In Russia, there are not many Czech ratlics, or in other words, Prague rats, and many do not even know about the existence of this breed. In addition, these kids are often confused with toy terriers, pinschers. and chihuahua. What kind of dogs are hiding under this funny the name of the Prague rat, and what are they remarkable for?
Content
- 1. The origin of the breed
- 2. Description of the Prague rat rat breed
- 2.1. Colors
- 3. Character
- 4. Training
- 5. Care and health
- 6. Diseases
- 7. Feeding
- 8. Content
- 9. Photo of the Prague rat
- 10. Video about the Prague rat
- 11. Where to buy a puppy
Origin of breed
The name of the breed is the Prague rat or ratlik (“rat”), associated with the appointment of these small, but very mobile and active doggies. Back in the Middle Ages, they did cat work – they caught and frightened off rodents, which not only spoiled food, but also were carriers of most dangerous pathologies and infections. The birthplace of the breed is the Czech Republic. 
The story of the origin of the Prague rat rats is shrouded in myths and legends, and historians have for certain found out only one thing – appeared these funny animals in Europe somewhere in the middle middle ages.
According to one legend, it was rats who became salvation in rodent invasion of medieval cities. They could get into any slot and bit the rats that were a little smaller hunters themselves. Another legend says that these doggies performed a different role – they tasted the dishes of their eminent owners so that make sure food is not poisoned.
Even the Czech king was often forced into drinking establishments with handicraft on hand. Naturally, this had a positive effect on the popularity of the breed, and its representatives appeared in the most notable state houses.
Description of the Prague rat rat
Dogs of this breed have a modest size, harmonious physique, they are active and fearless. Ratliks without hesitation rush at the enemy, but at home it’s cute and very friendly creatures.
According to standard data, the weight of rats should not exceed 2600 g, maximum growth at the withers – 23 cm. Thanks to these indicators, the breed is considered the smallest, so their chihuahua brothers can weigh up to 3 kg, there are no growth restrictions at all.
In the standard you can find the following description of these tiny dogs:
- The head is small, pear-shaped, the forehead is harmoniously convex, with a clearly defined dividing furrow. The occiput is pronounced, rounded. If you look from above, then the forehead has the shape of a square, only a small elongation from occipital region to the nose, but should not exceed 3% of width.
- There are no skin folds, cheek muscles and cheekbones are “dry,” the superciliary arches are well defined, but not convex. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is pronounced. The muzzle is blunt, U-shaped, with a flat nose.
- Lips are dry, tight, fit tight, upper lips are slightly cover lower and incisors. Assessment of the dentition by the standard is carried out without taking into account the first small molars – premolars. Preferably if the dog has a full set, and the incisors are located on parallel lines. The norm only a regular, scissor bite is considered. Jaws strong, well developed.
- The nose is small, intensely black colors, high sensitivity and mobility.
- Eyes with dry, tight-fitting eyelids, located directly, widely spaced, slight allowed convex. Color is desirable dark brown, close to black, but it must match the color.
- Auricles proportional, set apart wide, there is a small set angle. They have stiff cartilage tissue is allowed but not desired to lower the tips of the ears forward.
- The body is almost square, in females some format elongation is allowed, which is due to reproductive function. A neck of decent length, there is a perfectly noticeable, oblong bend.
- The withers of rats are not expressed, located at the level of the lumbar department, the back is straight, well muscled. Sternum depth is almost half the height at the withers. The loin is flattened, but strong, croup has a bevel, elongated, with a tightened, groin line. Together with the chest, they create an elegant bend.
- The position is slightly wider than the extreme lines of the body. Blades possess developed muscles, fit snugly to the body, elbows pressed to the chest.
- Hind limbs parallel to each other to a friend, their muscle mass is more voluminous than the front ones, they can also be longer or drawn farther than the line of the croup. Paws assembled in strong lump, with vaulted fingers and bent, pigmented black, claws.
