Prazsky Krysarik – The Warm-hearted

What makes the Prazsky Krysarik Unique?

The Prazsky Krysarik is said to be the smallest breed in the world. Because of his size and briskness he was used for killing rats. Miniature, very quick, active, alert and lively, this dog shows love and loyalty for his master and is very watchful. Has a highly developed sense of smell. He is very social, obedient and warm-hearted. He gets along well with children. By nature he is noble and intelligent.

SnapShot

Size: Males – 19 to 22 cm (7 to 9 inches)
Females – 19 to 22 cm (7 to 9 inches)
Weight: Males – 1 to 3 kg (2 to 6 pounds)
Females – 1 to 3 kg (2 to 6 pounds)
Origin: Czech Republic, Slovakia
Life Span: 12 – 14 Years
Colour: Black, Tan, Brown & Tan, Blue & Tan, Merle
Litter Size: up to 6 puppies

Is the Prazsky Krysarik Right For You?

The Prazsky Krysarik is a lively, loving, cheerful, playful, cuddly and “won’t sit still all day” dog who makes a wonderful family pet. He attaches himself to everyone in the family, and lives to give and receive attention and affection. He’s s sweet-natured dog who loves to snuggle into warm places or curl up in your bed. For the most part he’s very easy-going and relaxed in the house. He can’t be left in a yard or kenneled; he craves human company, and doesn’t like to be left alone. He’s a quick and energetic dog who loves walking and needs daily chances for leashed exercise as well as chances to romp and play in a safe area. When outdoors he should always be on a leash or behind a fence, as he may chase small animals. He is very good with dogs, cats and other pets. With his swiftness and his keen sense of smell, he is more likely to catch and kill a mouse in your house than befriend it! He makes an excellent watchdog because he is extremely observant and will alert you to strange sounds or movement, but is not an overly barky dog. He is friendly and loving to those he knows but shy and wary of strangers. He is friendly, playful, and understanding with children, but he is too small and fragile for very young children. He is sometimes challenging to train.

In 5 Words

  • Alert
  • Intelligent
  • Gentle
  • Lively
  • Quick

Fun Fact

The Prazsky Krysarik is said to be the smallest dog in the world. For many years he was rarely seen outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where his history can be traced back to the Middle Ages.

Characteristics

Exercise
Friendliness
Trainability
Watchdog
Health Issues

Learn About the Prazsky Krysavik

Description

Description

General Description

The Prazsky Krysarik is said to be the smallest breed in the world. The chest is broad, but not at all deep and descends only partly to the elbows. It has a lean, delicate body, which is covered with thin skin. The neck is moderately long and narrow, supporting its delicate head. The muzzle is narrow and fox-like, with straight but crowded teeth. Its coat is short with very thin, glossy fur. Coat color is mostly black and tan. The Prazky Krysarik is 2 cm shorter in maximum height than the Miniature Pinscher is in minimum height.

Because of his size and briskness he was used for killing rats. Miniature, very quick, active, alert and lively, this dog shows love and loyalty for his master and is very watchful. Has a highly developed sense of smell. He is very social, obedient and warm-hearted. He gets along well with children. By nature he is noble and intelligent.

Size

On average, these dogs measure between 19 to 22 cm (7 to 9 inches) tall and weighs about 1 to 3 kg (2 to 6 pounds) for both males and females.

Coat

Its coat is short with very thin, glossy fur. Coat color is mostly black and tan.

Short History

Short History of the Prazsky Krysarik

The Prazsky Krysarik is said to be the smallest dog in the world. For many years he was rarely seen outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where his history can be traced back to the Middle Ages. He was once the favored pet of Bohemian nobles, then later became popular with ordinary people as well for his value as a hunter of vermin and as a close companion. In the 1900’s his popularity began to wane, and by the 20th century he was nearly extinct. In 1980 a concerted effort began in his home region to save him, and in 1990 the Club of Prazsky Krysarik Lovers (Czech Republic) was formed. Although he still retains his original instincts and impulses, he is now bred only to be a companion dog. His small size and sweet nature have prompted “Prague Ratter Clubs” to form around the world.

Temperament

Temperament

The Prazsky Krysarik is a lively, loving, cheerful, playful, cuddly and “won’t sit still all day” dog who makes a wonderful family pet. He attaches himself to everyone in the family, and lives to give and receive attention and affection. He’s s sweet-natured dog who loves to snuggle into warm places or curl up in your bed. For the most part he’s very easy-going and relaxed in the house. He can’t be left in a yard or kenneled; he craves human company, and doesn’t like to be left alone. He’s a quick and energetic dog who loves walking and needs daily chances for leashed exercise as well as chances to romp and play in a safe area. When outdoors he should always be on a leash or behind a fence, as he may chase small animals. He is very good with dogs, cats and other pets. With his swiftness and his keen sense of smell, he is more likely to catch and kill a mouse in your house than befriend it! He makes an excellent watchdog because he is extremely observant and will alert you to strange sounds or movement, but is not an overly barky dog. He is friendly and loving to those he knows but shy and wary of strangers. He is friendly, playful, and understanding with children, but he is too small and fragile for very young children. He is sometimes challenging to train. Although he is a fast learner and willing and able to learn a great deal, he hates to be scolded and needs gentleness, treats and praise. He should not be picked up and carried too much, as he needs to develop strong bones in his legs. He hates the cold and needs a sweater to keep him warm on cold days. He is a medium-shedder, and so might not be a good pet if you are concerned about dog-hair in the home.

Caring for Your Prazsky Krysavik

Health

General Health

The thin-boned legs of this breed are susceptible to injuries.

Care

Daily

The smooth, shorthaired coat should be gently brushed occasionally or simply wiped over with a damp cloth. Check the ears regularly and keep the nails trimmed. This breed is an average shedder.

Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about, these are active little dogs that need a daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Don’t think that just because he is small he should be confined to a small space.

Grooming & Bathing

Grooming & Bathing

He only needs an occasional brushing. Some owners who dislike hair in the home will brush him more often (what you brush out doesn’t end up on your carpet).

Exercise & Training

Exercise & Training

Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about, these are active little dogs that need a daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Don’t think that just because he is small he should be confined to a small space.