Prague rat dog. Description, features, types, care and price of the breed

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.

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.

The dog's head is small, it looks harmonious against the background of a long neck and square body. The forehead is very convex, the mouth is oblong. The back of the head is slightly rounded. There are no skin folds on the head.

The skin on this part of the body is smooth and thick. The taut lips are a little dry. Gum color is pink. According to the standard, there may be dark spots of different sizes in the mouth of the Czech Ratlik. His jaw is well developed.

Nature has endowed this animal with a very sensitive and mobile nose. Its color is black. The eyelids fit tightly to the eye sockets. By the way, the ratlik's eyes stick out a little. The ears are long, triangular, located high on the top of the head. The cartilage tissue on them is very tough. According to the standard, they must be straight. But if the ear tips are slightly lowered, the dog is not considered low-breed.

Pied Piper Dog - the history of the breed

It is impossible to establish exactly what type of dog the Czech rats came from, but experts suggest that the blood of terriers and other small dogs is mixed in their veins. The need for miniature pets arose during the period of the formation of cultural delights: ratliks not only decorated palaces and mansions, but also helped owners keep warm in winter and protected supplies from rodents.

The historian Eginhard was the first to describe these small but brave dogs in the mid-13th century. In the 14th century, Charles V, who was known for his love of dogs, acquired warriors. Little rat catchers served as a valuable gift, so they lived, as a rule, exclusively in the palaces of the rulers of different countries. Miniature pets performed an important service: before the start of the meal, the dog was seated on the table, where it walked around all the dishes, smelled and tasted them. This was done to protect the ruler and his family from poisoning.

For a long time, the history of Prague rat rats developed exclusively on the territory of the Czech Republic, which led to the most pedantic breeding of animals, since the Czechs are even more biased in this matter than the British. The first name of the breed “Rattler” is translated from English as “little rat catcher”. In the 17th century, after the Battle of White Mountain, the country fell into decline and the rats lost their status, migrating from palaces to peasant houses.

With their new owners, the pets continued to serve as protection against rodents. Ladies used dogs as a fashion accessory, as a living heating pad and bait for blood-sucking parasites. Pets were especially popular when bathing was recognized as a sin and a shameful activity. After the completion of the extermination of cats, which in Western Europe at that time were perceived as evil spirits, the population of rats decreased greatly. Today ratliks are not the most popular dogs, but they are still relevant for connoisseurs of companion qualities.

Differences between the Prague Rat Dog and the Toy Terrier

Any inexperienced dog lover is unlikely to be able to distinguish between representatives of these breeds. Meanwhile, the Czech Ratdog and the Toy Terrier have several key differences, including:

• sizes (Russian Toy weighs up to 3 kg and has a height at the withers of up to 28 cm, and Ratlik is much smaller - about 2 kg and 20 cm);
• the shape of the head (in ratliks it is pear-shaped, and the toy’s skull is similar to that of a pinscher);
• character (the rat, compared to the toy, is more energetic and combative).

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.

Where to buy Prague rat rat in Moscow

More than two dozen private nurseries in Russia are engaged in the breeding and sale of Prague Ratlik puppies, most of which are located in St. Petersburg and Moscow. When visiting such institutions, be sure to check the baby’s pedigree. In addition, you need to observe the parents of your future pet, look at their veterinary passport. If the puppy actively plays, shows curiosity and makes contact easily, there is no doubt in choosing a companion. Options for nurseries in the capital:

• "Pride of Dreams Kingdom";
• "Grand League";
• “Small and brave”;
• “Royal-Puppy”.

How much does a ratlik cost?

According to information from cynological organizations, there are only about 2.5 thousand Prague Ratliks in the world, which affects their price. If you are not interested in competitive dog shows, then you can buy a puppy through an advertisement. In this case, the price for a Prague dog will be 5,000-10,000 rubles, and you are unlikely to receive any papers certifying that the animal belongs to the breed.

A puppy from titled parents, purchased from a prestigious nursery, will cost at least $1,000. The more awards and regalia his parents have, the higher the price will be. When choosing a pet, you cannot do without the help of a familiar expert when purchasing: unscrupulous breeders can sell you a mestizo or Russian toy, whose puppies are practically indistinguishable from ratlik babies.

