The Prague Ratter, A Very Small Dog
We are not talking about a rodent roaming the streets of the Czech capital, but rather a very small breed of dog. In this article we will tell you about the Prague Ratter, the smallest dog in the world.
The story of the Prague Ratter
The origin of this animal dates back to the Middle Ages. It was a very valued breed in the royal palaces and castles of the Bohemia region (today’s Czech Republic). Usually he was present at all parties of the aristocracy.
It is said that its name comes from its main function: hunting mice and other rodents on farms. It is also believed to be a cross between a pinscher and a Chihuahua. But some breeders claim that the breed that produced the Prague Ratter was the English Toy Terrier.
The kings, princes and other important positions held it as a status symbol. This went so far that Prince Vladislav II gave it as a gift to the monarchy and the nobility in various parts of Europe.
Other members of the court who had a Prague ratter are Karel IV from the Czech Republic and Boleslav II from Poland. He was definitely a popular dog in royal homes and among “ordinary” citizens too.
The popularity of the Prague ratter declined with the development of the world wars. In the end, he was even rejected in dog shows because he is considered “very small”. For decades he was anonymous and mysteriously survived. In 1980, after pressure from fans, the breed reappeared after a new cross: this time with a small Russian terrier. We can currently see him all over the world.
Characteristics of the Prague Ratter
The Prague Ratter is a miniature dog from the Czech Republic. It is considered to be the smallest dog in the world (in terms of maximum height since Chihuahuas are measured by weight).
It is often confused with the Miniature Pinscher (2 cm larger than the Prague Ratter). Its coat consists of very short hair, very shiny and black. But some have brown fur on their snouts, legs and torso.
The Prague Ratter has a pear-shaped head, slightly protruding cheeks and dark, slightly protruding eyes. The body is short, firm, well muscled and straight. He always keeps his ears straight as if he were constantly on the lookout.
Its average height is 20 to 22 cm and its weight ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 kg, with 2.6 kg being the ideal weight. The Prague Ratter has a life expectancy of 13 years.
Character of the Prague Ratter
As for character, what makes this breed stand out is that it is very lively and active. He has a lot of energy, courage and is always ready to play. The Prague Ratter is very sociable (especially with people) and creates very strong connections with his owners.
He is also an extremely intelligent dog that can learn tricks, commands, and games in a short amount of time. It is important to take him for a walk every day. It is also necessary to educate him responsibly and actively play with him.
The Prague Ratter is a very obedient dog, affectionate and very attached to his family. He is not recommended in homes where he is left alone for several hours as he becomes easily depressed. In adulthood, he becomes a calm and relaxed pet, but without neglecting his social and loving side.
Since he is such a small dog, you need to be very careful when playing or walking. In the case of houses with children, it is necessary to be careful to avoid them stepping on him or playing with him too wildly. The Prague Ratter is prone to fractures and dislocations of the patella because it is somewhat fragile.
His teeth are another subject that deserves a veterinarian exam. As his adult teeth and canines grow, they cannot always push out the “milk teeth”. As for the rest of the grooming, it is similar to any small breed. The feeding must be based on their size.
