RATONERO BODEGUERO ANDALUZ

Other Names

• Andalusian Mouse-Hunting Dog
• Bodeguero Andaluz
• Perro Ratonero Bodeguero
• Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz

Description

This small sized breed is always tricolored (a solid white body with a black and tan head) and has a short, smooth coat.

Temperament

Typical of the terriers, the Perro Ratonero Andaluz is very active, lively and tenacious. It is a good guardian and sweet with people, but has a strong prey instinct. It is also a very fast and agile dog that is used for killing vermin such as ratsand mice, in horse stables and in Andalusian cave homes. These dogs should not be trusted with non-canine pets. Be sure to be this breed’s firm, confident, consistent pack leader to prevent behavior problems from developing. Not recommended for the average pet owner. They need to have their minds challenged along with plenty of mental and physical exercise. If they sense you are not as strong minded as they are, the dog will believe they are alpha and the humans will run into issues. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome.

Height, Weight

Height: 14 - 17 inches (35 - 43 cm)

Weight: 12 - 22 pounds (5 - 10 kg)

Living Conditions

Perro Ratonero Andaluzs will do okay in an apartment so long as they get at least 20-30 minutes of exercise a day. They are fairly active indoors and should have at least a small to medium-sized yard. Provided they have the proper protection, they are able to spend a good amount of time outdoors. They love to be inside the house and outside to play.

Exercise

This breed needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.

Litter Size

About 5 to 7 puppies

Life Expectancy

About 15-18 years

Grooming

This breed is easy to groom. An occasional combing and brushing to remove dead hair is all it needs.

Origin

The very rare breed may have descended from a fusion between old British terrier-types (similar to today's Fox and Jack Russell Terriers that the English brought to vineyards of Jerez de La Frontera—which is where Sherry comes from—in the region of Andalusia, southern Spain, during the wine exploitations) and the "Raterillo," a local/native breed related to the Miniature Podenco Andaluz (a breed similar to the Miniature Portuguese Podengo or "Podengo Pequeno").

Group

Terrier