Prazsky Krysarik

Features and description

In Medieval Europe, rodents were a huge problem for people. They fought them in different ways: they threw poison, trained small dogs to catch them, got cats, etc. Rats and mice not only destroyed houses, chewed through walls, ate food, but also spread dangerous infections, many of which were fatal.

The small but nimble dog did not kill the potentially dangerous animal, but scared it away. This made it incredibly useful for people from different social classes. However, the aristocrats were the first to come up with the idea of exploiting Czech warriors for this purpose. Gradually the breed spread outside the Czech Republic.

Interesting ! In the Medieval Czech Republic, a popular form of entertainment among members of the working class was fights between rat rats and rodents. The first ones were trained in advance and taught to show aggression towards rats and mice. Modern representatives of the breed are more peaceful and friendly.

Today, people buy a dog for companionship and companionship. She has proven herself to be an excellent athlete. For example, the Czech Ratlik regularly takes prizes in coursing or obedience. People love to watch his energetic movements and desire to win.

There is a version according to which the original purpose of the Prague Rat breed is to test food to determine the presence of poison in it. Most medieval aristocrats who made a fortune were afraid of poisoning, so they asked their four-legged pet to taste the food they were going to eat. After that they monitored his condition. If it did not worsen, continue the meal.

History of the breed

The Prague Rater is the smallest dog breed in Europe .

Nobody knows exactly how it appeared. When this happened also remains in question and causes controversy among dog handlers. Some claim that this happened in the 8th-9th centuries, while others believe that it happened in the 13th century. But what is certain is that these miniature creatures are the great pride and heritage of the Czech Republic . There are two versions of how the rats won the hearts of the Czechs, and both of them are heroic.

According to the first version, the Prague rats saved Europeans from a terrible plague epidemic, which once again dominated the continent at the end of the 13th century. In the Middle Ages there was no specific system for garbage disposal, and cities often resembled a large landfill. Sometimes residents did not bother themselves and poured slop and garbage out of the windows onto the pavement. The consequences of this behavior were not long in coming, and rats began to appear in all the garbage dumps.

As you know, rats are carriers of various infections, and gradually the plague covered Europe. Even the position of a city rat catcher was introduced, but they could not cope with the hordes of infected rodents. Cats would have been useful in the fight against rats, but the strict Inquisition considered them otherworldly creatures and accomplices of witches and sorcerers. Therefore, all the cats were simply exterminated and burned. That’s when the rats, or, as they are also called, ratliks, came to the aid of people . These small and dexterous dogs easily penetrated into all the cracks and bravely helped the townspeople fight rats .

Another version says that Prague rats have long lived in the courts of high-ranking persons . First of all, they guarded stables and barns from rats, and also served as tasters of food served to the nobility. They were even allowed to walk around the tables from dish to dish.

During the reign of King Wenceslas IV of the Czech Republic (XIV-XV centuries), the breed gained particular popularity in secular circles, as it was the favorite dog of the monarch , which he practically never let go of and took to all events. Gradually, ratliks turned into ladies' companion dogs . Unfortunately, after the Czech state began to decline, the popularity of the ratliks also began to decline, and they were almost on the verge of extinction .

In the 19th century, Kennel Clubs began to be organized en masse in Europe, and dog handlers tried their best to restore the once famous dog breeds. The Prague rat rat also got caught in this wave. By the way, it is he who is considered the ancestor of the toy terrier, and not vice versa. Breeds such as the German Pinscher and Manchester Terrier also originated from the rat.

Until the end of the 20th century, ratliks were practically not found outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia. After the breed was re-established in the 80s , rat cats began to appear in other European countries, and even in the USA and Japan.

Prague Rat Dogs are recognized by many International Kennel Clubs with the exception of the FCI, where they are considered a new and unestablished breed, not taking into account the centuries-old history of these brave dogs.

