 ~History & Development Of The Decker Terrier~ Our history on the Decker Terrier began in 1970 with the crossbreeding of Standard Rat Terriers with various dog breeds. Probably the most notable is the Basenji usage. We can see the influence of the Basenji in a stiffly erect ear, elegant carriage and smooth coat with higher than typical canine intelligence. Another notable dog in our Decker's are the Smooth Coat Fox Terrier and Feist a hardy dog used for squirrel hunting in the Southern United States. Smooth Coat Fox Terrier's have added a solid temperament and hunting drive. Continuous breeding of larger offspring has resulted in a taller, more muscled dog with a broader more squared off muzzle of the Decker Terrier breed. What had began with that small initial group of dogs over 35 years ago has now blossomed into an amazing dog with much to offer. Decker's had barely survived the past 35 years with few people knowing what they are or even that they had ever existed. A handful of people from the 1990's to 2000 were actively breeding and very few dogs were left when the millennia rolled around. In 2000 we enter the new breeders and also the people whom will be noted with the preservation and resurrection of a dying breed. Seegmiller Kennel perhaps was the catalyst for the preservation efforts that began around 2000 and continue on to present day. Kim Seegmiller gathered what little of the bloodlines she could find and began an intensive breeding program that would also grow numbers of Decker's for the future of the Breed. The last pure Decker female Simons Lucy must be mentioned here for without that female the Seegmiller breeding program would not have been. We must also mention Eli Brown for his efforts not only as a breeder but, also for writing The Decker Rat Terrier book. Other breeders of note are Joe Quintana, Michelle Heist, Monika Miller, Guy and Sherri Chatterton and Nathan Daily all were the initial breeders who realized that without substantial help the Decker would cease to be in a few years. It also should be mentioned that a few breeders had Decker lineage but, were crossing them with smaller Standard Rat Terriers and as such the traits of the Decker were slowly but, surely fading away into obscurity. The present day Decker Terrier has remained true to his origins an all around family dog, versatile hunter and loyal companion. This canine is a true American legend created for people by people who love canines and desired good temperament, excellent health with the ability to be easily trained and also loyal to the owner. Preservation efforts are maintained to show true original characteristics, traditional colors and excellent conformation. Currently there are more breeders than ever scattered all over the great USA who are breeding by an established breed standard. With the combined efforts of dedicated breeders the Decker Terrier will achieve breed status and be saved from extinction forever. We at the Decker Terrier Home commend those new breeders on their efforts and will continue to support and promote the Decker Terrier. Decker Terrier Home |
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~The DeckerTerrier Club~
Is Proudly Announcing BREED STATUS For The Decker Terrier Anyone whom is interested may contact the Decker Terrier Club for more information at deckerterriers@gmail.com |
