Prague Ratter: Everything You Need to Know About Dog Breed

Prague krysaryk are better known under the name Czech ratlik. Most Russians do not even realize the existence of such a breed. These funny kids are often confused with Chihuahua, Pinscher and Toy Terrier.

The name of the breed Prague rat already speaks about the purpose of these dogs. During the Middle Ages, they usually performed cat work - they caught mice and barn rats, which not only destroyed food supplies in their homes, but also carried many dangerous diseases.

The homeland of these dogs is the Czech Republic. The true story of the appearance of the rock is shrouded in numerous legends, so the researchers can only say with certainty that Czech warlords appeared in Europe around the Middle Ages.

Due to their physical characteristics, they easily made their way into any hard-to-reach crack and pounded rats, which in size were only slightly inferior to the hunters themselves.

For a long time ratlik remained exclusively Czech dogs, the fame of them went beyond the borders of the country, but from the VIII century on these brave and clever dogs, cracking down on the hordes of rats, they found out in the rest of the countries of the Old World. At that time, additional duties were assigned to the dogs - they tried to eat food from the table of eminent citizens to check the dishes for the presence of poison in them. This was very relevant at that time, because in the Middle Ages, it was perhaps the most lazy who did not study and compose poisons. It is known that King Vaclav IV, famous for his love for kutit in the pubs of the city, going on an amusement outing "into people", certainly took a small dog with him. During the feast, the animal moved freely around the set table and tasted all the dishes brought to the sovereign, thus confirming that the food was not poisoned and the king could taste it without fear.

In the middle of the XVII century, the Czech Republic plunged into a serious economic crisis. In those years, the population of krysarikov sharply declined, from the comfortable, warm palaces they moved to the gloomy sheds of poor peasants, where they again began to earn their living by catching rats. At the end of the 19th century, a group of enthusiasts tried to restore the population of Czech ratliks, but the First World War soon began, and the Second World War followed, and all their efforts were reduced to nothing.

Only in the 40s of the last century, thanks to the joint efforts of Rudolf Schiller and Jan Findus, was it possible to achieve official recognition of the breed and the preparation of a standard.

Czech ratlik is a real aristocrat, albeit a small one. At first glance, the breed is very similar to a toy terrier. Breeding specialists pay special attention to the ratlic body proportions, so in order to identify the ideal representative of the rat, you will have to take a ruler. It is believed that the ratio between the growth of the dog and its long body should be approximately 1: 1.05.At the same time, the parameter designating the height of the dog at the withers should be 2 times the depth of its sternum.

In general, the dog has the following features of the structure.

• Head in the shape of a pear. The animal is characterized by a sharply defined forehead and pronounced occipital protuberance. The muzzle is rather long, with pronounced general dryness.
• Jaws very strong, symmetrically set, in the form of a blunt wedge. Bite, like most dogs, the type of scissors.
• In Prague krysarykov nose is well pigmented. As a rule, her color is in harmony with the basic tone of the coat. The eyes are rounded, slightly protruding, the iris is colored dark brown, almost black.
• Czech ratliks have wide ears. It is allowed to drop the tips at a small angle relative to each other.
• The neck of a krysarik is rather refined, without delays and pronounced skin folds, it is distinguished by a truly noble curve.
• The case is very compact, square-shaped. The back is powerful, perfectly flat. The withers are mild, the lumbar region is shortened. Sternum medium width, oval shape. The croup line is elongated, slightly oblique.
• The front legs of the animal are set fairly wide and strictly parallel. The blades of the Czech ratliks are adjacent, muscular, and the metacarpus are even, located under a slight bias. The hind legs of the animals also have a parallel position; they are distinguished by the reliability of the articulation angles and the clear muscular expression of the contours. Paws of dogs of this breed are usually vaulted, rounded, fingers tightly pressed.
• The movements of the animal are springy and free.
• The tail of the Czech Ratlik is located at the level of the back, during the movement it rises up and wraps around.

