. They are exposed to other dogs and animals, kids, and lots of play. We start litter training at 4 weeks and crate training at 6 weeks. We learn their temperaments and are very selective about where we place pups. We require a questionnaire and family interview to reserve a puppy. All puppies have the option for limited AKC registration.
  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies are 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 Sara

Sara 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 $500 non-refundable deposit and $950 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“Includes vaccine and deworming records, nail trim, bath, option for limited AKC registration. We require a questionnaire and family interview to reserve a puppy. Our deposit is non-refundable unless there are extenuating circumstances. We will match you with a puppy based on your questionnaire, not a specific color or sex.”

Contract & health guarantee

Sara 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 Sara 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 Sara 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
      • 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
    • Extras
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • AKC registration
      • Food & treats
      • Initial potty training

Location & pick-up

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

  • Meet in Iowa Falls, IA

    856 miles away · Sara's location

  • Flexible meeting point

    Sara can meet at a location that works for both of you

  • Meet at CID airport

    773 miles away near Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Meet in Des Moines, IA

    867 miles away · Free

  • Meet at DSM airport

    869 miles away near Des Moines, IA

  • Meet in Albert Lea, MN

    882 miles away · Free

More about Sara

  • Sara has been a member of Good Dog for about 2 months

    Sara was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2025.

  • Sara’s links

Sara is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Hawthorne 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

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Good level

Hawthorne 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.

  • Full Embark Panel

    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 Sara to bring home their puppies.

  • Steven J.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2025

    Sirius has been a pretty good puppy. Although we don't expect him to tell us when he needs out he's not had accidents in the house. The challenge is to get him to be friends with our other dog. They play a little with a fence between them but they need more time before they can be trusted together.

  • Nicole B.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2025

    Sara was amazing to work with - responsive, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about her program. She set us up to succeed with our new family member - already well socialized and on a potty routine! My vet even commented on how well-bred Fred is - would recommend Sara to anyone looking for a rat terrier!

Photos

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