Prague Ratter
- Toy
- FCI Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs)
The Prague Ratter is a tiny Czech companion standing 8 to 9 inches tall and weighing 3 to 8 pounds. Quiet, curious, and social, it is active in short bursts and then settles, and it typically lives 12 to 14 years.
- Height
- 8 to 9
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 3 to 8
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14
- years, median 13
- Senior from
- 9.8
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Origin
- Czech Republic
- Recognized
- 2019
The Prague Ratter, also called the Pražský krysařík, is a tiny toy dog with an intelligent, curious nature. It stands 8 to 9 inches tall and weighs 3 to 8 pounds, with a compact, almost square body and clearly defined differences between males and females.
Ratters are playful, energetic, and social. They need regular contact with familiar people. Unlike many small dogs that turn yappy, the Ratter is usually quiet, and it adapts well to full-time indoor and apartment living.
The breed traces back to the Middle Ages, when it was common in the rodent-infested palaces of central Europe. By the rule of Polish King Boleslaw II (1058 to 1081) it was already established, and the king grew fond of the dogs, importing two from Bohemia. Some of its appeal faded when the more fashionable Miniature Pinscher arrived, but the tenacious Ratter held on, saw a small resurgence in the 1980s, and remains rare today, seldom seen outside its native Czech Republic.
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
Little dogs like Ratters need more calories per pound of body weight than larger dogs. A food made for small breeds and matched to your dog's life stage suits them well, since these diets carry the right blend of nutrients and the smaller kibble is easier to chew and digest.
Watch the number of treats you hand out. Even a couple of small snacks can lead to weight gain in a dog this size.
Grooming
Grooming a Ratter takes little effort. The breed usually needs only an occasional brushing and a wipe-down with a damp washcloth to stay clean. Add nail trims and ear cleanings to the home care routine.
Prague Ratters need at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings. Their small mouths and crowded teeth may require more frequent cleanings from an early age.
Exercise
Prague Ratters can take part in varied activities, including agility, coursing, dog dancing, and nosework. Mountain hiking is another option, with drinking water carried for the dog along the way. On a mountain outing, weather protection may include carrying the dog during strong wind or snow to prevent chilling.
Scent work can be practiced indoors or in a garden. Agility work can use a tug toy, ball, or food to encourage participation while keeping the activity enjoyable.
Training
Ratters are eager to learn and generally respond well to training and commands. Positive reinforcement with treats or a favorite toy is the most effective way to teach this breed basic obedience or tricks.
They love attention and enjoy being around kids, though their small size means they need supervision with young children. They are friendly overall but a little reserved with strangers, and other dogs can intimidate them, which sometimes leads to confrontations, so early, gentle socialization helps.
Health conditions
2 conditions are documented for the Prague Ratter.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Patellar LuxationBone & Joint
- Von Willebrand Disease Type IBlood
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