Breed standard

Despite its small size, the Prague Rat dog is very strong. She is hardy and agile. The maximum allowable weight of a dog according to the standard is 2.5 kg. Overweight individuals are disqualified from prestigious competitions and exhibitions. Their height is from 21 to 23 cm. Females are slightly thinner and shorter than males.

The shape of the animal's body is square. It is oblong and massive. The neck is long and curved. There is a withers in the lumbar area, but in the neck area it is practically not expressed. The chest is narrow, does not protrude, and leans forward slightly during movement.

The strongest muscles are in the area of the shoulder blades. Paw set is wide. The knee joints are well defined. Oblique croup. The hind legs are thicker and longer than the front ones. The tail is thin, located high on the lower back. When the dog is calm, its tail hangs down, and when excited, it rises vertically.

Health and diseases of the Prague rat rat

Representatives of the miniature breed rarely suffer from any serious illnesses. This is due to the fact that they were rarely crossed with other breeds, without interfering too much with the breeding process.

Possible diseases

A small dog does not mean a frail dog. The little rat is cheerful and playful, and his health is good. However, there is always the possibility of illness. The following pathologies are usually observed in rat rats:

Diseases of gums and teeth
– a stone often forms on them, which causes an unpleasant odor from the mouth. For prevention, you need to brush your pet’s teeth with a brush and a special paste, and regularly visit the veterinary clinic for plaque removal.
Fractures
– due to the fragility of the bones of the forearms and limbs, they are injured after a jump from a height of more than 1.5 meters or a strong blow.
Musculoskeletal problems
– Dislocation of the knee cap often occurs in dogs. This problem is usually inherited and is congenital.
Gastrointestinal diseases
– the cause is common overeating, so the breeder should carefully monitor the amount of food consumed by the pet.
Cold
– due to their short hair, dogs get cold in the cold season, they need to be dressed in clothes that will protect them from the wind and sub-zero temperatures.

Most of the above problems can be prevented if you properly care for your pet. In order to strengthen the rat's immunity, vaccination is recommended to avoid the occurrence of diseases such as hepatitis, rabies, distemper, leptospirosis and others.

Within 12 months, the dog receives all necessary vaccinations: at the age of 1.5-2.2 months, after 2 weeks and at 7-8 months. 10 days before this, the animal is given antihelminthic drugs. By the time of vaccination, the animal must be completely healthy!

Since ratliks are prone to colds, they should be carefully protected before the vaccination procedure, drafts should be completely eliminated, after bathing they should be thoroughly dried, blow-dried, and when walking, put on clothes. Immunity is developed 9-16 days after the vaccine is administered. At this time, excessive physical activity and communication with foreign animals are contraindicated for the pet.

Reproductive health

The Prague rat rat reaches sexual maturity at the age of 1.5 years. A bitch's heat is a sign that the owner can start looking for a suitable partner. But breeding miniature dogs is a rather complicated process. There are many nuances in this matter:

There are about 3 thousand individuals of the miniature breed in the world, and to find a suitable pair for mating, you will have to try. Often you have to travel to another country, which will entail significant material costs.
Breeders recommend crossing dogs of the same color, but finding such a male and female is very difficult. The culling of a large number of puppies from a litter is due to this very problem.

If a pair can be found, mating should be performed on the 11-12th day of estrus. Before this time, the future “parents” should get to know each other, which will make the reproduction procedure easier and avoid many problems. If the dogs are unfamiliar, it is better to let them walk together for about an hour, and then start mating.

Typically, pregnancy proceeds calmly and takes about 7 weeks. But childbirth is difficult and requires the intervention of a veterinarian. In case of complications, a caesarean section is performed.

If you did not take the animal for breeding, castration and sterilization are indicated: surgical intervention removes the testes of the male, and the ovaries of the female. After which the sexual desire completely disappears, and the animals become docile, affectionate and obedient.

Kinds

There are 2 standard types of the Prague Ratdog breed: medium-haired and short-haired. Each of them has very smooth fur. It's a pleasure to take the dog in your arms and pet it. It is worth noting that there are more of the latter in most European countries. Also, representatives of this breed are usually divided depending on color. Valid options:

Yellow-red.
Black and tan.
Bluish or gray-white.
Light brown with tan marks.

