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.12
how to spot onePražský Krysařík coat and colours
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.12
Comes inblack and tanbrown and tanblue and tanyellowredblack and tan merlebrown and tan merle12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksPražský Krysařík exercise needs
Active and playful; daily walks and games keep it content, and it enjoys scenting and chasing.21
where they are happiestPražský Krysařík at home
Well suited to flats and town life thanks to its size, and some owners teach it to use a litter box.2
who they like aroundPražský Krysařík with people and other pets
A companion breed that thrives on close contact with its people.12
the hands-on bitsPražský Krysařík grooming and care
Easy to groom; the short coat needs only an occasional brush, and the long coat a little more attention to its fringes.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.3
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.4
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.5
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.15
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.5
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.21
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 for dirt or redness and wipe the outer ear gently; never push anything into the ear canal.5
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
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.12
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.12
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Pražský Krysařík costs
Running costs for a Pražský Krysařík, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Pražský Krysařík legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Pražský Krysařík in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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.6
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.
where it all beganPražský Krysařík history
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 2019.12
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.7
Sources (7)
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
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