- The tail is cropped, shortened, which is natural feature, or has a natural long. When dog is calm, it is low, while moving or when the animal is interested, the tail rises above the line the spine or may create a semicircle above the back.
Colors
Four pedigree colors are allowed:
- tan brown;
- black and tan;
- yellow-red;
- bluish with tan.
There are two types of rats, based on the texture of wool: smooth and medium-haired.
Character
First of all, the owners note that from these dogs are obtained great companions. The pet behaves unobtrusively, but at the same time he very agile, inquisitive and energetic. Krysarik loves everyone family members, especially favors children. But to unfamiliar babies may be wary.
If the owner is depressed or upset by something, the dog will not impose their society, molest or ingratiating to look into eyes. The pet will behave delicately, with understanding and participation. He will take care of his own affairs, and quite energetically, but periodically will approach or look towards the owner. Such fussiness usually helps a person to distract from heavy doom and get out of depression.
Krysariks are unusually smart and reckless, because once they were dexterous hunters of rats, able to deceive even the most cunning and a nimble rodent. In everyday life, these dogs behave calmly and silently, love to be near the owner. Thanks to compact the size of the owner can take his pet everywhere, especially since the dog perfectly transfers transportation.
It is possible to keep a ratlic with other pets, but only if animals will not strive to become leaders. Cats most often respect the dog, which behaves like a true aristocrat, does not fool in front of family members and confident.
Although representatives of this breed were once hunters of rodents, if you introduce a puppy to a rabbit or a guinea pig, he will not consider the animal as prey.
Rat owners should be aware that these little dogs tend to dominate and will show their leadership qualities in relation to people and other pets. Of course, such zeal may be funny, but if you don’t stop trying, subsequently problems can not be avoided. Doggie may show disobedience to the owner and excessive aggression towards other animals superior to them in size.
Training
These funny dogs are very temperamental and they have pretty strong nervous system, which distinguishes them from other decorative dogs with an unstable, hysterical disposition. Similar qualities make from rats to wonderful companions and allow them to train various teams. Doggies are sensitive to changes the mood of the owner, susceptible to praise, encouragement and punishment, which greatly facilitates the training process.
Many breeders believe that rattle behave like representatives of large breeds, and not like dwarf dogs. They are possess excellent dexterity, quick reaction, quick wit. Faced with difficulty, the pet will not be capricious and retreat from the intended goal, which is often observed during training little dogs. 
You can train your pet from the first days of his appearance in the house. If a the owner does not have the necessary knowledge and skills, then always You can turn to professionals for help. Krysariki – very capable students, and if you approach this question correctly, they able to perform even complex tricks and commands, and do it the first time.
With such a pet, you can safely go to OKD courses. Ratliks successfully compete in agility, obedience, and coursing competitions and can carry out trace work.
Care and Health
Prague rats do not require particularly difficult care. Their fur should be combed a couple of times a week using rubber or silicone glove. Bathing a doggie often should not, do it recommended as needed.
Given the activity and injustice of the dog, it’s easy to guess that for health and well-being he Long walks with active games and activities are needed. Ratlik is ready to run for hours, jump, have fun.
In cold weather, the pet must be warmed before a walk, putting on a blanket, overalls or a suit with a heater. Also You can buy two pairs of warm boots for your pet.
If the dog walked through puddles or wet grass, then when she returns home she needs to wash her paws with clean water and a cloth, removing dirt, and then wipe with a dry towel, removing excess moisture. Small rats can relieve themselves on diaper and well accustomed to the tray, but because of the need for long walks, they should still be displayed on the street.
Also standard care includes examination and brushing of teeth, ear shells, pet’s eye. When the claws grow back, they need to trim using a special nail clipper.
It is important to vaccinate a pet in a timely manner, as puppies possess weak immunity and are often infected with viral infections. Besides in addition, do not forget about the regular prevention of helminths infestations and treatment from external parasites – fleas, ticks, etc. good care the life of Prague rats reaches 14 years and even longer.