The single-colored Czech Ratlik is considered low-breed. He cannot be registered for any animal event.

Purpose of the breed

It is easy to guess from the name of the breed that the Prague rat is directly related to rats . The second name of the breed is Prague Ratlik , where “ratl” means “rat”.

In the Middle Ages, rat cats were bred instead of cats to catch and scare away rodents , which, in addition to spoiling food supplies, are carriers of various diseases.

Initially, rat dogs belonged only to the rich nobility, since few of the common people could afford to buy a fairly expensive puppy of this breed. But over time, warriors began to appear among the less prosperous sections of the population. Even such entertainment as rat fights with the participation of rats appeared.

To this day, the breed has proven itself to be excellent athletes , showing high results in agility, obedience, freestyle, coursing, and so on. In addition, Prague rat rats are very popular with the fairer sex and are their devoted companions. Small height and weight allow ladies to take such a dog with them everywhere.

Character

The companion from the Czech Ratlik is wonderful. What does it mean? The dog constantly accompanies the owner, for example, following him around the house with his “tail”. This is touching and suggests the idea of his possible inferiority. No, the tiny dog is self-sufficient and purposeful. Simply love for a person pushes her to the opportunity to seek refuge near him.

The Prague Rat Dog in the photo looks energetic, cheerful and cheerful. There is little that can make him nervous, angry or sad. However, ignoring the owner or household members can.

Remember ! This is a very smart dog. Don't underestimate her intellectual potential. The rat's memorization skill is excellent. Typically, nature does not endow miniature dogs with a good mind.

The character of this animal can be called balanced. He won't fuss or bark for no reason. In an uncertain situation, he clings to his owner, wants to be near him in order to feel protected. Rarely makes decisions on his own and relies on family members.

Has security features. It does not attack guests, but can bite if it senses malicious intent. The owner is notified of their arrival by barking loudly. They are wary of strangers. Doesn't allow anyone to pet him except the owner's friends.

By the way, the most important person in the life of a Prague rat is most often a kind and caring middle-aged woman. A miniature dog is more loyal to representatives of the weaker sex. She often feels like their protector, so she never leaves if there are strangers at home.

Cat lovers can safely adopt a Czech Ratlik, because he has a positive attitude towards them. It's strange, isn't it? Yes, this dog loves cats. Why, you ask? It's all about their common mission to exterminate rodents. Hatred for tailed pests unites the dog and the cat, forcing them to be friends and cooperate.

By the way, it is very rare to find a rat rat who would not get along with a cat in a home environment. But for rat lovers, such a pet is definitely not suitable! Natural intolerance towards them will never disappear in such a dog.

The Prague rat rat is filled with love. He is ready to share it with everyone, especially with babies. The dog is kind to each of the members of his pack, but becomes upset if they do not devote time to her. It is advisable to show your affection to the animal regularly, then it will be properly socialized and become happy.

Description of the character of this breed

If you forget for a while that the Prague Rat Dog is a rather miniature dog, then when you get acquainted with the breed, you might think that this is a big dog. Rats are incredibly smart , which is not always typical for small breeds. They have a balanced character and will not bark over trifles, reacting to the slightest rustle, which is important when keeping them in city high-rises. But if a guest knocks on the door, you will know about it instantly.

Rats are wary of strangers , sometimes even trying to bravely rush to defend their territory. Of all domestic animals, ratliks most often find a common language with cats. This probably reflects their similar attitude towards rodents. By the way, if there is any type of rodent in the house, including squirrels, then it is better not to leave the rat alone with them in order to avoid the tragic end of their communication.

These cute creatures treat all members of their family with love and devotion . They really like to be surrounded by their owners, but at the same time they will not behave intrusively and bother with requests to play, although by their nature ratliks are very cheerful and active, and are also always happy to go for a walk with their owners.