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.

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:

1. Use a clean brush to remove plaque from your dog's mouth.
2. Give him immunostimulating capsules, which are available at the clinic or pet store.
3. Wash your face. Remove acidic fluid from your eyes to prevent infection.
4. Grind down your claws.
5. 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!

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.

Keeping and raising a rat

The small size allows the rat to feel comfortable in a small apartment, on a summer cottage and in a house located outside the city. If you go for a walk with an animal in the city, you should not let it off the leash so that it does not get lost.

The description of the breed and the character of the Prague Rat Dog help us to recognize him as a real hunter. He should be socialized as early as possible, and be sure to find a specialist who can teach him the basics of a general training course. The rat is a headstrong animal, so it should be taught commands as early as possible. Males love to dominate females, so this behavior should be discouraged.

Before you bring a Prague Ratlik into your home, you need to provide him with comfortable living. A decorative dog must receive:

• a warm bed;
• latex-based toys;
• several containers for food and water;
• diapers that absorb liquids;
• leash;
• collar;
• tray.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the puppy loves to lie on the owner’s bed, so you need to equip him with his own living space in time. It is necessary to teach children to handle babies carefully, not to climb into his house and not to play with dog toys.

Care

It’s worth immediately figuring out where the miniature ratlik will empty itself. The animal has a rapid metabolism, so it is better to allow him to relieve himself in a diaper or purchase a tray for him. If there is a male dog living in the house, then you need to install a small pole in the tray so that he can empty it on it.

It is easy to care for the baby because its hair is short. It sheds only in autumn or spring, but the shedding lasts a long time if the room is dry and hot at the same time. A dog sheds its first coat at three months, which is very early compared to other breeds.

A baby from the Czech Republic needs to be bathed once a month; if he gets too dirty, a special shampoo is used. After water treatments, his coat is thoroughly wiped with a towel and dried with a hairdryer, protecting from drafts. It is best to bathe the rat catcher in the evening or take him out for a walk only a couple of hours after bathing. If the dog swam in a natural body of water, he needs to be bathed at home so that plankton does not get stuck in his fur.

The miniature dog’s ears are huge, wide, and well ventilated. They are distinguished by a pink tint and lack sulfur. If dirt has accumulated in the ears, they should be wiped with a damp cotton swab once every seven days.

The animal's teeth are brushed three times a week, using high-quality dog ​​toothpaste without a strong odor. If you don’t have a brush, a silicone attachment placed on your finger will do. Nail care includes careful monthly trimming with a nail clipper and smoothing the ends with a file.

Training

Ratlik must remember that the owner of the house is the head, he must be listened to and obey his commands. He needs to be pampered with treats and praised for following commands, punishing him for disobedience in a light form. If an animal behaves inappropriately, it can only be punished by voice, since it reacts to the slightest deviation in the owner’s mood. It is strictly forbidden to hit a baby, this can lead to changes in his psyche.

Dog handlers ask that the ratlik live with his mother and brothers until he is seven weeks old. If you have spent enough time with your family, then it will be easier for the dog to build relationships with people, and it will become a leader in a team of fellow tribesmen. OKD programs are suitable for the rat catcher, because a trained animal will behave more obediently during walks and will not run away or bark at its larger brothers. Rat dogs perform best in sports disciplines, successfully passing obedience and coursing standards.

Nutrition

The Prague Terrier's diet must be correct, rational and balanced. They are energetic animals, so they spend a lot of energy, so they eat almost constantly. Up to 2 months, babies eat six times during the day, that is, every three and a half hours. As soon as the rat catcher is 9 months old, he begins to eat twice a day after nine and a half hours.

Ready-made dry food is ideal, but only premium quality. It is best given according to the instructions on the packet, based on body weight and age. Never mix natural and dry food, because this has a bad effect on his kidneys and intestines. The animal must receive clean water, which is changed twice a day.

With a natural diet, the rat catcher's food includes lean meat, boiled red sea fish, and porridge flavored with butter. The animal loves raw carrots, apples, cabbage leaves, pumpkin, which can replace bones. The food is offered fresh and warm; it is strictly forbidden to feed your pet from the common table. The characteristics of the breed indicate that hot food significantly harms the gastrointestinal tract. If the portion does not disappear from the bowl after twenty minutes, then it should be hidden until next time.

