People who don't know rats always look at me in disbelief when I say the nearest I can get to describing the general character of my rats is as being similar to having 3 little dogs rushing about! Am I mad, or does anyone else agree?

They appear to be (most of the time) pleased to see me in the same way, exhibit the same degree of recognition (sticking close to mum when other people are around) and seem to show similar body language in some ways - such as bouncing around and running in circles when they're excited to be getting fed, or let out to play etc.

I've also read somewhere that rats have a similar level of intelligence to dogs - does anyone know if this is actually true? (no-one I've mentioned this to believes it can possibly be right).  

Ya Ali, I think your absolutely right. I often compare my rats to dogs when I'm trying to explain to someone what they're like.
As far as the intelligence level I'm not sure but wouldn't be surprised at all if they were similar.

Mine act more like cats really-smarter than my cat actually!  

Dogs are the usual fallback description, but often I describe them as somewhere between a dog, a cat, and a human.

Like making a triangle, with each point being a dog, a cat and a human -- the rat is in the center.  

I firmly believe they are just as smart as a dog or a cat, and they're actually smarter than a few humans I know...

Hmmm, I never really understood this...

I don't find rats to be anything like dogs.

I'm not sure what I would compare them to, nothing I think. They really are an animal all their own.

I got my girls because they are so much like dogs!  My apartment doesn't allow dogs so I got my girls!  Now I don't think there will be a time when I won't have rats!

I have 2 small dogs that are so yappy that they could use a class in mannors and 1 big dog you would never know she was here exept you trip on her all the time and as far as affection goes i would have to say my rats are the same as my dogs, always glad to see me and licky, licky licky.  

Let's see... *thinking*

1. They're human-social and interactive.
2. They're trainable.
3. They'll eat anything, whether they're supposed to or not.
4. In the wild, they live in groups with a defined hierarchy.
5. They rule.

Ok, the last one was a bit subjective, but I wanted five.

Yep, recognise ALL that, Ali.
Aileen even calls our girls - Puppeeeeees!

How about when they do a bloodhound, nose to floor following 'trails'?
(Yuck, what IS all over our floor and sofa?!?!?)

Or the way they run off with bone-shaped dog biscuits to find a 'safe' place to crunch them?

Or how they sit waiting, looking expectantly at the door when Aileen goes to make their supper, then when she returns, bouncing along beside her until she puts the bowls down

And of course, they're always sniffing each other's arses!!  

I have (had) a lot of rats, and I still haven't seen it!

If I had to compare them to anything it would an outgoing friendly cat.

Sorry I still don't see the dog connection.  

I like the description of they act like little dogs but have the intelligence of a cat.

Personally, I tell people they are like little dogs.....but smarter.  (sorry dog owners, not trying to bash or anything).

My rats DON'T eat other animal poo or their own and they don't eat barf either.  

I like too say that they are like lil dogs. When my ratties feel like it they come to their names and they always run about with their noses to the ground or in the air. I would agree tho that they are more intelligent and alot more curious  

Yes... but.. they do it in a very dignified manner.. *nod*