The Prague Ratter, also known as "libeňský srneček" (Libeň roe), is the smallest and oldest Czech breed. This little dog is very temperamental. He is a very lively and devoted companion.
The Prague Ratter is a very old breed known since the Middle Ages. There are records of dogs with a similar appearance from as early as the 8th century. The Ratter quickly abandoned his role of rat catcher and became a companion to burghers and monarchs. He often appeared at feasts at Prague Castle, or was given as a sign of friendship and respect. At the time, and even today, the Prague Ratter was referred to as "ratlík" from the German word rattler (rat catcher).
The German Miniature Pinscher replaced the Prague Ratter in the 19th century, and the Ratter began to sink into oblivion. This changed in the 20th century, when Czech cynologists decided to restore this national breed. Although it is still mostly popular in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this year it has been recognized as a breed by the Federation Cynologique Internationale FCI and its popularity is spreading to other countries.
I don't need to describe what the Ratter looks like. It looks like a miniature elegant Dobermann with a height of about 20 cm. It has a compact body structure and a pear-shaped head with round eyes and relatively large ears. It is most often black or brown and tan.
Its size makes it an ideal city dog. This is supported by the fact that it behaves calmly in apartments and is not excessively barky compared to many other small breeds. However, it's not a "handbag" dog. It's a lively little dog that needs lots of fun and exercise. He likes being outdoors and loves nature. He is good at agility and freestyle sports, but he will also do well in obedience exercises. Watch out for the squirrels when you go for a walk, he still has hunting instincts! He tolerates the company of other animals well and is a good companion to children, with which he has a great time.
In terms of care, you don't need to do much for the Ratter. His coat is basically maintenance free, he just needs some clothing in winter. You must also watch out for his ears in winter as they may freeze. Other than that, it's a strong dog that is not prone to congenital diseases.
This dog has a wonderful nature. Obedience and devotion are in his blood, and he's a cheerful and playful companion, but he needs lots of stimulation so he's not bored. He is not aggressive by nature, but he is careful around strangers, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you hear him bark, he probably has a good reason to do so.
If you have a Prague Ratter at home, you will surely agree that you and your children could not have wished for a better friend to take anywhere with you.
In the first part of the interview with the Slovak musher Katarina Vigodová, we talked about how to prepare for a skiing trip with your furry friend. Today we are going to hit the skiing trails with Katka. What commands should the dog know? Why are a...
Spring is round the corner together with extreme dog races. What can we look forward to this year? And what is this dog sport all about?
The shared history of humans and domesticated animals is full of interesting facts. Expand your horizons with the following forty interesting facts about pets, spanning over centuries.
Breeding supplies are currently becoming a fast growing sector and as with any other industry, even here we can trace the development trends of new products coming to the market. Let's take a look at the biggest trends in the world of our furry...
An interesting trend brought by the pet industry. Compared to other sectors, this one is growing at a dizzy rate. Why is that? Let's take a look at the newest trends in pet acquisition and adoption, and whether shelters and breeders really are as...
Obesity isn't a civilization problem concerning only humans but also pets. It is a condition where the body receives more energy than it expends. What is the main cause and how to deal with obesity in pets? Answers are provided in the following...
Are you wondering how to create the perfect meal plan for your guinea pig? What is crucial for larger rodents and what is better to avoid? Everything about guinea pig nutritional requirements can be found in the following interview with the breeder...
We've become accustomed to the sight of dogs in public places. Probably everyone has experienced a dog in the workplace, in a park, in a café, etc. Dog owners should therefore always bear in mind the handling and training of their pets. Let's go...
We recently wrote about planned musher races. The canicross events aren't being left behind and the fans of running with a dog have plenty to look forward to this year.
Winter is showing off in all its glory. And winter sports fans are setting off for the mountains. They're often accompanied by their four-legged friends. Especially more and more popular is becoming ski mountaineering. Furry companion's presence is...
For pet owners, smart toilets are a welcome replacement for the traditional litter box, which has to be cleaned every day. You can even control them via a mobile phone application and monitor the frequency of the toilet usage, especially when your cat...
Fresh meat, insect protein or sustainable pet food. New trends in dog nutrition. Adding fresh meat into dog food enhances the taste and smell of the product, but it's also easier to digest.