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

To choose a healthy puppy, you should follow a few simple rules:

1. Ask a dog handler to demonstrate the babies' parents by checking their pedigrees.
2. Check the legality of the nursery’s activities, check whether it is registered with international cynological associations.
3. Visit an exhibition of dogs of this rare breed to communicate with experts.
4. Carefully examine the skin and coat, assessing its uniformity, thickness and length.
5. If you have small children, then purchasing a rat dog should be postponed indefinitely due to the fragility of the puppies.
6. Assess the condition of the puppies, their neatness, aggressiveness, activity, and friendliness.
7. Cull babies that are too big-headed because they may suffer from hydrocephalus.

The Prague Rat is a kind, devoted pet, ready to support its owner in any situation. The miniature size makes the Ratlik an ideal dog for keeping in a one-room apartment; the price of the baby does not exceed 40,000 Russian rubles. If you provide conscientious care and a balanced diet, the rat catcher will live in the family for a very long time.

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 Prague Rat breed

It is no coincidence that the peak of popularity of the oldest of the Czech breeds occurred in the Middle Ages.
The negative attitude of churchmen towards cats and widespread unsanitary conditions led to the dominance of rodents in the cities, which became the main carriers of the plague. In order to somehow minimize human losses and tame rat chaos, breeders are concerned with breeding “highly specialized” dogs capable of hunting mice and other small animals. This is how the first ratliks (from German Ratte - rat) began to appear in the chambers of the Czech nobility. For some time, the Prague rats remained local celebrities, whose fame did not extend beyond the borders of the Czech state. But, starting from the 8th century, the rest of Europe began to learn about the brave dogs who skillfully dealt with the rat brethren. The first to pay attention to the breed was the Frankish scientist Einhard, who left a small description of its representatives in his historical works. Further - more: in 1377, the warriors were presented to the King of France, Charles V, in the form of an exclusive gift from Charles of Luxembourg.

The legend about the additional duty assigned to dogs dates back to the same period of time. Well, to be more precise, in the royal families animals were granted taster positions, since only the lazy were not involved in the study and use of poisons in the Middle Ages. In particular, King Wenceslas IV, who loved to revel in mossy taverns, always took his favorite rat with him when going on his next foray “among the people.” During the royal sabantuy, the dog walked freely around the tables and tried the dishes presented to the ruler, thereby indicating that the food was not poisoned.

By the middle of the 17th century, the Czech Republic was overtaken by economic decline, and the Prague rat rats fell into oblivion. From warm, scented boudoirs they migrated to cold and gloomy peasant barns, where they earned their food by catching mice. At the end of the 19th century, enthusiastic cynologists tried to revive the Czech warrior tribe, but the First and then the Second World Wars nullified the results of the efforts.

A repeated and finally successful “upgrade” of the breed was undertaken by Jan Findeis and Rudolf Schiler in the 70s of the 20th century. However, the first litter registration was carried out only in 1980. As for the distribution of the Ratlik family, it is relatively insignificant, since until the early 2000s the bulk of the population lived in the territories of the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Today, the total number of Prague rat rats in the world does not exceed 3,000 individuals.

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.

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.

Health and main diseases of the rat

If an adult sheds too much and quickly, its skin is dry, and its coat loses its shine, then the diet needs to be changed. To add shine and elasticity to the hair, you need to add sunflower, sea buckthorn, and olive oil to your diet.

If the owner notices redness of the ears, rashes in them, an excess of wax, the presence of fluid or a strong odor, he should contact a veterinarian. An alarming symptom will be twitching of the head or rubbing of the ear on the floors, since the presence of black ear mites, otitis media, and allergic reactions may become a problem.

The main ailments of the rat:

• increased bone fragility;
• limb fractures;
• problems with the kneecap;
• volvulus;
• hypoglycemia.

Delicate animals suffer from chronic colds, so in winter it is better to walk for a short time and only in good weather. Rat catchers also have a predisposition to obesity, dermatitis, allergies and a delay in the replacement of milk teeth with permanent ones.