Also called Gos Rater Valencià, Ratonero Valenciano, Valencian Ratter · Spain
A bright, busy and happy terrier that is devoted to its family.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4 to 8 kg (9 to 18 lb)12 |
| Height | 29 to 40 cm (11 to 16 in)males 30 to 40 cm, females 29 to 38 cm12 |
| Coat | Smooth short coat |
| Origin | Spain (Valencian Community)12 |
| Group | FCI group 3 |
A bright, busy and happy terrier that is devoted to its family. It tends to be a bit reserved with strangers and will bravely look after its home.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Valencian Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
An active hunting terrier that enjoys daily walks, play and chances to use its nose and quick reactions.1
Adapts to town or country as long as it gets activity; it was traditionally kept on farms as a vermin catcher and companion.12
Forms close bonds with its people and enjoys being part of family life.1
The short, fine coat needs very little work; an occasional brush or rub-down is enough.1
Feed your Valencian Terrier at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent times help their digestion, but the exact schedule is up to you. Check the food label and ask your vet for portion sizes.3
A balanced dog food is best, and treats should be safe. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and raw dough. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.4
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your terrier gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.5 Pet Wiki plan
The short, fine coat needs very little work; an occasional brush or rub-down is enough. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.1 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 21 days as a starting point. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.5 Pet Wiki plan
This active hunting terrier enjoys daily walks, play, and chances to use its nose and quick reactions. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily exercise, so aim for at least one good walk and some playtime each day.1 Pet Wiki plan
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste only. Check ears every 14 days and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.5 Pet Wiki plan
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your breeder or vet for an estimate based on the dog's health and lineage. With good care, many small terriers live into their teens.
This breed is devoted to its family but can be reserved with strangers. How it gets on with children and other pets depends on early socialisation and individual temperament. Ask your breeder about the specific dog's history.
Valencian Terriers form close bonds with their people and enjoy being part of family life. How long they can be left alone varies; some may struggle with long separations. Talk to your breeder or vet for advice tailored to your dog.
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.
Running costs for a Valencian Terrier, 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.
No breed-specific rule names the Valencian Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
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
The breed is called Gos Rater Valencià in Valencian and Ratonero Valenciano in Spanish, both meaning 'Valencian ratter', reflecting its traditional role hunting rats and other vermin in the Valencian Community of Spain.2
I wake to sunshine and the smell of toast. I patrol the kitchen, checking every corner. Then I chase a fly from the window, barking my victory. My human laughs and takes me to the park. I dig for treasure, sniff every bush, and make friends with a butterfly. At home, I guard my toys from the big dog next door. I end the day on the sofa, tired and happy.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Small ratting dogs have been kept in the Valencia region for a long time, and records from the late 19th century describe them hunting water rats, rabbits and moles on farms. They are linked to early British terrier imports mixed with local dogs. Spain's kennel club recognised the breed in 2004 and the FCI accepted it provisionally in 2022.12
How many 523 dogs registered with the RSCE as of 31 December 20102
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
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