Prague ratter

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog prague ratter!

Here, you will find all the useful information about prague ratter. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Prague Ratter, an ancient breed rooted in Eastern Europe, traces its origins back to the 9th century in the Czech Republic. Its captivating history has thrived through the ages, gaining significant popularity during the Middle Ages. At that time, it was in high demand within the royal courts across Europe, from Poland to France; even King Charles IV of the 14th century held an appreciation for it.

This small, energetically overflowing dog played an essential role as a vermin hunter, excelling in this task. Despite its ancient lineage, it wasn't until 2019 that the International Canine Federation granted it provisional recognition. However, internationally renowned canine clubs such as the AKC in the United States, The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom, and the LOF in France greatly contributed to this recognition.

While the Prague Ratter is primarily present in its country of origin, an official club, the "Prague Ratter Club of America (PKCA)," emerged in North America, heralding a promising journey for this emerging breed.

With a diminutive size, it ranks among the world's smallest dogs, not exceeding 2.5 kg in adulthood. Yet, beneath this stature lies a formidable hunter, brave and resolute. Its sturdy bone structure, discreetly developed musculature, and robust build grant it remarkable power.

Sporting a square silhouette, its body extends in height and length, displaying harmonious and elegant proportions. Its narrow yet deep head houses a moderately sized muzzle with a distinct stop. Its round skull complements long and wide ears, proudly erect at the top of the head. Its oval eyes, with a bright gleam, reveal its cunning and intelligence.

The Prague Ratter's coat is short, close-fitting, and glossy. The permissible coat colors according to standards include shades of black, blue, or brown and tan.

This devoted companion forms strong attachments to its owners. For its well-being, it's advised to avoid excessive dependence, as it may struggle with separations. Pleasant to live with, it easily bonds with all family members, especially children, with whom it shares joyful activities.

Sociable and tolerant towards other animals, except rodents that awaken its hunting instinct, it adapts well. Despite its modest size, it exhibits enthusiasm for sports activities and long walks with its masters, revealing surprising endurance.

As a vigilant guardian, the Prague Ratter remains cautious around strangers. Its protective instinct is deeply rooted, especially towards loved ones and its territory. Energetic and benevolent, it thrives as an exceptional daily companion for the whole family. Its remarkable qualities predict a bright future, bringing joy and happiness to numerous owners.

In terms of adult size, the Prague Ratter boasts an ideal weight of 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) and a withers height ranging between 20 and 26 cm (8" - 10").

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Origins

The Prague Ratter, also known as the Pražský Krysařík, is a dog breed originating from the Czech Republic. Considered one of the smallest dogs in the world, the Prague Ratter was developed primarily for hunting rats and other small pests in castles and farms. Its ancestors include miniature hunting dogs and local terriers. The Prague Ratter is valued for its compact size, liveliness, and agility, qualities that make it an excellent companion and pest hunting dog.

History

The history of the Prague Ratter dates back to the Middle Ages, where it was highly valued in the royal courts of Bohemia for its skills in rat hunting and companionship. This agile little dog was often given as a gift to nobles and foreign kings, contributing to its reputation beyond Czech borders. Although its popularity declined over the centuries, the Prague Ratter experienced a resurgence in the 20th century thanks to the efforts of breed enthusiasts who worked to preserve it. Today, it is recognized as a national treasure in the Czech Republic.

Standard

The standard of the Prague Ratter breed describes a small, elegant and well-proportioned dog. The head is apple-shaped, with a domed skull and large, erect ears, often in a V-shape. The eyes are large, round and dark, expressing liveliness and intelligence. The body is compact and muscular, with a deep chest and nicely arched ribs. The tail is of medium length, carried straight or slightly curved. The coat is short, smooth and shiny, available in a variety of colors, mainly black and tan.

Physical characteristics

The Prague Ratter breed standard describes a small, elegant and well-proportioned dog. The head is apple-shaped, with a domed skull and large, erect ears, often in a V shape. The eyes are large, round and dark, expressing liveliness and intelligence. The body is compact and muscular, with a deep chest and well-arched ribs. The tail is of medium length, carried straight or slightly curved. The coat is short, smooth and shiny, available in a variety of colors, mainly black and tan.

Character

The Prague Ratter is known for its lively, courageous, and affectionate character. Despite its small size, it is full of energy and loves to participate in all family activities. Very loyal, it becomes strongly attached to its masters and can sometimes be mistrustful of strangers, making it a good watchdog. It is intelligent and learns quickly, but can also be stubborn, requiring firm but gentle training. Its instinct as a hunter of small animals remains present, which can make it fearless and adventurous, always ready to explore its surroundings.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Prague Ratter is generally between 12 and 14 years, making it a relatively long-lived breed for a small dog. With proper care, balanced nutrition, and regular visits to the veterinarian, some Prague Ratters can even live longer. This longevity is a major advantage for families looking for a loyal companion for many years. However, owners should be vigilant about their dogs' health, monitoring signs of common diseases in small breeds.

Exercise and activity needs

The Prague Ratter, despite its small size, is an energetic and active dog that requires a good amount of daily exercise. Regular walks, play sessions, and stimulating activities are essential for its physical and mental well-being. Around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day is recommended to keep it in shape and prevent boredom. Interactive games and intelligence toys are also beneficial for this smart and curious breed. Adequate exercise helps prevent destructive behaviors and maintain a happy and balanced Prague Ratter.