Defective features include:

• narrowed skull;
• arched back;
• nose without pigmentation;
• excessive tanning;
• twisted elbows;
• slightly elongated body;
• low or "falling down" in the side of the tail;
• baldness on wool;
• not completely overgrown spring;
• yellow or blue iris;
• hanging ears;
• whitish spot on the chest with a diameter of more than 2 cm;
• the presence of bright marks on the feet;
• height at withers less than 18 cm and more than 24 cm

Czech Rattlik is often called a professional comforter. This is not surprising, because such cute dogs are sincerely attached to their owner and have the ability to create a comfortable psychological atmosphere in the house. These lively “antidepressants” are extremely intelligent, therefore they do not allow empty barking without a reason, they will never annoy their owners with empty “oratorios”.

In relation to strangers, as well as to persons who are not included in the circle of close people, the kryatarik are not too located. At the sight of outsiders, they all show the inaccessibility, stiffness and even suspicion.

These rat-catchers have rather friendly relations with cats, whatever one may say, and they are in a sense colleagues. But with dogs, these dogs do not get along, they can find a common language only with the same small individuals who will not put pressure on them with their authority. It should be noted that physical superiority alone cannot confuse the Prague rat, therefore if this miniature dog feels the threat emanating from, say, a wolfhound, it will go into the attack without hesitation with the same activity as if it decided to pounce on an ordinary barn rat.

By the way, about rodents: any decorative chinchillas, hamsters and guinea pigs will always be the number one target for ratliks, therefore it’s strongly not recommended to keep such animals under the same roof, even if the rodent is in a cage.

At first, their miniature dimensions baffle the owners, who see them as funny caprices, which can only be carried on their hands.In practice, a full-fledged person lives in the small body of a Czech Ratlík, demanding exceptional respect for his persona.

If you want to establish friendly relations with the dog, unlearn yourself and forbid the children to encroach on the property of the pet (bed and toys). These animals are well aware of the essence of the word "mine", so they do not encroach on other people's things., but their “treasures” are anxiously guarded, entering into a serious confrontation with those who want to take them away.

Like any other breed, the Prague Rat has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include compact dimensions - due to the size, you can always go with your pet to a place where entry with animals is strictly prohibited. Such a dog can feel comfortable both in a private house and in a small apartment.

Krysariki do not require specialized care, they are easily trained, quickly absorbing information.

Unlike many other miniature dogs, Czech ratlik has a brave temper. He will always defend the owner and his property if he feels threatened. However, a small height is unlikely to allow them to drive away the "enemy".

One of the drawbacks of keeping a krysaryk is that when you see any rodent in the house or on the street, hunting instincts awaken in them and the dog can no longer be stopped. Another disadvantage was the small number of the breed and the excessively high price of such dogs puppies. - The cost of a pet of this breed reaches 1,300 euros.

Prague krysarik very often confused with a toy terrier. These animals have many similarities, but the difference is also expressed. So, ratlik much more willingly come into conflict - this is their main difference from the very cowardly toy-terriers.

In the old days, rat-men were used to trap rats and mice that had an unpleasant habit of settling in rural homes. It would seem - why display the breed of dog-rats, if cats lived in every village? The answer is simple - in those years, cats were equated to evil spirits, so the responsibility to protect the house from uninvited guests had to be assigned to someone else.

Representatives of both breeds are extremely self-confident, but this often works against them, because animals are not aware of their size and challenge even large dogs. The outcome of this confrontation is obvious.

Both dogs can be kept in apartments, they get along well with all households, do not require specialized care and are easily educated and trained.

Externally, dogs are similar, but professionals can easily distinguish one breed from another. The body of the rat is more toned and collapsible, muscular type, which can not be said about the Russian toe. The body forms of the latter are slightly more exotic, so the breed quite often takes part in exhibitions and contests.

It is believed that representatives of Czech krysarik have strong immunity and rarely have health problems. However, they are prone to certain diseases.

