Prague Rat

History of the Prague rat breed

The peak of popularity of the oldest of the Czech breeds was not accidental in the Middle Ages. The negative attitude of churchmen to cats and general unsanitary conditions led to the dominance of rodents in cities, which became the main carriers of the plague. In order to somehow minimize human losses and tame rat lawlessness, breeders took care of breeding "highly specialized" dogs capable of hunting mice and other small animals. So the first ratliks began to appear in the chambers of the Czech nobility (from him. Ratte – rat).

For some time the Prague rats remained local celebrities, whose fame did not go beyond the Czech state. But, starting from the VIII century, the rest of Europe began to learn about the brave dogs who masterfully dealt with the rat brotherhood. The Frankish scientist Einhard was the first to pay attention to the breed, who left a small description of its representatives in his historical writings. Further – more: in 1377, the ratliks were presented to King Charles V of France in the form of an exclusive gift from Charles of Luxembourg.

The legend of the additional duty imputed to dogs belongs to the same period of time. Well, to be more precise, in the royal surnames, animals were granted taster positions, since only the lazy were not engaged in the study and use of poisons in the Middle Ages. In particular, King Wenceslaus IV, who loved to carouse in mossy pubs, always took his beloved rat with him when going on another outing "to the people". During the royal sabantuy, the dog walked freely around the tables and tasted the dishes brought to the ruler, thereby indicating that the food was not poisoned.

By the middle of the XVII century, the Czech Republic was overtaken by economic decline, and the Prague rats were forgotten. From warm, perfumed boudoirs, they migrated to cold and gloomy peasant barns, where they earned their food by catching mice. At the end of the XIX century, the Czech Ratlik tribe was tried to revive by enthusiastic dog handlers, but the First and then the Second World Wars brought the results of the efforts to naught.

A repeated and finally successful "upgrade" of the breed was undertaken by Jan Findeis and Rudolf Schiller in the 70s of the XX century. However, the first registration of the litter was carried out only in 1980. As for the distribution of the Ratlik family, it is relatively insignificant, since until the early 2000s, the bulk of the livestock lived in the territories of the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Today, the total number of Prague rats in the world does not exceed 3,000 individuals.

Video: Prague Rat

The standard of the Prague rat breed

Prague rat – a miniature "aristocrat", at first glance, very similar to russian toy and a little less on tsvergpinscher . Breeding specialists attach great importance to the proportions of the body of rabbits, so it is necessary to identify an exemplary representative of the breed, armed with a centimeter tape and a calculator. In particular, the ratio of the dog's height to the length of its body should be about 1:1.05. Moreover, the figure indicating the height of the animal at the withers must be at least twice the depth of its chest, measured in centimeters. The width of the rat's forehead in relation to its length is 1:1, less often – 1:1.03, and the length of the muzzle does not exceed ½ the length of the head.

Head

The head of the Prague rat has the shape of a pear. The occipital protuberance and forehead of the dog are convex, clearly marked, the foot is moderately relief. The animal's muzzle is distinguished by its general dryness and sufficient length.

Teeth and jaws

Ratlik's jaws are strong, symmetrically set, shaped like a blunt wedge. A complete dental formula and a scissor bite are preferred.

Nose

The pet of the Czech monarchs has a well-pigmented lobe, the color of which is in harmony with the shade of wool.

Eyes

The rounded, slightly protruding eyes of Prague rats have a dark color of the iris.

Ears

Representatives of this breed have wide-set, strong ears, fixed in a standing position and resembling the shape of butterfly wings. The tips of the ear cloth lowered at a slight angle to each other are acceptable, although not very desirable.

Neck

Refined, with a noble curve, without suspensions and skin folds.

Housing

The body of the Prague rat is compact, almost square in format, with a moderately matched bottom line. The back is smooth, strong, with an unexpressed withers and a short loin. The dog's chest is oval, of normal width. The croup line is long, slightly sloping.

Limbs

The front legs are placed parallel and wide enough. The shoulder blades of Prague rats are muscular, well-fitting, the pasterns are even, set at a slight slope. The hind legs of the dog are distinguished by a wide, parallel set, reliable angles of articulation and general muscularity of contours. The paws of representatives of this breed are rounded, arched type, with tightly compressed fingers. The dog's movements are free, springy.