Recommended diet

The feeding of the Prague Ratter must be of high quality, adapted to its small size and level of activity. A diet rich in proteins and essential nutrients is ideal. Premium kibble for small breeds or a well-balanced homemade diet may be suitable. The monthly cost of feeding a Prague Ratter generally ranges between 20 and 40 euros. It is important to monitor its weight and provide appropriate portions to avoid obesity, a common issue in small breeds. Proper nutrition contributes to the overall health and longevity of the Prague Ratter.

Training and obedience

The Prague Ratter is an intelligent and eager to please dog, which facilitates its training and obedience. However, due to its lively and sometimes stubborn nature, it is important to use positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise. Early socialization is crucial for it to get used to various people, animals, and situations. Short but regular training sessions help maintain its interest and develop its obedience skills. A well-trained Prague Ratter is an obedient companion, capable of effectively responding to its owner's commands.

Behavior with children

The Prague Ratter can be an excellent companion for children, thanks to its playful and affectionate nature. However, due to its small size, it is important to supervise interactions between the dog and young children to avoid unintended accidents. Children should be educated on how to treat the dog correctly with respect and gentleness. With proper socialization and education, the Prague Ratter can become a loyal and protective friend for children, bringing joy and energy to the home.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Prague Ratter can get along well with other pets, especially if socialized from a young age. It can peacefully coexist with other dogs and even cats. However, due to its hunting instinct, it may sometimes chase small animals like rodents. A gradual and supervised introduction is essential to ensure a harmonious cohabitation. With proper socialization, the Prague Ratter can live in harmony with other pets, bringing a positive dynamic to the home.

Grooming needs

The Prague Ratter has a short and smooth coat that requires little maintenance. A weekly brushing is generally sufficient to remove dead hair and keep its coat clean and shiny. An occasional bath, about once a month, is recommended to keep its skin and coat in good condition. It is also important to regularly check its ears to prevent infections, brush its teeth to prevent dental problems, and trim its nails if they do not wear down naturally. Regular grooming contributes to the overall health of the Prague Ratter.

Health

The Prague Ratter is generally a robust breed, but like all small breeds, it can be prone to certain health conditions. Common issues include patellar luxation, dental problems, and bone fractures due to its small size. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and frequent visits to the veterinarian are essential for maintaining the health of the Prague Ratter. It is also important to monitor its weight and provide regular dental care to prevent oral diseases. Regular attention to its health contributes to a long and happy life.

Average price

The price of a Prague Ratter puppy generally ranges from 600 to 1200 euros, depending on the breeder's reputation, the pedigree of the parents, and the quality of the puppy. Puppies from champion bloodlines or parents with show titles may cost more. It is crucial to buy from a reputable breeder who conducts health tests on their breeding dogs and who adheres to the breed standards. Initial purchasing costs should be followed by regular expenses for the maintenance, health, and training of the Prague Ratter.

Expenses

Monthly expenses for a Prague Ratter generally range between 50 and 100 euros. This includes food, regular veterinary care, grooming products, and any training or activity fees. Veterinary costs can increase in case of illness or accidents. It is also recommended to invest in a dog health insurance, which can represent an additional monthly cost of 10 to 30 euros depending on the chosen coverage. Good management of expenses is essential to ensure a healthy and happy life for the Prague Ratter.

Name ideas

Choosing a name for your Prague Ratter can be fun and meaningful. "Pixie" evokes a playful little creature, perfect for a lively dog. "Buddy" means "friend" and reflects its friendly nature. "Luna" for a gentle and calm female. "Ziggy" for an energetic dog. "Bella" for an elegant beauty. "Rocky" for a small but brave dog. "Gizmo" for its adorable appearance. "Chico" which means "little boy" in Spanish. "Milo" for an affectionate companion. "Ruby" for a precious jewel. Each name reflects a unique quality of your Prague Ratter, adding to its charming personality.

Legislation and regulation

The Prague Ratter is not subject to any specific restrictions in France or in most countries. It is not classified among potentially dangerous dog breeds and therefore is not subject to any specific strict regulations. However, like all dogs, it must be registered with local authorities and be up to date on vaccinations. In public, it must always be under control. It is recommended to check local regulations, as some regions or municipalities may have specific rules regarding dog ownership.

Official recognition

The Prague Ratter is recognized by several international canine organizations. In France, it is recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the United States, the breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). In the Czech Republic, its country of origin, the Prague Ratter is recognized by the Prague Ratter Club, which ensures compliance with the breed standards. These recognitions allow the Prague Ratter to participate in dog shows and competitions, contributing to the promotion and preservation of the breed.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees for the Prague Ratter are issued by several recognized breed clubs. In France, the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) issues pedigrees under the auspices of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) manage pedigrees for this breed. In the Czech Republic, the Prague Ratter Club is responsible for pedigrees. These breed clubs ensure the respect of standards and the quality of the bloodlines, thus contributing to the preservation of the breed. Responsible breeders must adhere to these clubs to guarantee the health and conformity of their dogs.

Destination and usage

The Prague Ratter is mainly used as a companion dog due to its small size, playful character, and great adaptability. It is perfect for apartment living, while being an excellent companion for outings and outdoor activities. Its hunting instinct also makes it a good ratter, capable of keeping the house free of small rodents. In addition, the Prague Ratter can participate in agility and obedience competitions, where its abilities and intelligence are highlighted. It is a versatile and affectionate dog, ideal for various situations.

Prohibitions

To date, the Prague Ratter is not banned in any country. It is not classified among potentially dangerous dog breeds and therefore is not subject to any specific strict regulations. However, as with all breeds, it is important to respect local laws regarding dog ownership. This includes registering the animal, obeying safety rules in public, and vaccination requirements. Owners must also be aware of the Prague Ratter's specific socialization needs and management of its energetic behavior to ensure its well-being.

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