• Diseases of the gums and teeth. In krysarikov, tartar is often formed, which leads to a very unpleasant putrefactive smell from the mouth, and if it is not timely started treatment causes inflammation of the gums. In order to reduce the risk of such problems, it is necessary to brush your pet's teeth from time to time and take them to the veterinarian in a timely manner to remove stony deposits.
• Fractures of the limbs. Animals of this breed have brittle bones and at the same time a brave temperament, because for them there is not uncommon injury of metacarpal bones and forearms.
• Pathology of the musculoskeletal system. Rats often face dislocation of the patella. Studies confirm that these pathologies are usually hereditary and congenital.
• Diseases of the digestive tract. Usually they are the result of overeating or unbalanced nutrition, because it is extremely important for breeders to watch what their pet eats and in what amounts.
• Cold. Prague krysariki do not have a warm skin with a thick undercoat, therefore they are unprotected in conditions of low temperatures and strong wind. In winter, they need clothes, otherwise the pet may get sick.

If you properly care for ratlik, then you can prevent the appearance of his majority of pathologies. Timely vaccination of dogs, prevention of helminthic invasions and periodic treatment of parasites living on the skin - fleas and ticks are of great importance.

In accordance with the Czech description of the standards set The following types of Prague ratters.

• Shorthair. The wool of such ratliks is rather dense and uniform along the entire length, and at the same time it is shortened and thick. On the head, the hairs are shorter, they do not grow as thick as on the rest of the body, but without hairs.
• Longhair The apex of the hairs of these dogs is as dense and homogeneous in its structure; it is short on the muzzle, and on the sternum, ears, tail and back of the paws, long shaggy hair is noticeable.

Animal color can be:

• black and rooted tan;
• ginger;
• chocolate;
• red.

A raincoat shade with a red tan and without any marks is allowed.

Any shade can be merlene - that is, with hairs that are not completely dyed. As for the tan, it should be necessarily a contrast, while as much as possible saturated.

Prague krysariki are rather peculiar dogs - they are absolutely not adapted for life on the street, however, their activity requires constant physical exertion and daily walking.

Due to the small size ratlik can live even in a small apartment. It is very important to secure the premises in advance - remove all wires, cables, unstable objects, as well as protect any gaps into which an inquisitive pet can whisk.

Even before buying a Prague krysaryka, everything necessary for his full life activity should be prepared - beds, latex toys, bowls, drinking trough, waterproof diapers, a tray, as well as a leash and harness. Despite the fact that these little dogs prefer to relax on the master's couch, it is still better to provide for them a separate living space, which will be removed from the person’s recreation area.

Houses for decorative indoor pets can be purchased at any pet store. It is best to give preference to structures with a stronger observation deck on the roof, since these dogs do not like to jump on small surfaces. It would be useful to throw a warm blanket into the bedding - the rats like to wrap themselves inside any loosely cut fabric, arranging some kind of hole in it.

Immediately after moving to a new place Ratlik need to decide on his toilet. It has two solutions to the problem - either a street or a diaper. If you choose the first option, you should take into account the fact that dogs of this breed have an accelerated metabolism, and even long-suffering for them is not typical.You will have to walk your pet several times a day, otherwise he will be forced to do all his “business” in the apartment. This option is preferable for dogs living in a private house with the possibility of samovygul. If you don’t have your plot, and all family members are too busy and can’t arrange frequent animal walking, it’s better to accustom him to a tray or absorbent diapers.

The coat of the Prague rat requires no specialized care - these animals molt seasonally twice a year. The very first molt usually begins at the age of 3-4 months. During this period, you need to comb out the animals every day, the rest of the time, 2 procedures a week are enough. Usually for this purpose special brush-furminators are used, which allow not only to get rid of dead hair, but also at the same time massage the pet's skin.

Bathe Czech ratlik as and when necessary. If you resort to flushing procedures too often, the deterioration of the structure of the coat and overdrying of the skin of the animal is not excluded. In the warm season, you can allow your four-legged friends to splash in a natural pond or pool - dogs love water very much.

