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.
Although I sometimes temporarily care of some brown rats, I still consider myself to be a beginner in brown rat keeping. In the beginning of this year, a white lab brown rat ended up in my temporary care. I noticed that Běluše (that’s how I called her...
It sits with great difficulties. It also looks like it is very painful. It seems that any contact of the tail and ground causes great pain. As well as any touch when I try to find out what’s wrong with its tail. We came back from swimming where our dog...
Summer fun begins now. And I can’t imagine a summer without our activities together with my dog. What about you? Plan where you and your doggie could spend time before the temperatures are scorching and not a single branch moves on trees and we all...
Some dogs are already born with sensitive digestion, at some it may occur later in life. Or an allergy for a component of the food they used to like and we considered as suitable may occur. For such cases, meat cans can be a great supplement of normal...
If you decide to head to the streets of your city during a hot summer day, remember that pavements you will be walking on are much warmer that the air. In general, I try to go out with my dog during hot summer days as least as possible but if we go...
That brown rats are social rodents and love and look for the closeness of not only other brown rats but also their owners is a well-known fact. They feel lonely and sad without any interaction
Weekend or holiday is here and you are thinking about what to pack? You definitely shouldn’t forget your first-aid kit. And also the one for your dog! Properly equipped first-aid kit is a must. If you are struggling with deciding what should be...
Our personal experience is what influences us most in our opinions. But if we don’t have it or can’t get it at least from a friend or family member, it is more difficult for us to imagine how living with a giant furry friend looks like. And if it comes...
The best option for living of a small rodent are big aquariums, plastic boxes or cages. And I don’t mean big as high but rather with as big area as possible. Hamsters are naturally running creatures and need enough space. Max has a space of the...
If you are going for your holiday by car, you may be considering bringing another passenger with you. Your dog can be a great companion, so you don´t want to leave it at home. However, your time off by the sea might hide various obstacles, starting...
Turkey, the homeland of angoras and Turkish Vans is almost cats’ paradise. Even though veterinary care is quite expensive here, also cats living outside are taken care of well. Even in large cities like Istanbul and Ankara you can encounter a lot of...
When I was a child, our dog changed my life. He taught me lifetime love for living beings but also responsibility, patience and caring for others. Scientist has found out those are not the only benefits the life with an animal has for children....
