Today the breed of dog Prague rats is very popular. Despite the small growth - about 23 cm at the withers, the rat-rat is an excellent hunter. Thanks to his fighting spirit and mobility, he got his name, which is translated from Czech as “little rat catcher”. Also, the breed is also known as the Prague Ratlik or the snow eagle.
Breed history
The history of the birth of the Prague rat rat is rooted in the distant past of the Czech Republic. Initially, the breed had the name "ratlik" and its task was to protect the master's house and property from the invasion of rats. For the first time, the breed was described in documents dated to the 8th-9th centuries A.D. At one time, the Polish king Boleslav ll Generous brought small dogs from the Czech Republic. Later, in 1377, during a visit to France, the king of the Czech Republic presented Charles V the Wise with three warriors, thereby confirming the friendship of France and the Czech Republic. In historical literature, the presence of rats among many rulers of Europe of different times is noted.
Subsequently, in connection with the defeat of the Czechs during the war on White Mountain, the status of a dog was lost. They became the darlings of women not only of a noble family, but also of poor residents suffering from raids by rats. And only at the end of the last century, more precisely in 1980, thanks to the colossal efforts of dog handlers to revive the breed, the dog Prague rat was recognized as the national breed of the Czech Republic, and subsequently earned recognition in many countries of the world.
Character Features
The Prague rat is a very sweet, peaceful, sympathetic and affectionate animal. Despite the fact that the modern rat-cat, unlike medieval ancestors, does not fulfill the tasks of the rat-catcher, he, obeying basic instincts, likes to hunt while walking on the street. Krysariks are smart and mischievous dogs, they love comfortable conditions and easily take root in the apartment. They are obedient and balanced, devoted to the owner and unobtrusive. Can patiently be near the owner, without fussing and not showing concern. Next to other animals, they occupy a leadership position. A dog does not tend to get scared and panic. At a meeting with a stranger, he behaves wary and detached. In the cold season, during a walk, the dog freezes, so it needs to be insulated.
Distinctive features
The Prague rat, whose photo confirms the description, is characterized by pronounced musculature and a strong skeleton. The head has the shape of a pear with a tubercle on the back of the head. The ears are strong, triangular in shape, slightly directed towards each other and always in a standing position. Eyes wide and straight set. Between the eyes there is a clearly marked hollow. The muzzle of the dog has noble features, the lips are strong and undiscovered, the jaw muscles are well developed. During movement, the tail of the dog is raised up and can be rounded. The main color of the coat is tan, black-red, but may have a different color. The coat can be either long or short. A powerful body, a wide chest and the description above indicate the Prague rat rat breed. The toy terrier is thin-boned and more sophisticated, despite the fact that they have related roots.
Training and education of the Prague rat
Krysariks are loyal to the owner and really feel the change of mood, and also perfectly understand praise and discontent. In this regard, they are very amenable to training. Teams are easy to remember and able to perform various tricks. They easily overcome the obstacle course by participating in agility and thereby showing dexterity and the ability to understand the requirements of the owner. In a sport such as kursing, the Prague rat rat fully demonstrates the hunter's inherent nature. It can be easily trained by the method of obedience.
Thanks to his quick wit, the dog can serve as an excellent companion. Living in a city apartment, the rat rat can walk into the tray.
Dog health
No serious diseases were observed in the Prague rat rat. There are problems with the teeth and gums, which causes a bad smell from the mouth. The formation of tartar can lead to periodontitis. You must regularly drive the dog to brush his teeth and remove the stone to the veterinarian.
The rat rat has a congenital defect, manifested by a dislocation of the patella. It is assumed that this is a hereditary gift of ancestors. Paws in the metacarpal and forearms are most often affected by fractures. Dogs live for about 14 years.
A few words about nutrition
A dog of the Prague rat rat breed spends a lot of energy, and accordingly, it needs to be replenished in sufficient quantities. An adult dog must be fed 3 times a day. Special dry food and preservation for dogs include all the nutrients necessary for the growth and development of a pet. However, not all dogs are willing to consume them. Many people prefer beef, poultry, fish, and will not refuse pasta, rice and vegetables that have fiber. An additional vitamin complex must be included in natural foods.