Tail

The tail of the Prague rat is planted at the level of the back, but in motion it rises higher, curling into a ring. The usual length of the uncooped tail is up to the hocks.

Wool

Prague rats can be both short-haired and semi-long-haired. In the first case, the dog's fur is dense, well-fitting to the body. Secondly, it is softer, slightly lagging behind the body, forming stylish feathering on the paws, ears and tail.

Color

Most of the Prague rats are black- or brown-tan, and the tan should differ in the saturation of the tone and not be blurred. Typical locations of the scorch marks are the pasterns, throat, cheeks, eyebrows, inner thighs and chest (spots in the form of two symmetrical triangles). A little less often you can meet representatives of this breed of sand and chocolate colors. The marble tone of the wool is also acceptable.

Defects and disqualifying vices

The most typical exterior defects of the breed: narrow skull, pincer bite, convex loin and back, depigmented nose, excess tan. White spots on the chest with an area of more than 1 cm, elbows turned in or out, an excessively stretched body, a tail set low and "falling down" on one of the hips are also not welcome.

Disqualifying vices of Prague rats:

• not completely overgrown fontanel;
• wool with receding hairline;
• a hunchbacked back and an overly convex loin;
• ears adjacent to the skull;
• undershot/overshot;
• the iris of the eye, colored yellow or blue;
• loss of 4 teeth or 2 incisors;
• black- and brown-tan individuals have no tan marks on their heads;
• white spot on the chest with an area of 2 cm, white markings on the paws;
• red color, muted by abundant black color;
• height less than 18 and more than 24 cm;
• gratuitous aggression and fearfulness.

The character of the Prague rat

Prague rat is a professional "pocket" comforter, incredibly attached to his own master and able to create favorable "weather in the house". In addition, this miniature "antidepressant" is intelligent enough not to allow himself to grumble and empty chatter, and certainly this is not the kind of dog that will annoy you with sudden "oratorios". Ratlik is not particularly disposed to people who are not part of his inner circle, demonstrating a primness bordering on slight suspicion at the sight of strangers. But if you like to throw noisy parties with a bunch of invitees, the pet will understand and approve. Most importantly, take the time to introduce him to the guests.

Surprisingly, these hereditary rat catchers have a good relationship with cats (work colleagues, anyway). But ratliks get along with other dogs with difficulty, and then only with those individuals who do not try to put pressure on them with their authority. It should also be taken into account that it is impossible to confuse the Prague rat with physical superiority, so if your ward was provoked by some wolfhound, he will rush to restore justice with the same pressure with which he would attack an ordinary barn rat. By the way, about rats: any rodent and everything that looks at least a little like it is goal No. 1 for the Prague rat, so it's better not to let the dog off the leash when walking. And in general, it's worth visiting friends with ratlik who are engaged in breeding hamsters and chinchillas less often: you never know what.

With all the dependence on the owner, Prague rats are not devoid of self-love and healthy selfishness. At first, the "handbag" sizes of the breed are confusing, forcing them to see in its representatives characterless caprices, suitable only for wearing on handles and interior decoration. In fact, there is a serious personality hiding in the tiny body of the Prague rat, which requires a certain respect. In particular, wean yourself and your children from encroaching on the pet's property (toys, a couch). The meaning of the word "Mine!" is clear to the rabbits, like no other dogs, so they vigilantly monitor their own "treasures", entering into a tough confrontation with those who are trying to take them away.

Education and training

It is necessary to educate and socialize a Prague rat puppy, like most other dogs, from the moment it appears in the apartment. Czech catholics are still those dominants, and if you don't set the boundaries of what is allowed in time, they will quickly sit on your neck. At the same time, it is very important that the baby is with his mother and his own brothers until the age of 7 weeks. In the future, the time spent with the family will help the dog to build relationships with a person and find his place in the dog collective.

