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.
Heroparkour is a great sport for problem dogs. Since a great part of problem behaviour has roots directly in timidity. Such dog is unable to handle more complex situations of ordinary life due to fear. It doesn’t believe non-standard conditions.
The use of dogs in search and rescue (the so-called SAR) is an integral part of natural disasters, mass accidents or, for example, when search for missing people. Do you know, when the first dog rescuers appeared?
Every dog has its individuality and is unique in its own way, so even the period of growing up can differ significantly in every individual. I know dog owners, who didn’t know what to do with puberty excesses of their otherwise loved four-legged...
A handy assistant not only for dog owners, who need to work on training with their dog, but also for sport cynologists who, on the other hand, are refining the discipline called the “track” with their dogs. The original purpose of the long cord with a...
One dog isn’t enough for you and you’re looking for an excuse that will help you vindicate having a whole pack at home? One option is to become a musher - a dog sled racer. For adrenaline lovers, who’d love to ride through the landscape on a sled using...
Of course there are more apps, we chose only the ones for you that intrigued us the most. Have you tried an app or have you got a favourite one that you could recommend to others?
It’s like a rollercoaster ride with outside temperatures this winter, once you’re up and then back down. All the more attention should we pay to the care for our dogs. Since it’s not only us, people, who don’t take well to the changing temperatures.
Unfortunately, in the life of dog owners, even unpleasant situations occur, which aren’t only an intervention in the life of your dog partner, but also affect your wallet. For example, if the dog gets hit by a car or it is otherwise injured and the...
With changes of the temperatures accompanying the autumn, higher demands are put on the organism and thus its immune system. That’s why it’s not unreasonable to start and boost the immunity already now. Remember, that prevention is always better and...
Before we get to winter sports that you can do with your four-legged buddies it’s good to remember the care that you shouldn’t forget about in this period.
If you’re planning to go abroad, even just for a few days, then definitely don’t forget about the animal’s passport. When you’re packing this dog passport, make sure that you check off-hand, that your four-legged friend has all its vaccinations valid....
Kittens, as well as a number of other animal offspring, are born blind. Their eyes open around the tenth day of their life and only after another week, they are fully functional. Even though the sight in a cat belongs among the best-developed senses,...