Care and maintenance

Such a dog adapts well to an apartment or house, the main thing is to provide him with personal space. Yes, the rat dog spends most of the day at the feet of his owner, but this does not mean that he does not need a place where he can be alone and relax quietly.

The main item you should buy for a miniature dog is a bed. It should be soft and warm. You can also encourage her to cover herself with a small blanket or blanket.

You should also buy some bowls for your Czech Ratlik. You will pour food into one and pour water into the other. And, of course, a mischievous and nimble dog must have a rubber ball. We recommend choosing a noisy toy. Dogs like to chase a ball that squeaks. The Prague rat does not require complex care. We suggest you follow these tips:

Use a clean brush to remove plaque from your dog's mouth.
Give him immunostimulating capsules, which are available at the clinic or pet store.
Wash your face. Remove acidic fluid from your eyes to prevent infection.
Grind down your claws.
Use a massager to comb your pet's body. This is necessary to stimulate the process of coat renewal, as well as for lymphatic drainage.

If your pet has become withdrawn, weak and apathetic, there is a high probability that he is sick. Show it to the doctor!

Content

Ratliks are considered very specific dogs: they are completely unsuited for living in outdoor conditions, but their activity and mobility require regular walks and physical activity.

Due to their modest dimensions, rats can live perfectly even in a small apartment. But the room must be secured by removing wires, unstable objects, and blocking cracks into which a miniature dog can penetrate.

The bedding, house or mattress should be placed away from drafts and heating appliances. It is imperative to allocate a separate place where the dog’s bowls will always be kept.

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Nutrition

Almost all breeders agree that the best product for feeding a purebred dog is dry or canned food. But, the Prague rat puppy must receive a large amount of protein and calcium before the body is fully formed.

But this product does not contain enough of these substances. Therefore, a young representative of the breed should be given natural food. So, what should be on his daily menu?

Milk.
Buckwheat/oatmeal/wheat/rice groats.
Butter (added to porridge).
Turkey or chicken fillet.
Soup cooked with vegetables.
Bone cartilage.

Never treat your pet to baked goods, chocolate, marmalade, stewed or fried pork, pasta or raw potatoes. Eating these foods will make your dog's digestion difficult and may even cause him to vomit.

A puppy should eat small portions, but often, and an adult dog - 2 times a day. Regularly fill your animal's second bowl with clean water. He drinks often and a lot.

Breed nurseries

List of nurseries where you can safely buy a ratlik and not be afraid of being deceived:

https://ratlikdog.ru/kontakty.html St. Petersburg, mono-breed nursery “GALIVAS”;
https://www.prazsky-krysarik.ru/ Moscow, nursery “From the constellation Niki”;
https://www.ratlik.org/ Moscow, nursery “Ratlik-blues”;
https://krysarik.ucoz.ru/ Moscow, nursery “Grand League”;
https://www.millgret.breeder.ee/ Estonia, Tallinn, nursery “Millgret”.

The Prague Rat is a breed that, once settled in a house, will remain there forever. The love of this little dog is so selfless and boundless that it wins a person’s heart for life.

Reproduction and lifespan

The average lifespan of the Prague rat rat is 14 years. If a dog is seriously ill for a long time, then its service life will barely be 10-12 years. It is important to always monitor your pet's health!

Males regularly show sexual interest in females, especially when they are in heat. Breeders know that after the female starts menstruating, she should wait 3 to 5 days before mating, because this way the likelihood of conception is much higher.

Only fully mature and psychologically stable dogs can be bred. They must be of high quality, otherwise the breeder will not make money selling puppies. Pregnancy in a female Prague rat rat lasts no more than 73 days.

When choosing a puppy, pay attention to its behavior. The dog should not be lethargic or motionless. Choose the one who approaches you first! This is classic advice from breeders.

How to choose a puppy

If you nevertheless decide that you need a Prague rat rat as a funny companion, then it is highly not recommended to purchase puppies of this breed from hand or at flea markets . For a dog of this breed, you will have to pay quite a decent amount , and when purchasing from dubious sellers, you will not receive a full guarantee that you are getting what you need. It would be advisable to contact a specialized nursery, where they carefully monitor the purity of the breed and the physical condition of the litter and parents.

