Perro Ratonero Andaluz

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Perro Ratonero Andaluz is also known as Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz, Andalusian Rat-Hunting Dog and Perro Bodeguero Andaluz. As the name suggests, these dogs are used to hunt and eradicate small vermin like rats and mice in farms, ports, warehouses, stables, houses and even taken aboard ships for the same purpose. In Spain, its country of origin, the dog is also referred to as Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz which, in English, means Wine Cellar Rat Hunting Dog of Andalusia as these dogs were developed and used to free wine cellars from mice and rats.

This breed came into being when Englishmen settled in Jerez country side for sherry making industry. They brought with them Terrier dogs (progenitors of today's Fox Terriers) to hunt mice and rats. These terriers were then crossed with Raterillo Andaluz, a Spanish local breed. The resulting dogs were recognized as Perro Ratonero Andaluz.

This is a typically lively and spunky dog with medium size height and strong body structure. It stands between 14-17 inches and weighs about 15-18 pounds. This lean, athletic and agile dog resembles so much to Jack Russell Terrier that it is sometimes referred to Spanish Jack Russell. It has triangular head with semi-flat skull and long muzzle with straight nose bridge that leads to a black nose. Dark brown eyes are small with alert and intelligent expression. Triangular shaped high set ears are bent over at tip. Long and muscular neck is free of dewlap.

Rectangular shaped strong, athletic, lean and compact body is ideal for following rats into burrows. It comes with long, straight back, short but muscular loin, broad chest and slightly tucked-up belly. Tail is high set and carried straight. It can be naturally bobbed or docked to a quarter of its length. This breed comes with a short but dense coat that is tri-colour with predominant white, tan and black. Tan eyebrows give this dog a four eyed appearance.

This dog is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club.

Color

This ratter has a typical white body with tri-color mask that is white/black/tan.

Coat

The coat is short but dense for this dog.

Personality

A typical terrier, both in appearance and personality, the Perro Ratonero Andaluz is lively, energetic and full of character dog. It is very loving, loyal, friendly and affectionate to its family and forms strong bond with them. The dog loves children and makes an excellent playmate of them. It is an intelligent dog that is not difficult to train however, obedience training is a must as it has a tendency to be stubborn once it hears rustling sounds or sees slight movements as hunting mice and rats is this dog's number one hobby. It gets along well with other dogs but is not trustworthy at all around other small pets due to its high prey drive. This dog can easily adapt to any living condition but does like to go out and play, run and roam freely.

Care

This clean and short coated dog does not need extensive grooming. An occasional brushing of the coat with good nutrition will keep the coat in top condition.

Training

The Perro Ratonero Andaluz is not only an intelligent dog, it is also obedient to its master and an easy to train dog. The master, however, should display proper leadership skills.

Activity

This ratter is an active breed that will love to be outdoors, be it a walk or opportunity to play games like fly-ball and tug-of-war. This high strung dog can adopt to an apartment life equally well. The owner, however, should make sure to take this dog for long daily walks to satisfy its exercise needs as well as its primal need to walk.