All about rat dogs

One of the oldest functions performed by dogs in the service of humans is the extermination of rats and mice, which are not only dangerous pests, but also tolerate many infectious diseases. Rat-dog dogs are everywhere where rodents are found, day and night they lead battles with their innumerable hordes - it is for this that the dogs have gained a great love and respect for the person, and the most agile have become the subject of great pride of their owners.

It would seem, why do we need a dog-rat, if for centuries this function was performed by cats? However, this is not entirely true - the history of dog-rats originates in the Middle Ages, and cats in those years were considered assistants to the dark forces and were not particularly popular among the inhabitants. That is why long centuries of catching mice and rats was for the most part the privilege of specialized breeds of dogs, especially in the countries of the Old World.

The dogs were kept on farms, granaries, boards of merchant ships, where the dogs made their way into the narrowest gaps, destroying rats as well as cats. In those years, even a very bloody sport spread. It consisted in the fact that thousands of rats were driven into the sports arena, and then dogs were let out there and relied on how long it would take a dog to kill all rodents. Some animals showed themselves as real champions - especially flexible and fast-moving dogs caught up to 15 rats in one minute!

Billy's terrier has gone down in history - he managed to kill 100 rats in 12 minutes, as well as Terrier Jaco, who caught and strangled over 1000 rodents in 24 hours, while he dealt with the most recent batch of 100 pests in just 6 minutes. A case is known when a dog placed in a barn with grain exhausted 2,500 pests per day.

Thanks to the interbreeding of dog rats with some other hunting breeds, many new, improved varieties of these unusual animals were bred. Most often for breeding took light dogs with small marks of black or red color. So it was easier to see the dog in dark rooms, where they caught large rats: in warehouses, in the holds of ships, leather shops, taverns and stables. That is why, in the overwhelming majority of cases, rat-cattery dogs have such a suit.

However, for several centuries, the exterior of these animals has undergone significant changes. Rat-catchers have external differences, they can be light, gray, and even black, but at the same time they have much in common.

Firstly, these animals are distinguished by innate courage and excitement of the pursuit of prey — so strong that it surpasses the feelings of self-preservation and fear at the corral. Dogs have excellent hearing, thanks to which they can hear the slightest rustling made by pests. At the same time, the dog should have a small, but very strong, flexible body, strong jaws and a triangular head - its structure should allow not only to deal with the rodent, but also to quickly overtake the prey and penetrate the narrowest holes where the rats hide.

Nowadays, many pied rat dogs start as a companion dog, they are distinguished by loyalty and devotion to their owner, become good playmates for kids and get along well with other pets, especially cats, because they can rightfully be called "colleagues ".

There are quite a few rat breeds of dog breeds. Let's stop on the most popular of them.

• Rat Terrier (rat terrier). This German dog is a true master of rodent fishing. Funny, miniature and stocky animals at one time specially created to protect the London subway tunnels from the hordes of rats. By the way, it is known that the rat terrier was the pet of the stiff politician Theodore Roosevelt, who spent a lot of time with his pet.

• Andalusian tavern rat catcher (ratonero). It is estimated that in two days this dog can catch over 2000 rats and mice - according to the effectiveness of its hunting, any cat will be far away. This animal is so dexterous, assertive and hazardous that it can even tear out “wooden” baseboards with which the rodents hide, and in a few seconds overtake every pest that has fallen into its field of vision.

• Smooth Fox Terrier. This is one of the best hunters for burrowing animals, it is perfectly cracked down on rodents. It was these dogs that most often participated in battles in the arena, where they invariably emerged victorious.

• Prague Ratter. The smallest dog in the world, which is even smaller than a Chihuahua. Her height at the withers does not exceed 23 cm, and body weight - 3 kg. Nevertheless, it is one of the best dog-rat-catchers in the whole world. Animals were bred specifically for the destruction of rodents, which in the Middle Ages were a great threat to cities and villages of the Czech Republic. Nowadays, dogs are common mainly in their homeland, as well as in Japan, they are very rare dogs and very expensive.

• Lakeland Terrier. Dogs of this breed like to be in constant contact with a person, they adore children and get along well with other pets, but only if the latter are more than the terrier itself. They get along with small animals only if, from birth, they are used to communicating with them. Lakeland Terriers are very playful and active dogs, which are nowadays most often used as companions. But if a mouse starts in the house, then rest assured that a pet in the blink of an eye will save you from an uninvited guest.

• Dachshund. These are funny dogs with a long body and short legs, which, however, does not prevent them from expressing themselves as great hunters. Animals are distinguished by curiosity, activity, courage, and exceptional intelligence. These are ideal companions for families with children. Dachshunds are very fond of digging, and during the walk they invariably show the instinct of pursuit and the excitement of hunting, therefore not a single rodent slipped past their attention.

• Miniature Pinscher. Pinchers are the ancestors of most modern Pied Piper. In previous years, they were often used in tandem with ferrets and rat-cattle people: a person was searching for flocks of rodents, a ferret chasing away rats, and the role of "executioner" was assigned to the pinschers. This dog easily caught and choked even the most nimble pests.

• Russian toy terrier. Despite the miniature size, this animal has perfect hearing and high speed, and such qualities are truly indispensable during the hunt for rats. During the years of the Soviet Union, it was Russian Toy Terriers who often staffed fruit and vegetable bases.

All representatives of mouse dogs have extremely high performance.In the fight against uninvited guests and pests of pantries, barns, chicken coops and livestock pens, dogs manifest themselves in the best possible way. Therefore, the choice between specific breeds is done based on your taste and financial capabilities.

However, it should be borne in mind that Most of the Pied Piper are quite rare breeds, and therefore their cost is very high. This is often used by unscrupulous breeders who give out one breed for another. For example, Russian toy terriers are often given for Prague krysaryk. Outwardly, these animals are very similar, but the cost of the rat-rais because of the low prevalence of the breed is much higher.

Before choosing a puppy, get acquainted with all the features of the breed and its exterior, and it is best to take with you a specialist who can confirm that the pet you are offering has all the required breed characteristics.

Nowadays, dog rats are rarely used for their original purpose - they are mainly acquired as companions, therefore, the cost of pets depends on their class.

• Show class - These are the best breed representatives, who invariably are the winners of exhibitions and competitions, are used for reproduction and are rated very high.
• Breed class - These are pets that get “good” and “excellent” marks at exhibitions, they are usually purchased for subsequent breeding.
• Pet class - These are dogs that have some external defects that do not allow them to participate in exhibitions and be used as breeding material. However, this does not detract from their merits: these animals are loyal, loyal, active, friendly, and in case of a rodent on the horizon, they immediately demonstrate their best hunting characteristics.

Pay attention to the health of the proposed dog: its weight and height must match the age, eyes and ears must be clean. An unpleasant smell from the mouth, bloating in the abdomen, as well as dermatitis and inflammation on the skin are not allowed. Pay attention to the physical state of the selected puppy - it must be active, cheerful and nimble.

The story of the Prague rat see below.