Pet Wiki

Ca Rater Mallorquí

Also called Ratonero Mallorquín, Mallorca Ratter

Lively, watchful and bright, with a strong bond to its owners.

SizeSmall
Weight3 to 5 kg (7 to 11 lb)males 3.5 to 5 kg, females 3 to 4 kg12
Height29 to 36 cm (11 to 14 in)males 32 to 36 cm, females 29 to 33 cm1
CoatShort, smooth coat
OriginSpain, island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.12
Rare breedShort profile
alert watchdog
affectionate with its people
quick and keen hunter
12

Personality what they are like

Lively, watchful and bright, with a strong bond to its owners. It makes both a handy little watchdog and a loving companion.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A small, rectangular terrier-type dog (females a touch longer in body) with short, fine, close-lying hair over smooth skin.12

Coloursblack and tanbrown and tantricoloureither of these with white patches12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Ca Rater Mallorquí. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic little hunter that enjoys daily activity and chances to use its nose; today it is still used on rabbits and for retrieving small birds.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat needs only light, occasional brushing.12

Company who they like around

Very attached to its family and happy as a companion dog in the home.2

The story where it all began

Its story before the 1800s is unclear, but it worked for generations catching rats in Mallorca's wetlands and keeping stables clear. It is closely linked to the Valencian ratter, which may have reached the island with Valencian rice workers in the early 1900s.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Catching rats in the island's wetlands was once a paid job, and this little dog was the tool of the trade.1

  2. 2

    It is thought to share roots with the Valencian ratter, possibly brought over by Valencians who came to grow rice on Mallorca.2

  3. 3

    Modern owners use it to hunt rabbits in dense scrub and to retrieve small game such as thrushes and doves.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Ca Rater Mallorquí' comes from the Catalan words 'ca' (dog) and 'rater' (ratter), referring to its traditional use for hunting and catching rats on the island of Mallorca.1

Name ideas for your new friend

RatónMallorcaPipSprintVigilantRayoChispaConejoHunterBoltTrotPequeño

A day in the life told by a Ca Rater Mallorquí

I start my day by checking every corner of the garden, no rabbits today! My human laughs as I race inside, tail wagging. We play fetch with a squeaky toy; I bring it back each time, proud. After a quick nap in a sunbeam, I sit by the door, watching for the postman. I give a sharp bark to announce him, then accept a scratch behind the ears. In the evening, I curl up on my human’s lap, purring like a cat. A busy, joyful day for a little ratter.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Govern de les Illes Balears
Officially recognised in 2002, with a stud-book established.1
Spanish national government (BOE)
Recognised nationally in 2004.1
FCI
Not recognised.1
Club Espanyol del Ca Rater Mallorquí
Breed club founded in 1990, formally registered in 2002.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Ca Rater Mallorquí, and at what times?

Feed your adult Ca Rater Mallorquí at least two meals a day, as their stomach empties within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3

What should a Ca Rater Mallorquí eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onion, garlic, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs.4

How often should I bathe a Ca Rater Mallorquí?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. At least once every three months is fine for their short, smooth coat.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Ca Rater Mallorquí need brushing?

Their short, smooth coat needs only light, occasional brushing. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing once a week to keep it tidy.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Ca Rater Mallorquí's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 21 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Ca Rater Mallorquí need?

This energetic little hunter needs daily activity, like walks and play, plus chances to use its nose. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily walks and playtime.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Ca Rater Mallorquí's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Ca Rater Mallorquí live?

Lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 10. For specific longevity, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Ca Rater Mallorquí good with children and other pets?

This breed is lively, watchful, and forms a strong bond with its family, making it a loving companion. Its temperament with children and other pets can vary, so early socialisation is key. Ask your breeder for specific advice.12

Can a Ca Rater Mallorquí be left alone?

They are very attached to their family and may not enjoy long periods alone. It's best to gradually accustom them to short absences. For specific guidance, consult a good breeder or trainer.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Valencian TerrierCa Mè Mallorquí

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Ca Rater Mallorquí - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, size, colours, uses, history
  2. Ratonero mallorquín - Wikipedia (es) es.wikipedia.orgused for temperament, coat, history, club
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.