I'm Darice R., the breeder behind RaganRat Terriers located in Greenback, TN. Darice's dogs have appeared in magazine articles such as Dog Fancy, The Canine Chronicle, the 2006 Rat Terrier breed mega-magazine and Showsight’s 2021 Rat Terrier Digital Magazine. Her dogs were also written about in The New York Times, The Knoxville News Sentinel and The Daily Times newspapers. One of Darice's Rat Terriers has appeared numerous times in Brown Troutt Calendars and made the calendar cover twice. One of her American Hairless Terriers was on the cover of Bloodlines magazine. Another RaganRatter is on the package of a PetSafe dog product. Darice has been active in the dog show world since the age of sixteen. She’s written a How-To book on docking tails.
RaganRat boasts two UKC National Best of Breed winners (2015 and 2011); two Altered National Best of Breed winners (2015 and 2012); three Top Ten Best of Breed winners with Top Ten Finalist placements. In 2017, Darice handled her boy, Caesar, to capture the AKC National Owner Handler Finals Best of Breed win. Darice's dogs also excel in performance events and several are Total Dogs in UKC and AKC. RaganRat boasts MACH ranking dogs as #1, #2, #11, #12 and #19 spots for 2020. Six (6) RaganRatters are ranked in AKC FastCat 2020 statistics. A RaganRat is the #1 Rattie in Rally, another is #11. PACH ranks a RaganRat; four (4) dogs listed in All Time Top Rat Terrier Barn Hunters. “Pierce” boasts ranking as #22 in Sr. Class Big Air of the Worldwide DockDog Rankings!
One of Darice's Dock Divers won the 2015 UKC Premier Total Dog Best in Show. Her dogs have Eukanuba, Royal Canin and Westminster wins. Her dogs have AKC and UKC titles in conformation, agility, rally, dock diving, barn hunt, lure coursing and FastCat racing. RaganRat is extremely proud to have eight (8) Ratties working as certified Service Dogs across the United States, one in Alaska!
For more information on Darice Ragan and her Rat Terriers, visit http://www.raganrat.com.
Q. & A. with Darice
Why did you start breeding?
I bred and raised horses. Later my interest shifted to Rat Terriers since they’d been part of my family since the 1940’s. I love combining the art and science involved in creating an outstanding animal.
What makes your program special?
Remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare? I own two African Spur Thigh Sulcata Tortoises, Sherman and Winnie. They're symbolic to me because my dog program is based on "Slow and Steady Wins the Race". I've worked mostly independent in my breeding program and have been very successful with high-ranking competition dogs. I also give God the Glory for keeping his hand on my program and guiding me.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include white and chocolate, white, chocolate and tan, black tan and white, and black and white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Darice
Darice 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
Connect with Darice to learn more details about pricing.
“Once you've been selected to own a RaganRat, a Deposit is required. Deposit is Half of the Purchase Price. No pups are held without a deposit. Also, I do not do Puppy Payments...I am not a bank.”
Contract & health guarantee
Darice 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 Darice 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 Darice directly.
RaganRat 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
FLAIR, mom
Rat Terrier
About FLAIR
FLAIR is a female Rat Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Darice decided to make her part of their program. Darice 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.
STETSON, dad
Rat Terrier
About STETSON
STETSON is a male Rat Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Darice decided to make him part of their program. Darice 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.
CHEYENNE, mom
Rat Terrier
About CHEYENNE
CHEYENNE is a female Rat Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Darice decided to make her part of their program. Darice 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.
ROCKY, dad
Rat Terrier
About ROCKY
ROCKY is a male Rat Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Darice decided to make him part of their program. Darice 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.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
RaganRat 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.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
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).