For the rest, ratliks are typical lapdogs, greedy for praise, delicious stimuli and outright flattery, so if you want to teach a rat a little something, do not skimp on affection and compliments. Never, under any circumstances, punish an animal physically. Firstly, you risk injuring an excessively fragile pet, and secondly, you will forever discourage him from working with you in a pair. However, it is unlikely that you will raise your hand to such a groovy charmer, so the main problem facing the owners of the breed is not even education and training, but the ability to restrain your own emotions at the sight of these touching creatures. Do not forget that the Prague rats subtly feel the mood of the owner, and if they give up, they will not miss the opportunity to turn the matter in their favor. Treat the lessons positively, but try not to spoil the pet, so as not to grab his head from the dirty tricks and destruction he has caused.

As for the training programs suitable for the Prague rat, the best option for him will be OKD. Yes, yes, these crumbs do an excellent job with the General training course. Moreover, a trained ratlik who has learned the basics of etiquette will cause less trouble on walks: we remember about the breed's passion for harassment and unwillingness to give in to disputes with larger relatives. The rats are also able to distinguish themselves in sports disciplines. Best of all, they are given standards of obedience like offending, as well as all kinds of "catch-up" (coursing).

Maintenance and care

The Prague ratlik will need all the same things as any decorative dog. For example, before moving a puppy to a new home, a couch, latex toys, a pair of bowls, absorbent diapers, a tray, as well as a leash with a collar or a harness should be purchased in advance for him. Despite the fact that the rats themselves prefer to relax on the master bed, it is better to equip them with a separate mini-living space, away from your bedroom. Although, perhaps, you don't mind your pet storing toys and half-eaten treats under the blanket. In this case, you can not spend money on buying a couch or a sleeping basket.

If the prospect of turning your room into a dog treasury does not please, take a closer look at special houses for decorative pets. Choose durable options with a viewing platform on the roof, as Prague rats really like to jump on low horizontal surfaces. You can throw a small diaper or a blanket into the pet's bed: rabbits love to wrap themselves inside any free piece of fabric, arranging something like a burrow and a bird's nest in it at the same time.

In the first days after moving, it is important to solve the toilet issue. And then the Czech ratliks have two ways at once: diapers or the street. However, we will have to take into account the accelerated metabolism of the breed, since long–suffering is not about the Prague rats. As an example: even individuals who successfully cope with the need outside the house can periodically do "their own business" in the apartment. Do not perceive this behavior as something out of the ordinary, it is better to insure yourself with diapers or a tray. By the way, about the tray: for a male, a column should be installed in it so that the animal has a reference point where to "aim".

Hygiene

The short (much less often – half-long) coat of the Prague rat does not present unpleasant surprises. Czech rabbits shed seasonally, twice a year, and the first molt in puppies begins at 3 months. During the period of intense "hair loss" dogs are combed daily. In the intervals between molts, it is enough to go through the pet's fur with a brush a couple of times a week, combining the removal of dead hairs with skin massage.

It is better to wash Prague rats as needed: frequent "bath days" spoil the structure of the wool and dry the skin of the animal. In summer, dogs can be allowed to swim in the river or lake, which they love very much. The only thing: do not forget to wash the wool with clean water after bathing to free it from the remnants of algae and microorganisms living in reservoirs.

The ears of Prague rats do not cause much trouble, as they are well ventilated. But just in case, once a week it's worth looking into the ear funnel to remove excess sulfur and dust. Sometimes ratliks are pestered by ear mites and otitis media. Accordingly, if the dog began to shake his head, it is better to take him to the veterinarian.

Prague rat's eye care is minimal: just remove lumps from the corners of the eyelids in the morning with a decoction of chamomile and a soft cloth. Ratliks are supposed to brush their teeth at least three times a week, so teach your ward to brushes, rubber finger pads and toothpastes from the first months of life. Once a month, you will have to allocate time for cutting the claws and trimming them with a nail file. It is advisable to cut less and polish the miniature claw more, so as not to injure the blood vessel. After walking, the paws of the Prague rat should be thoroughly washed with warm water, treated with antiseptic cracks, if any, and lubricate the pads with vegetable oil or nourishing cream.

Walking

The Prague rat, despite its pronounced decorativeness, is by no means a homebody, so you will have to walk with the baby as much as with any active dog. Ratliks are taken outside strictly on a leash. Removing the strap from an animal in the city is a deadly risk, given the rat's innate "talent" for inflating conflicts with relatives, as well as his hunting predilections. Initially, it is better to train a pet to a collar and a belt leash, since in the future, when you sign it up for OKD, this will greatly simplify the learning process. Walking on a harness or roulette is also possible, but after ratlik has managed to get used to the traditional leash. But it is better for the owners of show animals to put the harness away, since such "accessories", although slightly, distort the delivery of paws, and at the same time excessively develop the muscles of the chest, which is regarded by exhibition commissions as a defect.

