Prague Ratter (Pražský Krysařík)

Get to Know Prague Ratter (Pražský Krysařík)s

• One of the World’s Smallest Breeds: The Prague Ratter rivals the Chihuahua in size but is often slightly more refined in structure and temperament.
• Ancient Noble Origins: They were once kept by Bohemian kings and nobles, appearing in artwork and royal inventories as early as the 8th–9th centuries.
• Expert Vermin Hunters: Despite their toy size, their name “Krysařík” literally translates to “rat catcher,” and their instincts remain sharp. They’ll chase small moving objects with gusto.
• Two Coat Varieties: While the smooth coat is most common, a semi-long coated version has recently been accepted in some registries, adding to the breed’s visual diversity.
• Almost Lost, Then Revived: After nearly disappearing during the 20th century, dedicated Czech breeders revived the Prague Ratter through careful breeding programs. It’s now officially recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) as a distinct national breed.

Breed History

The Prague Ratter hails from the Czech Republic and has a history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally bred as a royal companion and vermin hunter, they were prized for their agility and fearless nature in keeping palaces and homes free of rats, hence their name. This breed was a favorite among Bohemian nobles and often appeared in royal courts throughout Europe. Over time, as castles became less dependent on ratting dogs, the Prague Ratter evolved into a beloved lapdog, celebrated for its intelligence, warmth, and compact charm. Today, the breed is considered a national treasure of the Czech Republic, admired both as a lively family companion and as one of the smallest purebred dogs in the world.

Personality and Behaviour

• Confident & Spirited: The Prague Ratter has a bold, self-assured personality. They may be small, but they carry themselves with the confidence of a much larger dog. They're alert, aware, and ready to investigate everything.
• Loyal & Affectionate: They form deep bonds with their family members and are extremely people-oriented. They often follow their favorite person from room to room and love to snuggle close.
• Playful yet Sensitive: Their lively nature makes them wonderful playmates, but they can be sensitive to loud noises or rough handling, gentle socialization from a young age helps them grow into well-rounded adults.

Care

• Exercise: Despite their size, Prague Ratters have moderate energy levels and love interactive play. Daily walks and short bursts of play indoors or in a secure yard will keep them fit and happy. Because of their tiny size, care should be taken to avoid injury — they’re not suited for rough play or jumping from high furniture.
• Grooming: Their short, sleek coat is very easy to care for — a quick brush once or twice a week keeps it healthy. They have delicate skin and little body fat, so a warm sweater or coat is recommended during cold weather. Regular dental hygiene is especially important for this small breed.
• Training: Highly intelligent, Prague Ratters pick up commands quickly when motivated by praise and treats. They thrive on positive, reward-based training. Consistency and early socialization help prevent small-dog behaviors like excessive barking or overprotectiveness.