Ratonero Valenciano - Gos Rater Valencià - Facts and Information

Appearance
The Gos Rater Valencia is a small dog breed well proportionate athletic body and alert expression. The average height is between 29-40 cm, which is 11-16 inch and weight is usually between 4-8 kg, which is 8-18 pounds. There are no extreme size differences between males and females.​

The coat of Ratonero Valenciano is very short, shiny, fine and tight fitting. The coat should not be longer than 2 cm. These dogs come from Spain, so they do not need a very thick and dense coat, since they do not need that big protection from cold. Most often you will see these dogs in great looking tri color pattern, which is black, tan and white. Other colors include chocolate and tan or black and tan.

The Gos Rater Valencia is often times born without a tail or with a short tail. If they are born with a longer tail, than it is traditionally docked. The tail is thicker at the base and finer at the end. This breed also has a straight and narrow muzzle with strong jaws, medium sized oval shaped eyes in dark brown color and erect triangular ears.
Temperament
The Ratonero Valenciano is good lively companion dog, but also brave and alert vermin hunter. This breed and its ancestors were used for a long time to clear out barns and houses of rats and they still have it in them. They have higher prey drive, they are quite courageous and brave and very alert and attentive to its surroundings and some of them show good results in hunting other game as well, such as rabbits or ducks.

Thanks to its alertnes, they can also make good watchdogs, because the Ratonero Valenciano will most likely alert you, when someone is approaching your property or when they will hear something suspicious.

It is true that these dogs are suspicious towards strangers, but on the other hand, they are very loving and loyal to its owners. The Gos Rater Valencia makes a very good lively, adaptable, affectionate and playful companion dog. The Ratonero Valenciano typically accepts other dogs in the family, but smaller household pets might be problematic, due to the dogs history of a ratter. They just might try to catch other small pets, but as i said earlier, this can be influenced by early socialization.

The Ratonero Valenciano is a good energetic partner for older kids, but it is a small and fragile dog, so the kid should be old enough to know, how to treat dogs gently, so it does not hurt the dog.

It is important to mention, that these dogs need regular daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily longer walks and hikes accompanied with fun training sessions and playtime is needed. Without enough exercise, these dogs might become bored and can develop some unwanted behaviour, such as excessive barking or destruction. If you are looking for a small dog breed that will always be ready for outdoor adventure with you, than the Ratonero Valenciano can be a great choice!
History
As the name suggest, this breed originates from Valencia in Spain. The ancestry and date of origin is not clear, but one theory suggest, that they were developed from some Terriers brought to Valencian community from Great Britain and that were crossed with local rat hunting dogs and the breed is thought to have existed since the sixteenth century.

The existence of this breed was first documented in the 19th century, when it was a highly valued companion of people in Spanish countryside, where it was used for its traditional purpose, which is hunting vermin, but also as loyal companion and good watchdog. The breed was officially recognized by national Spanish Kennel Club in 2004.
Health and Grooming
The grooming and maintenance of this breed is quite easy. The short coat will look good even without any grooming. Regular weekly brushing is beneficial, as it is removing dirt and loose hair from the coat and it will keep the coat shiny and in best possible condition. Just like with all dogs, you should regularly check the dogs ears, eyes, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them.

There are no scientific studies about the health, but it should be relatively healthy and hardy dog breed with average lifespan around 15 years. Just like with all dogs, even the Ratonero Valenciano can suffer from some health issues, which include eye problems, allergies or joint problems, but none of those are very common in this breed.