Decker Brat

The Decker Hunting Terrier is a larger variety of the Rat Terrier, developed specifically for hunting larger game and named for breeder Milton Decker who worked to preserve and promote these hunting lines. These athletic dogs typically stand fifteen to twenty inches at the shoulder, though some individuals may be slightly smaller or larger, and weigh between twenty and forty pounds, with some sources indicating weights up to forty-five pounds for larger specimens. The breed presents a slightly rectangular profile, being marginally longer than tall, with a well-balanced, muscular build that speaks to its working heritage as a versatile hunting companion. The Decker Hunting Terrier possesses a sturdy, compact yet meaty frame built for both speed and endurance in the field. The breed features a deep chest providing ample lung capacity for sustained activity during hunts, strong sloping shoulders, a solid muscular neck, and powerful legs designed for both running down game and digging after quarry that goes to ground. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, proportionate to the body size, with a strong muzzle, powerful jaws, and alert expression. Ears may be carried upright or tipped, and stand erect when the dog is alert and focused on prey or handler. The tail may be full and natural, docked to working length, or naturally bobbed, as the breed registry accepts all three tail variations equally. The coat is short, smooth, and dense, lying close to the body for protection against brush and requiring minimal grooming beyond occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Decker Hunting Terriers appear in a variety of colors including solid, bi-color, and tri-color patterns, with or without white markings on the face, chest, legs, and tail tip. Preferred colors include black, black and tan, tan with or without sabling, and apricot. Traditional undiluted colors are generally preferred over chocolate, blue, or other dilute color variations by breed enthusiasts. The breed's overall appearance conveys an alert, capable hunting dog with the athleticism, keen senses, and drive necessary for its original purpose of pursuing game through varied terrain and in challenging conditions.

The Boston Terrier is a small, compact, well-balanced dog with a distinctive appearance that has earned it the nickname American Gentleman. The American Kennel Club divides the breed into three weight classes: under fifteen pounds, fifteen to under twenty pounds, and twenty to twenty-five pounds, with dogs not exceeding twenty-five pounds. Heights typically range from fifteen to seventeen inches at the withers, with males generally slightly taller than females. The breed presents a square, sturdy appearance with a body that is short and well-knit, displaying strength and substance without appearing coarse or spindly in build. The Boston Terrier's head is square and flat on top with well-defined cheeks, a short, wide, square muzzle in proportion to the skull, and a pronounced stop between the forehead and nose. The breed's large, round, prominent eyes are set wide apart, are dark in color, and give an alert, intelligent, kind expression that is considered one of the most important characteristics of the breed. The ears are small and carried erect, either naturally or cropped, positioned at the corners of the skull to enhance the square appearance of the head. The jaw is broad and square with an even or slightly undershot bite, and the lips completely cover the teeth when the mouth is closed. The tail is short, fine, and low-set, carried horizontally or in a downward position, either straight or in a corkscrew pattern but never curled over the back. The breed's distinctive tuxedo-like markings are a defining characteristic that contributes to the gentleman image. Boston Terriers come in brindle, seal, or black, always with white markings. Seal appears black but shows a red cast when viewed in sunlight or bright light. Required markings include a white muzzle band, white blaze between the eyes, and white forechest. Preferred additional markings include a white collar encircling the neck, white on the forelegs partly or wholly, white on the hind legs below the hocks, and markings that are symmetrical. The coat is short, smooth, bright, and fine in texture, lying flat and requiring minimal grooming. The breed's refined appearance combined with its distinctive coloring perfectly embodies its gentleman moniker.