Prague Ratter

The Prague Ratter, known in Czech as the Prazsky Krysarik, is one of the world's smallest dog breeds and one of Europe's most ancient companion breeds, a miniature ratter and courtly companion with a history that can be traced back to medieval Bohemia, where it served as both a practical ratter in homes and royal residences and as a favoured companion of the Bohemian and Polish nobility. Historical records suggest that the breed was gifted between royal courts across central Europe in the mediaeval period and appears in Czech royal portraiture. The breed's numbers declined significantly in the twentieth century and it came close to extinction before dedicated Czech and Slovak breeders revived and standardised the breed from the 1980s onwards. The Prague Ratter is recognised by the FCI and registered by the Kennel Club in the Toy Group, though it remains rare outside central Europe.

The Prague Ratter is a tiny, fine-boned and elegantly proportioned dog of upright carriage and alert expression. The smooth, short and glossy coat comes predominantly in black and tan, though other colour combinations occur. The large, dark eyes and upright ears give the face a bright and alert expression. The breed is one of the smallest in the world by height - adults typically stand 20 to 23 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 1.5 to 3.5 kilograms.

The character is alert, lively, devoted and affectionate - a small companion with real intelligence and the historic dual role of ratter and court companion evident in its combination of watchfulness and personal devotion. The Prague Ratter forms a deeply close bond with its own person, is active and agile for its size, and retains the alert, watchful quality that made its ancestors useful as small guards and ratters. It can be reserved with strangers and this wariness should be addressed through early and thorough socialisation.

The very small size is a practical welfare consideration that cannot be ignored. The Prague Ratter is genuinely fragile and requires handling with care, a household where the risk of accidental injury from rough play or dropping is managed, and the use of a harness rather than collar to protect the delicate neck.

Health considerations include Patellar Luxation, dental disease and Leg Perthes Disease. Hypoglycaemia is a management concern in very small individuals.

Purchase prices from registered breeders range from £1,000 to £2,500. Import from Czech or Slovak breeders is often required. Monthly running costs average £50 to £90. Czech and Slovak breed clubs are the primary resources for breed information, responsible breeders and health testing guidance.

Alert, lively, devoted and affectionate. Deeply bonded to its own person. Can be reserved with strangers - a watchfulness that reflects the ancient companion and guard role. Active and agile for its size. Forms a very close bond with its owner. A characterful and engaging tiny companion for the patient, careful owner.

Alert, quick-minded and responsive. More trainable than its diminutive appearance and ancient companion origins might suggest. Responds well to gentle positive reinforcement. Can be sensitive and does not respond to harsh methods. Early socialisation is important - the breed can be cautious with strangers and early positive exposure reduces this tendency.

Low exercise needs - 20 to 30 minutes daily is sufficient. The breed is agile and energetic for its size but the very small body means exercise should be kept moderate. Mental stimulation through training and interactive play is important. Walks should be on a harness rather than collar to protect the fragile neck.

Patellar Luxation is the primary hereditary concern and assessment of parents is strongly recommended. Dental disease is essentially inevitable without preventive care given the very small jaws. Hypoglycaemia is a management concern in very small individuals. Leg Perthes Disease (avascular necrosis of the femoral head) is documented. Fragility of the breed means injury risk is a practical welfare consideration.

Feed a high-quality complete food specifically formulated for a very small or toy breed. Dental health is critical in very small breeds. Hypoglycaemia is a risk in very small individuals, particularly as puppies. Two small meals daily.

The smooth, short coat requires minimal grooming - a weekly wipe-down is all that is needed. The breed is naturally clean and easy to maintain. Nails require regular trimming.

Purchase price from a registered breeder: £1,000 to £2,500. The breed is rare in the UK and import from Czech or Slovak breeders is often required. Monthly running costs: £50 to £90.

Suits calm households and owners experienced with very small breeds. Good with gentle older children but fragile given the very small size. Adaptable to smaller living spaces. Devoted and engaging companion for the right owner. Requires handling with care and should not be over-exercised or exposed to rough environments.