Pražský Krysařík

Also called Prague Ratter, Prazsky Krysarik

A small dog with a big heart: gentle, curious and loving at home, lively and quick on its feet.

Size	Toy
Weight	1.5 to 3.5 kg (3 to 8 lb)1 2
Height	20 to 23 cm (8 to 9 in)1 2
Lifespan	12 to 14 years2
Coat	Short or long coat
Origin	Czech Republic (historic Bohemia).1 2
Group	FCI group 9

Provisionally recognisedShort profile

gentle and affectionate

curious and quick

loyal to its family

1 2

Personality what they are like

A small dog with a big heart: gentle, curious and loving at home, lively and quick on its feet. It tends to be reserved with strangers but warm and attentive with its family, and it is described as fairly quiet for a toy breed.1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short or long coat

Two coats: a short, glossy one that lies flat against the body, or a moderately long one with pretty fringes on the ears, legs and tail. The dog itself is tiny and finely built but well balanced.1 2

Coloursblack and tanbrown and tanblue and tanyellowredblack and tan merlebrown and tan merle1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pražský Krysařík. 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

Active and playful; daily walks and games keep it content, and it enjoys scenting and chasing.2 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy to groom; the short coat needs only an occasional brush, and the long coat a little more attention to its fringes.1

Home where they are happiest

Well suited to flats and town life thanks to its size, and some owners teach it to use a litter box.2

Company who they like around

A companion breed that thrives on close contact with its people.1 2

The story where it all began

Small ratting dogs were kept at Bohemian royal courts in the Middle Ages and given as gifts to other European rulers. Their numbers faded in the 19th century, and a lasting revival began in 1980, when the first dog was entered in the Czech studbook. The FCI accepted the breed in 2019.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
In 1377 Emperor Charles IV is said to have given three ratters to King Charles V of France.2
2
Legend says these little dogs walked on banquet tables at court and tasted food to check it was safe.2
3
The breed's name literally means Prague ratter, after its original job of catching rats.2
4
The FCI standard puts its ideal weight at only about 2.6 kg, with a height of roughly 21-23 cm.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Krysařík' means 'Ratter' in Czech, referring to its historical use for killing rats due to its small size, quick movement, and highly developed sense of smell.3

Name ideas for your new friend

MíšaKubaTerezkaVítekBáraJendaLídaOtaRůžaPepíkZuzkaTonda

A day in the life told by a Pražský Krysařík

I'm small but mighty! This morning, I checked every corner of the flat for intruders, mostly dust bunnies. My human laughs at my serious face. Then we go for a walk, and I trot proudly, sniffing everything twice. I'm a bit shy with strangers, but with my family, I'm a chatterbox. Back home, I curl up on the sofa, keeping one eye open for any action. Life is good when you're a big dog in a tiny body.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 363, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section Continental Toy Spaniel and others; recognised on a provisional basis on 29 April 2019. Standard dated 20.02.2019. Wikipedia describes the 2019 decision as definitive; the FCI page says provisional.4

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

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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

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

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

Adult dogs generally do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding, but exact times and amounts should follow the food label and your vet's advice.5 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Pražský Krysařík eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA; always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6

How often should I bathe a Pražský Krysařík?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often only if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, and always use a dog-safe shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Pražský Krysařík need brushing?

The short coat needs only an occasional brush, while the long coat needs a little more attention to its fringes. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing weekly, and general guidance suggests weekly for short smooth coats and daily for long silky coats.1 7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pražský Krysařík's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every three weeks according to Pet Wiki's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain and bleeding.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Pražský Krysařík need?

This lively little dog enjoys daily walks and games, and Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily exercise. It also enjoys scenting and chasing, so playtime is just as important as walks.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Pražský Krysařík's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture; never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pražský Krysařík live?

The typical lifespan is 12 to 14 years, with senior years usually starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life.2 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Pražský Krysařík good with children and other pets?

This breed is gentle, curious, and loving at home, but tends to be reserved with strangers. Its compatibility with children and other pets varies; always supervise interactions and ask a good breeder or vet for guidance specific to your household.1 2

Can a Pražský Krysařík be left alone?

As a companion breed that thrives on close contact with its people, it may struggle with long periods alone. The answer varies by individual dog; consult a good breeder or vet for advice on training and gradual alone time.1 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.