Ratliks are very similar to toy terriers. But they still have one significant distinguishing feature. Unlike the Toy Terrier, puppies and adults of the Prague Ratdog have a pear-shaped head .

It is better to purchase a Ratlik puppy when it is no earlier than two months . You should pay attention to the general condition of the entire litter and the puppy you have chosen. They should not remind you of skinny rats, but rather have a pleasant, moderately well-fed build, but without a bloated belly. Ears and eyes should be clean, without any signs of discharge. An active and energetic rat is not characterized by lethargy and melancholy . Therefore, choose a puppy that is more active and inquisitive.

Finally, find out about the deworming and vaccination performed. And also ask what is best to feed the puppy in the first few days, until you switch it to a certain type of feeding that will be more acceptable to you and the puppy.

Price

Those wishing to purchase a valuable canine companion should be prepared to pay a decent amount of money for it. Czech warriors are loved for their extraordinary devotion, good nature and ability to “neutralize” rats that are unpleasant for many people and cause trouble.

So, the price of a Prague rat rat in modern Russia with a pedigree is from 1000 dollars. There is a nursery in Moscow where such puppies are raised. It's called Ratlik blues. When you see these dogs, you will probably be confused; their charm will amaze anyone. But the staff of the capital's nursery will definitely help you make the right choice of dog.

History of the origin of the species

The reliable history of the appearance of the Prague rat is unknown. The breed is shrouded in a lot of legends, which one to believe is up to everyone to decide for themselves. The first descriptions of a similar dog date back to the 7th century.

The Great Inquisition brought the greatest popularity to little rat catchers. Cats were considered evil spirits, assistants to witches and servants of the devil, and sanitary conditions left much to be desired - ideal conditions for the breeding of rats. Rodents, carriers of plague, posed a real threat not only to crops, but also to people. It was small dogs that helped get rid of the hordes of rats that attacked medieval Europe.

Rats were given to the monarchs of Germany, France, and England as a sign of deep respect. Prince Borislav the Smely was known as the greatest connoisseur of the breed, and it was thanks to him that the rat dog found its way into the highest houses of Western Europe.

The Soviet occupation of the Czech Republic led to the death of the breed's livestock , the disbandment of nurseries, and the loss of stud books. Breeders and breed lovers had to revive the Ratliks bit by bit. Only towards the end of the 19th century did the number of individuals cease to be critical. But until now, the Liben chamois remains a rare breed.

Ratlik is still recognized by the International Cynological Federation. But the breed was included in the lists of other, no less authoritative cynological organizations, including the RKF.

Education and socialization

Typically, miniature dogs are quite hysterical and difficult to control, but the Czech Ratlik is an exception. He is smart, obedient and trusting. This set of qualities makes him a good student.

He remembers the rules invented by his household very quickly. It socializes and adapts well, but only on condition that the owner is always nearby. Requires a good-natured educational approach. Shouting and cursing during teaching will definitely not bring results to the teacher. Remember, you need to communicate with the rat rat gently and at the same time persistently.

You shouldn’t forbid him to climb onto the sofa/bed/chair. If you notice that the dog is chewing shoes, curtains or other objects, scold him. Don't let them bite, especially puppies! Baby rats often bite the hands of household members when their teeth are renewed.

This is how they try to reduce the pain. We recommend providing them with a baby pacifier or rubber ducky to play with. Interaction with such objects has a positive effect on the animal’s psyche.

Walk your dog often to keep him active and happy. Go with her to nature, to the river or to the forest. Mischievous and energetic warriors love to explore new areas. You can safely let them off the leash without fear of them running away or hiding.

Features of feeding and diet

Czech ratliks are unpretentious eaters and have an excellent appetite. To prevent the animal from becoming obese, food must be given in doses and at a certain time. It is recommended to use natural products or dry balanced food. Menu planning should be entrusted to a veterinarian.

