Ratonero Mallorquín
Temperament:
The Ratonero Mallorquín is a Spanish breed not recognized by the FCI. However, since 2002 it has been recognized as an independent breed by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Another name for him is "Ca Rater Mallorqui".
Characteristics
There is the Ratonero Mallorquín in the colors black and tan (fire-colored). Possibly there are white spots on chest, belly and feet. It also exists in chocolate and tan, possibly with white spots on chest, belly and feet, and in wehite with black spots. Rarely there is this dog breed in all black or only tan.
According to the Spanish breed standard, the Ratonero Mallorquín weighs 3 - 5 kg. Where females are slightly lighter than males. The shoulder height is 29 to 36 cm. Again, bitches are slightly smaller than males.
The Ratonero Mallorquín can become 15 - 17 years old. There are also rattlers that can live up to 20 years.
Males are "as long as high" according to the breed standard, while bitches are rather longer. Prescribed according to the breed standard is a docked tail after the 1st vertebra. The docking of the tail is forbidden in Germany. However, docked dogs may be imported into Germany (not into Switzerland).
A purebred Ratero must have prick ears after 1 year. Knick ears would be a "mistake". The Ratero is lively, curious, smart, playful - and independent.
As with all dog breeds, he is only fond of children if he has had positive experiences with children during the imprinting phase (3rd to 12th / 16th week). If he does not have any experiences with children during this sensitive phase, he will remain fearful of them all his life. In the case of negative experiences, this courageous little hunting dog is not afraid to loudly vent his displeasure. This dog needs to be mentally and physically exercised and can be trained if he sees an advantage in it for himself (reward).
The studbook is kept since 1990 by the "Club del Ca Rater Mallorqui", with most of the rateros coming from outside Mallorca.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
This small Rattler is unproblematic in its diet. Most representatives of their breed, adopted by German, Austrian or Swiss families, come from animal welfare or hobby breedings, because the pedigreed dogs are mostly resold on Mallorca among locals.
The Ratero eats everything (dry food, wet food, BARF, dog-friendly home-cooked food) without getting sick. He is a robust dog, because the breeding selection of this working dog was and is merciless.
Health & Care
The short coat without undercoat of the Ratero does not require special care. However, this Southerner freezes very quickly, because he also has no subcutaneous fat tissue. In addition, his proximity to the ground, from which the cold radiates. Therefore, he needs a coat already from autumn, without which he will freeze very quickly otherwise
and catches a cold.
Breed specific diseases are not known in him. As with all small dogs, heart failure and tracheal collapse can occur with age. This is a weakness of the windpipe, which can be very well adjusted with medication. Attention must be paid to the dental health, here must be provided in time by appropriate care. This can be brushing teeth, chewing bones or professional teeth cleaning.
Suitable accessories
The Ratero is not only a guard dog that conscientiously announces every letter carrier. He is also a hunting dog that immediately kills his prey, such as mice, rats, rabbits. From this it follows:
A good dog school with a behavioral approach should be sought out so that he doesn't put his huge ears on alert during the 1.5 - 2 hour walks. He will shred his toys quite quickly - unless they are made of plastic....
Origin & History
The Ratonero Mallorquín (its Spanish name) comes from Mallorca, where it originated about 170 years ago from local small beats and various terriers (Toy Terrier, Manchester Terrier) on farms. He kept the farms free from mice and rats and in the evening he went with his master to hunt rabbits. The Rattler works independently.
In Northern Europe, this affectionate little whippersnapper is often kept as a companion dog, which is quite suitable for an apartment. He can be trained if you respect his sensitive nature. Then he is tenderly devoted to his humans. It should be remembered that this dwarf is also a real dog. After 16 - 18 hours of sleep a day, he wants to be exercised and experience adventures with his human.
Author: Agnes de Villafranca.
