The Pražský Krysařík is a breed of dog that originated in the Czech Republic, specifically in Prague.
This small dog has a long history, dating back to the 16th century.
The Pražský Krysařík was bred to hunt small game such as rats, hence its name, which translates to "Prague Ratter."
They are known for their intelligence and energetic nature.
Physical Characteristics
The Pražský Krysařík is a small toy dog, typically measuring between 7.9 to 9.1 inches in height and weighing between 3.3 to 7.7 pounds.
There are two main coat variations: short and smooth, and long with fringes on ears, limbs, and tail.
The most common color is black and tan, but other colors like brown and tan, blue and tan, and lilac and tan have been approved recently.
Here are the acceptable coat colors in a list:
- black and tan
- brown and tan
- blue and tan
- lilac and tan
- yellow
- pink
- red
- merle
The ideal height for a Pražský Krysařík is between 21 and 23 cm, and the ideal weight is around 2.6 kg.
Vzhled
The Pražský Krysařík is a small dog with a height of 21 to 23 centimeters. Its weight is ideally around 2.6 kilograms.
Its coat can be either short, smooth, and thick, or long with fringes on ears, limbs, and tail. The most common color is black and tan, but other colors like brown and tan, blue and tan, lilac and tan, yellow, pink, red, and merle are also approved.
The Pražský Krysařík's head is of a rounded shape, and its skull should be as long as it is wide. Its eyes are positioned far apart and are slightly bulging, giving it a perpetually surprised look.
Its ears are triangular in shape and are placed high up on its head. Ideally, they should be held upright, but slightly tilted ears are also acceptable.
Its tail is straight and is curved upwards from the middle. When it walks or runs, its tail may be held higher and curved towards its back.
Here are the ideal measurements for a Pražský Krysařík:
Any height below 20 cm or above 24 cm is considered a fault.
Areas of Use
The Pražský Krysařík is a surprisingly versatile breed, despite its small size. It's an easy dog to train as long as it's treated consistently.
Their sense of smell is highly developed, making them a great asset in tracking and hunting. They have a strong prey drive and will readily go after small game like squirrels, rats, and mice.
This breed's agility and obedience skills make them a natural fit for dog sports like agility and freestyle. With the right training, they can excel in these activities and have a lot of fun doing it.
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Temperament and Personality
The Pražský Krysařík is a lively and spunky breed that thrives on strong relationships with humans. They love to receive affection and play the role of lap dog during downtime.
These tiny dogs are highly intelligent and generally respond well to basic training and commands. As a result, they make obedient and loyal pets.
Despite their small size, Pražský Krysaříks are surprisingly energetic and can be quite fast when running. They need regular exercise to burn off their excess energy.
To their family, Pražský Krysaříks are gentle, affectionate, and playful. However, they can be reserved and cautious around strangers.
A Pražský Krysařík can adapt well to indoor living, but they do enjoy spending time outdoors and playing games like fetch. They also love going on long, leisurely walks.
Their love of adventure and playfulness means they need regular stimulation to keep their minds active. This can include playing games, solving puzzles, or simply going on a walk.
One thing to keep in mind is that Pražský Krysaříks have a strong prey drive and can be easily distracted by small animals. They need proper training to learn who's in charge.
Overall, the Pražský Krysařík is a wonderful breed that makes a great companion for active families or individuals.
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Trainability and Care
The Pražský Krysařík is a bright breed that generally responds well to basic training and commands, thanks to its eagerness to please and impress its owner.
Establishing immediate trust and respect is key to successfully training this breed, which can be sensitive to criticism and responds best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
They can be taught to perform many impressive tricks and tasks, and some owners even claim that they can easily learn to use a litter box, eliminating the need for constant trips outdoors.
To care for your Pražský Krysařík, remember that they require low maintenance, with a gentle brush each week and occasional wipe down with a damp cloth.
Prague Terrier Care
The Prague Terrier is a breed that thrives on attention and praise. They are highly trainable and love to learn new tricks and tasks.
To establish a strong bond with your Prague Terrier, it's essential to establish immediate trust and respect. They can be sensitive to criticism, so positive reinforcement and reward-based training are key.
These tiny dogs need regular walks and exercise to burn off their high energy levels. A daily walk is a must, and they'll also enjoy games and training sessions with their owners.
Socialization is crucial for Prague Terriers, as they can stand up to larger dogs with their spunky attitude. However, it's essential to ensure they're not hurt during play with larger dogs.
Prague Terriers have delicate legs and small bones, so it's essential to teach children how to play with them carefully. They also love to curl up on laps and accept cuddles, making them perfect companions.