Ears usually do not deliver any troubles to dogs, as they are well ventilated, although weekly inspection of ear funnels for injuries, inflammations and excessive sulfuric emissions is not out of place. After the cleaning procedure, they can be treated with boric acid or veterinary lotion. Keep in mind that dogs of this breed are susceptible to otitis, so if you notice that the animal began to shake its head often, it makes sense to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Eye care for Czech Ratlik is minimal. Every morning, you should clean the dried lumps in the corners of the eyelids using a cotton pad moistened with chamomile decoction. Every 3-4 weeks it is necessary to clean the rat teeth. This can be done with a brush or rubber fingertips. Pet's claws require regular trimming and trimming the ends with a file, while cutting the very edge of the claw so as not to damage the blood vessel.

After each walk, it is necessary to wash the paws and treat all the cracks on them with an antiseptic ointment. In the frosty season, you need to additionally lubricate the pads with baby cream or warm vegetable oil.

Despite the outwardly decorative ratliks, they can not be called couch potatoes, because they require frequent and long walks. Walking a dog of this breed should be twice a day for at least an hour. Animals walk necessarily on a leash. If you remove the strap during a walk, it threatens the dog with great trouble, given their ability to react to any rodent and the tendency to stir up conflicts with relatives.

The owners of any dog ​​make for themselves the decision to feed the pet in one of two ways - either “naturalkoy” or dry food. Rats are no exception, because the breeder has the right to decide for himself what will be the pet's diet based on its capabilities and preferences. Dry food can significantly save the time the breeder on cooking, they are enriched with vitamins and minerals and have a balanced composition. Preference should be given to products not lower than the premium class - such mixtures are made from the highest quality products, they do not contain preservatives and flavor enhancers.

When feeding animals in kind, it is necessary to include such products in the diet.

• Meat - it is at least 70% of the diet. Usually use low-fat varieties - beef, veal, chicken, rabbit or horse meat.
• Fish - for feeding animals suitable white low-fat varieties - hake or cod. It is not allowed to include in the menu red fish, as well as river.
• Vegetables - dog mixes include carrots, pumpkins, zucchini or cauliflower in raw, ground form or steamed.
• Cereals - boiled rice and buckwheat are suitable for dogs. Corn, barley and wheat should not be included in the menu - they are almost not absorbed by the pet's body.

Before reaching the age of 2 months by the rooks, it is necessary to feed the babies every 3.5 hours, that is, about 6 times a day. After 8 weeks, the number of feedings is gradually reduced, so that they feed 4 times a day in 4-6 months, and only 3 times in 6 months. By the year animals are transferred to two meals with an interval of 8-10 hours.

Czech ratliks need to socialize from a very early age and as soon as the pet appears in the house. The fact is that these dogs are still manipulators, and if you do not immediately establish the limits of what is permitted for them, they will soon “sit around their necks” to their owners.

In this case, it is extremely important that up to 7 weeks the animal remains surrounded by its relatives - mothers and brothers and sisters. The time spent with the family will allow animals to further understand their place in the dog team and teach them to build a style of behavior with other animals.

In all other respects, Prague krysariki are the most typical lapdogs who, for praise and delicious delicacy, are ready to learn anything. This feature needs to actively use the time of pet training.

Firstly, with this you can harm the psyche of the pet, and secondly, you can simply discourage the pet from further desire to work in tandem.

A common mistake of breeders is the inability to restrain their emotions at the sight of a cute room dog. Her touching look makes the owner “give up the slack”, and the cunning rat-mates never miss the opportunity to turn this situation to their advantage. Keep in mind that you need to treat the classes with a positive, but try not to spoil the pet, otherwise you will only have to grab his head from the destruction and minor dirty tricks.

Usually these dogs take the most general course of training, as well as training in sports disciplines. Best of all, they manifest themselves in catch-up.

Reviews and characteristics of the owners of Prague rat are the most positive. According to them, these are kind and faithful dogs, which, if necessary, can stand up for their owner, and also help get rid of uninvited rodents in the house. However, the small size of the breed and the high cost lead to the fact that unscrupulous vendors constantly appear on the market, who are trying to pass off other breeds of animals for the rat.

Representatives of this breed are quite expensive, but such an acquisition can be considered as a profitable investment - the cost of these dogs of the elite class comes to 200 thousand rubles.

The story about the breed in the next video.