Prague Ratter: Breed Information, Characteristics & Heath

The Prague Ratter is a small companion dog of Czech origin. He is bright, friendly, and cuddly, but has a lot of self-confidence. Due to its small size, it can also be kept well in a city apartment. However, the active, self-confident fellow needs sufficient exercise and consistent training.

Origin and history

The Prague Ratter (Prazsky Krysarik) is a Czech dwarf dog breed not previously recognized by the FCI, but – like the other little ones from the east ( Bolonka Zwetna, Russkiy Toy ) – is enjoying increasing popularity throughout Europe. The Prague Ratter is an old breed of the Pinscher type, the history of which began in the Kingdom of Bohemia. With their small size, good nose, and speed, it was not only popular with the farmers as a mouse and pied piper (ratter). At the court of Bohemian princes and kings, the pretty dwarf dog was also in demand and was given to the courts of European rulers as gifts.

In 1980, the Prague Ratter was registered in the studbook of the Czech Breeding Union as a nationally recognized breed. Since then, other countries such as Germany (VDH) have recognized the breed nationally.

Appearance

The Prague Rattler looks almost confusingly similar to the German Miniature Pinscher. With a shoulder height of around 22 cm and a weight of around 3 kg, Prague is slightly smaller. It has a smooth, short coat and an almost square, compact build. The head is pear-shaped, and the eyes are dark, medium-sized, and round. The ears are large, set on the side, and erect. The tail is of medium length, straight to slightly curved up.

The coat of the Prague Ratter is short, dense, and shiny. It is usually thinner and shorter on the head than on the rest of the body. The coat color is black or brown – each with tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, chest, and legs.

Nature

The Prague Ratter is a very alert, curious, playful little fellow. It is friendly and trusting, affectionate and cuddly towards its family members. It is rather reserved or suspicious of strangers. Due to its small size and even-tempered, friendly nature, the Prague Ratter is also suited to city life. It is adaptable, easy to care for, and gets along well with other dogs.

Despite all its tiny size, one mustn’t forget that Prague Ratters are real dogs that like to run and have stamina, and whose intelligence and ability to learn will be challenged. They can be enthusiastic about various dog sports activities, such as agility or dog dancing, and are willing to learn tricks and little tricks.

The spirited, self-confident Prague Ratter also needs to be socialized early on and raised with sensitive consistency. Otherwise, you have an annoying barker who hopelessly overestimates himself and likes to mess with any superior opponent. With appropriate training and exercise, the Prague Ratter is an all-around pleasant companion.