Skip to content
📖 1 min

🐶 Dog · size Very small

Prague Ratter

dog breed

Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight

2.21–2.99 kg

Size

Very small

Lifespan

13–17 ans

Energy

Moyen

Origin

Tchéquie

Coat

Black and tan, brown and tan and other variants: faded to lemon yellow (recessive), including

Maintenance

Moyen

Training

Moyen

The Prague Ratter (also named Prague Ratter or Pražský krysařík) is a small dog breed rarely found outside of Czechia, its country of origin. It is the smallest dog breed in the world according to statistics (compared to the maximum size of the dog, unlike the Chihuahua which is measured by weight). It is often confused with the Miniature Pinscher, a breed with a similar physique to the Prague Ratter.

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Modéré

Trainability

Modéré

Maintenance

Modéré

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Very small size (2.21–2.99 kg) — ideal for apartment and easy transportation.
  • 2Life expectancy: 13 to 17 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
  • 3Moderate energy — 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day are sufficient.
  • 4Moderate maintenance — weekly brushing is sufficient.

Chapter 1

Getting to know the Prague Ratter

Origins & history

A story told

Although the Prague Ratter is mainly known as a pet, it was originally created with the objective of replacing cats in the hunting of pests (rats, voles...). King Boleslaus I of Poland (1058–1080) owned two Prague Ratters originating from Bohemia. Then this dog became less popular during the 20th century in favor of the Miniature Pinscher (with which it is often confused). Nevertheless, this breed is beginning to thrive again with the increase of Czech and Slovak breeders who breed them.

Character

Daily temperament

The Prague Ratter is a very active, curious and sociable dog. It naturally tends to be wary of strangers, but is generally sociable, especially with children; it is indeed very attached to each member of the family.

Physical

Breed standard

Endowed with short and shiny hair, the black and tan coat is the most common (its original coat). Other coats were confirmed later. Chocolate and tan, blue and tan, fawn, blue merle, chocolate merle. It is on average 2 cm smaller than the minimum height of the Miniature Pinscher. The ideal size is between 20 and 23 cm. The adult weight varies between 1.5 kg and 2.6 kg (the ideal weight being around 2.3 kg).

Chapter 2

Daily life

What if you adopted your future companion?

The Prague Ratter of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of prague ratter (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a prague ratter ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 13–17 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth22 years
Adult size

moins de 5 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.

Equivalent human age

28years

Adulte

Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.

Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +4 per year for a très petit dog.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Health

Health watch

The Prague Ratter can be prone to bone problems due to its frail bone structure. It is also prone to patellar luxation. Finally, a number of young Prague Ratters have teeth that need to be manually removed to prevent possible general dental problems.

Alert

To avoid for dog

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • low-fat cocoa powderModerate
  • maltitolModerate
  • cocoa pasteModerate
  • onion piecesModerate

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a prague ratter ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.

2.6 kg
2.21 kg3.29 kg
Moderate

Result

53 g

per day · 201 kcal

27 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your Prague Ratter (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Prague Ratter

Is a Prague Ratter suitable for apartment living?+
This depends on the individual: his small size is compatible with a well-organized apartment, provided his need for outings is met.
How much exercise per day for a Prague Ratter?+
30 to 60 minutes per day are generally sufficient, to be adapted according to age and health.
What is the life expectancy of a Prague Ratter?+
Between 13 and 17 years on average. Appropriate diet, regular veterinary care, and exercise contribute to extending his life.
Is a Prague Ratter good with children?+
To be evaluated according to the individual: early socialization and mutual respect are key. Never leave a young child alone with an animal, regardless of breed.

If you like this dog

Breeds with similar profiles

For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your Prague Ratter.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.