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Prague Ratter
Characteristics, History, and Health

Prague Ratter

The Prague Ratter, also known as PraĆŸskĂœ Krysaƙík, is a small dog breed originally from the Czech Republic with a history that dates back several centuries. Though they are not as well-known as other small dog breeds, the Prague Ratter has a rich history and unique characteristics that make it a fantastic companion. The history of the Prague Ratter is believed to go back over 1,000 years. The breed's development is often linked to the Czech royal history. Prague Ratters were favorites among the Bohemian aristocracy, and it was a popular breed at the courts of the Czech kings in the Middle Ages (1). The name ""Prague Ratter"" or ""PraĆŸskĂœ Krysaƙík"" is derived from the city of Prague and the Czech word for a rat, indicating its role as a rat-catcher in its earlier years.

Main Info
Origin
Czech Republic
Alternate Names
PraĆŸskĂœ Krysaƙík
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Average Male Height
8-9 inches
Average Female Height
8-9 inches
Average Male Weight
3-8 pounds
Average Female Weight
3-8 pounds
Coat Length
Short
Coat Type
Glossy, Smooth
Coat Colors
Black & Tan, Brown & Tan, Blue & Tan, Lilac & Tan, Yellow, Pink, Red, Merle
Coat Pattern
None

Genetic Predispositions and Health

They are generally healthy, but can be susceptible to conditions common in many small dogs, including patellar luxation and dental problems due to the size of their jaw. Currently, there are no known genetic conditions tightly associated with the breed. As for all breeds, genetic screening is recommended to assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Personality and Behavior

Prague Ratters are known for their active, playful, and sociable nature. They are intelligent and quick learners, making them relatively easy to train. Despite their small size, they are courageous and can make good watchdogs. They love being part of the family and are great with children. However, due to their size, interaction with very young children should be supervised.

Fun Facts

The Prague Ratter is said to be the smallest breed in the world in terms of height. They typically stand about 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder.

Despite its diminutive size, the Prague Ratter was originally bred for catching rats in rural and urban households (hence the name "Ratter").

The breed almost went extinct in the 19th century when the Miniature Pinscher gained popularity. However, Czech and Slovak breeders revived interest in the Prague Ratter in the late 20th century.

References

http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/363g09-en.pdf
http://praguerattersclub.com/breed-standard
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/PRAGUE-RATTER-363.html

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