Pražský Krysařík (Prague Ratter)

The Prazsky Krysarik is an ancient tiny breed of a companion dog, which was developed on the territory of today Czech Republic and Slovakia. Despite its status of one of the smallest canines in the world it has repute of an excellent rat exterminator. With its outgoing and cheerful personality this breed commonly makes a superb family pet.

It is officially agreed that the homeland of the Prazsky Krysarik is the former Czechoslovakia although it traces its origin to ancient Bohemia. This miniature dog was commonly observed decorating courts of Bohemia’s kings and princesses. The breed became highly fashionable in the Dark Ages. Actually it was so revered that its presence was highly welcomed at aristocratic banquets at Prague Castle. It has also earned multiple fanciers among European rulers since kings of Bohemia frequently gave its specimens as gifts.

The Prazsky Krysarik didn’t just play an ornamental role but it was also frequently utilised as an effective exterminator of household rodents. The name «Krysarik» was granted to this ancient canine variety because of its unparalleled rat killing skills. After the Czech lost the battle on the White Mountain the political and economic crisis hit this country. The Prague Castle, which was the stronghold of Czech ruling class, was deprived of its former significance. The dogs were taken from the castle by the commoners and relegated to the role of ordinary household pets. The Krysarik fell into complete disfavour in the XIX century when the Miniature Pinscher gained more and more popularity as a toy breed.

The first attempt to revive the breed was made by the Theodor Rotter and Otakar Karlik. They collected all necessary documents and began a breeding program. Unfortunately their work proved to be futile because chosen dogs didn’t have six generation of pedigreed ancestors, which is mandatory requirement for their registration. And when the Nazi force occupied the Czechoslovak Republic, Rotter’s properties were confiscated including the papers relevant to the rebirth of the Prasky Krysarik.

The dogs’ systematic breeding was once again set up in the 80s of XX century and this time it brought desirable results. Presently the breed serves exclusively as a cute and biddable family pet although its specimens can be rarely met outside its country of origin.

The Prazsky Krysarik is an ultimate companion animal, which thrives on human companionship. Unlike majority of toy breeds this intelligent dog is notable for much calmer and more dignified character. A well-brought-up specimen will use its voice reasonably and fairly moderately. It likes spending time with familiar children but they should be taught to handle this fragile small dog with proper carefulness.

The Prazsky Krysarik is rather tolerable towards strange people although it tends to meet them with initial suspiciousness. This sensitive dog is very quick to distinguish the threat to its territory or family and it’s quite ready to protect its house from any ill-intended person. That’s why it can become an agreeable watchdog, which will reliably warn its master about any possible danger. At the same time this breed won’t make a useful guardian because of its small size and friendliness.

The Prazsky Krysarik is notable for its easy-going disposition so it’s usually alright with other canines. Nonetheless it’s advisable to keep this breed with dogs of similar size and activity level. In spite of its appealing appearance this dog possesses well-developed prey drive and can become a mortal enemy for a household rat or hamster. It can live peacefully with an individual cat if they have been introduced to each other in an early age.

The most common problems for the breed include:

· susceptibility to injuries;

· patellar luxation;

· retained baby teeth.

It’s extremely easy to groom the Prazsky Krysarik. Its short and glossy coat will stay healthy and tidy if you occasionally brush it and wipe it over with a damp tissue. Other than that the breed requires basic care including regular nail trimming and teeth brushing.

Protruding ears of this dog need special attention to their cleaning as they tend to attract dirt and various small particles. The Prazsky Krysarik is a moderate shedder.

The smart and docile Prazsky Krysarik responses well to basic training. Thanks to its willingness to oblige the master can teach this dog fairly advanced commands. With a persistent and patient handler it can become a very successful participant of obedience trials.

This breed should never be stimulated to work with forceful methods since they can only provoke in it an outburst of aggression. The training of this warm-hearted and gentle dog should be approached only with positive reinforcement, which should include abundance of its favourite treats.

The Prazsky Krysarik may appear to be a frail lap dog but this first impression has nothing to do with the reality. This is a vigorous dog, which needs a long and brisk daily walk to feel itself fully satisfied. Actually this dog is always happy to get involved into some exuberant game with its master and loves playing fetch. However it should be released off-leash in an enclosed area, just for the sake of its own safety.

Be mindful that without proper outlets for its excessive energy the Prazsky Krysarik tends to become destructive and hyper active indoors. On the whole this breed adjusts fairly well to all housing conditions and will thrive both in a small apartment and in a spacious suburban house.