Disease
Experts believe that representatives of this breed are practically do not have significant health problems. Most often, these crumbs the following pathologies are identified:
- diseases of teeth and gums – rats very often form in rats tartar, which is accompanied by an unpleasant smell from the mouth, in addition, it can lead to serious periodontal inflammation – to avoid such violations is possible if you brush your teeth regularly pet and take him to the veterinary clinic for removal deposits. If milk teeth do not fall out in a timely manner, then their removal is required;
- fractures – metacarpal bones are often injured in rats and forearm area;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system – not a rare pathology is a dislocation of the kneecap, experts found that this the defect is congenital and inherited;
- problems in the gastrointestinal tract – the cause violation is overeating, so the owner should carefully monitor what and in what quantities his pet consumes;
- colds – representatives of this breed do not possess a warm fur coat that protects animals from the wind and low temperatures, therefore, if you don’t put clothes on your pet in frost, he can catch a cold very quickly.
Most of the pathologies that affect rattle can to warn, if you properly care for your four-legged friend.
Feeding
Like most dog breeders, rat owners have choice, feed the dog with natural food, or give preference for ready-made diets. In the first case, the pet must additional sources of vitamins and minerals. 
The diet of the animal should consist of:
- meat – lean beef, chicken, rabbit and turkey;
- fish – it is better to give sea, previously boiled and cleared of bones;
- vegetables – they are given both raw and boiled, you can chop and season with a small amount of vegetable oils;
- durum wheat pasta;
- cereals – you can cook buckwheat, rice and oatmeal.
Natural feeding is ideal, but on its own calculate the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals, Necessary pet daily, extremely difficult. In this case help from a veterinarian is required.
When feeding with dry granules, it is worth choosing a diet from premium and super premium products as they are made from quality ingredients in proportion. Besides, in In this case, it is easier to determine the necessary portion of food and eat the ability to select the menu based on individual characteristics pet.
With natural feeding, it’s harder not to overfeed the pet, so how, due to excellent appetite, rats are able to eat much more food than required. Given the size of the dog and its physical activity, it is fed two or three times a day, Be sure to observe the established mode.
Content
Ratliks are considered very specific dogs: they are completely unsuitable for outdoor living, however their activity and mobility requires regular walking and physical loads.
Due to their modest size, rats can live well even in small apartment. But the room must be protected, removing wires, unstable objects, blocking the gaps into which can penetrate a miniature doggie.
Litter, house or mattress should be kept away from drafts and heating appliances. Be sure to highlight a separate place where the dog bowls will constantly stand.
Photo of the Prague rat 
Video about the Prague rat
Where to buy a puppy
Puppy acquisition is an important issue, especially when it comes to dogs of such a rare breed as the Prague rat. First of all, the future owner must decide for what purpose he needs pet.
If you plan to attend various exhibitions with your pet activities and used in breeding, it is important to acquire a puppy in a nursery or at experienced breeders who can give a guarantee, that the baby meets the requirements of the standard. In Moscow there Ratlik blues kennel, where you can get a purebred puppy http://ratlik.org/.
In this case, also an important aspect is good heredity, and if possible, it is worth looking at moms, dads, grandparents puppy. In the pedigree should not be “gaps” – their presence indicates that the breeding took dogs of unknown origin. 
If a pet is purchased only as a pet, then the main criterion is his health. Usually in this category includes puppies related to the pet class, which because minor flaws can not participate in exhibitions and not allowed for breeding. The price of such offspring is much lower but puppies have no serious defects.
By purchasing a doggie from random breeders, a person risks to get a representative of another breed, mestizo or pretty, “purebred” cur. In addition, no one will give any guarantee that the baby is not sick and does not have any genetic deviations.
The Prague rat is a tiny bold doggie that is great will fit even into a large family with children and other animals. but this is not a couch option and you will have to walk with your baby regularly and for a long time.