It is forbidden to give the dog:

fat meat;
raw and river fish;
sweets and baked goods, grapes and raisins;
smoked, salted and spicy foods;
salt, seasonings;
milk;
legumes;
mushrooms;
tubular long bones.

It is recommended to feed the ratlik:

Beef, white meat chicken, rabbit. It is better not to give the meat raw to avoid intestinal parasites; small pieces should be boiled.
Buckwheat and rice, which are cooked without spices and salt.
Raw, boiled, baked vegetables.
Fruits.
Fresh greens.
Offal.
Occasionally yogurt, kefir and low-fat cottage cheese.
Baked, boiled fish without bones.

Dry food should be premium from well-known manufacturers. The dog should always have fresh and clean water in his bowl. Mixing natural food and industrial feed is not recommended!

Possible diseases and methods of treating them

There are practically no specific diseases for Prague rat rats. They are strong, have strong immunity, but periodically get sick, like all living creatures. Most representatives of the breed end up seeing a veterinarian due to diseases of the oral cavity, and more often – diseased teeth.

For most owners, cleaning a miniature dog's mouth is a big challenge. When plaque accumulates on the teeth, they begin to hurt a lot. As a result, the animal loses appetite and weight. Prevention is regular cleaning of his mouth with a brush.

Also, some rat rats often experience luxation of the kneecap, especially those who move a lot. In this case, you should provide the dog with rest and hospitalize it. One final piece of advice: keep your pet warm in the cold in winter, as his thin skin and short fur make him very cold.

Comparison with the Toy Terrier

Prague rat rats are often confused with the toy terrier. These animals have many similarities, but the differences are also pronounced. Thus, ratliks are much more willing to enter into conflict - this is their main difference from the very cowardly toy terriers.

In former times, rat catchers were used to catch rats and mice, which had an unpleasant habit of settling in rural houses. It would seem - why breed a breed of rat-catching dogs if cats lived in every village? The answer is simple - in those years, cats were equated with evil spirits, so the responsibility for protecting the house from uninvited guests had to be entrusted to someone else.

Representatives of both breeds are characterized by extreme self-confidence, but this often works against them, since the animals are not aware of their size and challenge even large dogs. The outcome of such a confrontation is obvious.

Both dogs can be kept in apartments; they get along well with all household members, do not require specialized care and are easy to educate and train.

The dogs are similar in appearance, but professionals can easily distinguish one breed from another. The body of the rat is more toned and folded, of a muscular type, which cannot be said about the Russian toy. The body shapes of the latter are a little more exotic, so the breed often takes part in exhibitions and competitions.

Dog character

Prague Rat Dogs are unusually smart and active dogs. The breed is suitable for both a single person (regardless of age category) and a family with children. As for children, the ratlik shows special feelings towards them, allowing the kids to cuddle him. But the dog will be wary of other people's children, so the owner needs to constantly monitor his pet.

Rat dogs know how to understand the mood of their owners, and if the owner is upset about something, the dog will not bother him with her attention, but will quietly go about its own business. The Prague Ratdog loves active games and always enjoys long walks, so before getting this breed you should carefully weigh your capabilities and time. Thanks to their compact body size, these small dogs can live even in a one-room apartment, and in addition, they are easy to take with you anywhere.

Prague rats are not aggressive animals and get along well with other furry family members. They prefer to take a dominant position over cats, which is not always possible due to the miniature size of the dog. It is better not to keep them with rodents (guinea pigs, hamsters, decorative rats), since the hunting instinct often awakens in the rat.

Prague rats are very brave creatures and sometimes they completely forget about their small size. The Czech chamois will rush at the largest dog without hesitation if it feels that it poses a threat to its owner. The little dog will always bravely guard the apartment and warn of the appearance of strangers with his ringing voice. He will be sincerely glad to have guests in the house, but will not allow familiarity towards himself.

Photo of the Prague Rat breed