Often on the street you can meet glamorous little rats in trendy clothes, shod in stylish insulated slippers. There is a sense in such equipment, but only in very cold weather: temperatures up to 0 ° C are easily and painlessly tolerated by ratliks. If the thermometer column shows minus values, the animal can be packed in a knitted jumpsuit or sweater – there is practically no undercoat for rats, which, with accelerated metabolism, is fraught with frostbite and a cold. At the same time, you should not turn a dog into a doll, buying up funny pajamas and homemade suits for her in heaps. Don't forget, the animal's fur should not be in constant close contact with the fabric: you don't need a bald pet, do you?

As for shoes, everything is ambiguous here, since the impermeability of dog boots is most often a myth. In addition, tiny boots restrict movement, forcing the animal to move in an unusual way. If you want to protect your pet's paws from reagents, lubricate them with protective wax and do not walk on sidewalks in winter. It is better to take the baby away from the salt-sprinkled paths and wander with him there for a bit.

Feeding

Prague rats can be fed with premium "drying" or natural products. There is also a third, mixed type of feeding, when the dog absorbs dry croquettes, but several times a week receives pieces of raw beef or rabbit meat (practiced by a small percentage of breeders). If you are for naturalness in all its manifestations, transfer ratlik to a standard diet, the basis of which is lean meat of all varieties, including poultry. Sometimes, for a change, you can put boiled fillet of pollock or salmon, as well as beef tripe in a bowl of a four-legged friend.

Cereals in the dog's diet should make up a minimum proportion: cooking porridge for a Prague rat, seasoned with a couple of pieces of meat, is definitely not an option. Of the vegetables, ratliks have the greatest predilection for raw carrots, which replace their bones. Dogs are no less willing to gnaw apple slices and cabbage leaves. Boiled pumpkin in combination with offal can also become a delicious and nutritious lunch.

Up to two months, puppies eat every 3.5 hours, that is, up to 6 times a day. Starting from 8 and up to 16 weeks of age, the number of feedings is reduced by one. A four- to six–month-old rat eats four times a day with an interval of 4.5 hours, and a six-month-old - only three times. From ten months, the dog is considered an adult and switches to two meals a day with an interval of 9-9.5 hours.

Health and diseases of Prague rats

Prague rats are creatures not that too painful, but quite fragile. In particular, even a pet sitting in an apartment should be carefully monitored, since the ebullient energy of the breed and its love of jumping often become the causes of fractures. And these miniature sissies easily catch a cold, so it's better to minimize the duration of walks in winter. Prague rats also have a predisposition to such ailments as intestinal inversion, obesity, dislocation of the kneecap, hypoglycemia, collapse of the trachea. Some individuals may have problems with their teeth, for example, a delay in their shift.

How to choose a puppy

• Ask the breeder to show the parents of the puppies, and at the same time check their pedigrees to make sure the pedigree of the purchased baby.
• Check if your chosen kennel is registered with dog clubs or associations. Or better yet, visit the breed exhibition, where proven breeders gather, with whom you can directly communicate about the purchase of a Prague rat puppy.
• Carefully inspect the fur of the baby you like. There should be no bald patches on it, and the cover itself should be uniform in length and density.
• If there are children at home, it is better not to buy a mini-rat. Because of their fragility, such puppies require special treatment and increased attention, which can only be provided by an adult, responsible owner.
• Evaluate the general condition of the puppies: how neat and active they are, whether they show signs of aggression. This is a general rule for all breeds, and in the case of Prague rats, it also works.
• Reject unnecessarily big-headed puppies. Almost all such crumbs suffer from hydrocephalus.

The price of the Prague rat

Like most of the less common breeds, Prague rats are not cheap. The minimum price tag for a club puppy with a metric and a relatively normal pedigree is $300, and with a 90% probability it will be a pet–class individual. Animals without visible external defects, promising to declare themselves at exhibitions in the future, are valued more expensive – from $500 to $1000.