The Basenji and American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff) are being integrated into the Decker Terrier to enhance diversity, health, and stamina, resulting in what's now referred to as "The Old Dominion Terrier." This isn't a new breed but rather a reintroduction of some of the foundational genetics that originally helped form the Decker Terrier.

   We cherish the size of our Decker Terriers, but we're aware that with time, this might diminish due to the influence of Chihuahua and toy breeds within the Rat Terrier lineage.

   The primary distinction between the Rat Terrier and the Decker Terrier lies in the inclusion of Basenji in the Decker's bloodline. Deckers should arguably not have been classified as Rat Terriers, which has confined us to breeding with Rat Terriers.

   In our quest for suitable outcrosses, we've turned back to breeds historically linked to these dogs, aiming to restore the larger, beloved farm dogs that have nearly vanished, largely due to a historical trend favoring smaller toy breeds.

   Below is the old ancestry tree of the Rat Terrier as outlined by the Rat Terrier Club of America: 

(Note: You will not find Basenji in this tree.)

(Note: If you prefer larger dogs, introducing Chihuahua and toy genetics will not help maintain or increase their size.)