To keep your Prague Terrier happy and healthy, regular grooming is necessary. They require a gentle brush once a week and a wipe down with a damp cloth. They also need a warm sweater in winter and may appreciate a woolly scarf or two.
Here's a quick checklist for Prague Terrier grooming:
- Gentle brush once a week
- Wipe down with a damp cloth
- Warm sweater in winter
- Woolly scarf or two (optional)
- Regular nail clipping
- Brushing of tiny teeth twice or three times a week
By following these simple grooming tips, you'll be able to keep your Prague Terrier happy and healthy.
Prazsky Krysarik Alternatives
If you're looking for breeds similar to the Prazsky Krysarik, there are a few options to consider.
The Yoranian is 100% similar to the Prazsky Krysarik, making it a great alternative. This breed shares many characteristics and traits with the Prazsky Krysarik.
The Maltipom, Chinese Imperial Dog, Russian Toy, and Chihuahua are all 91% similar to the Prazsky Krysarik, making them solid alternatives.
Here are some breeds to consider if you're looking for a Prazsky Krysarik alternative:
- Yoranian (100% similar)
- Maltipom (91% similar)
- Chinese Imperial Dog (91% similar)
- Russian Toy (91% similar)
- Chihuahua (91% similar)
History and Origins
The Prazsky Krysarik has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages in central Europe. This tiny dog breed was a popular companion among royalty, including the Polish King Boleslaw II the Generous, who imported two of the breed from Bohemia in 1058.
They were highly valued for their ability to hunt rats and were often found in both rural and urban households. Their small size and lively nature made them well-suited for this task.
The Prazsky Krysarik was a favorite among the royal and noble class, but their popularity declined in the 19th century with the rise of the Miniature Pinscher.
Their thin legs and tiny paws make them prone to injury, so they require special care. In colder climates, they need a dog coat to keep them warm.
The breed was revived in the 1980s, thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts, and has since gained popularity again. Today, there are around 2500 registered Prazsky Krysariks, which is still a relatively small number.
Health
The Pražský Krysařík is generally a healthy breed, but like all small dogs, they're prone to some common health issues.
One of the most common health problems in Pražský Krysaříks is dental issues. They can develop tartar buildup, which leads to bad breath and periodontitis.
Regular brushing and dental care can help prevent these problems. Your vet can also remove plaque and help with retained baby teeth.
Their small size makes them more susceptible to bone injuries, particularly fractures in the metacarpus and forearm.
Patellar luxation is another common issue in small breeds, and it's often inherited.
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Some Pražský Krysaříks may experience gastrointestinal problems.
To keep your Pražský Krysařík healthy, make sure to:
- Regularly brush their teeth to prevent tartar buildup
- Take them to the vet for regular check-ups
- Keep an eye out for signs of patellar luxation and bone injuries
- Provide a safe and stable environment to prevent accidents
Prague Terrier as a Breed
The Prague Terrier, also known as the Prazsky Krysarik, is a rare and ancient breed with a rich history.
They were popular companions of central European royalty during the Middle Ages and were even imported from Bohemia by the Polish King Boleslaw II the Generous.
Their tiny size and agility made them invaluable as rat hunters in rural and urban households, where they could easily dispatch their prey and save crops and homes from infestation.
The Prague Terrier is still quite rare, with only about 2500 registered worldwide, and is not yet recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Due to their delicate build, they require extra care to prevent injuries to their thin legs and tiny paws.
Their thin skin and short coat also make them better suited for warmer climates, and they may need a dog coat to stay warm in colder climates.
Prague Terrier Breed
The Prague Terrier, also known as the Prazsky Krysarik, is a tiny but mighty breed that's been a favorite among royalty and nobility for centuries.
They originated in the courts of central European royalty during the Middle Ages and were highly valued for their companionship and rat-hunting skills.
These small dogs were often imported from Bohemia and were known to be great companions and valuable assets to rural and urban households.
Their popularity decreased in the 19th century due to the rise of the Miniature Pinscher, but they regained popularity in the 1980s among Czechs and Slovaks who began breeding them again.
Today, there are only about 2500 registered Prazsky Krysariks, making them a rare and sought-after breed.
Their tiny size and elegant form make them a standout at dog shows, but they require extra care due to their delicate legs and skin.
Their thin skin and short glossy coat make them more suited to warmer climates, but a dog coat is essential for colder climates to keep them warm.
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These little dogs may be fragile, but they have big personalities and are eager to please, making them a delight to train and play with.
A well-socialized Prazsky Krysarik is not afraid of larger dogs and can even stand up to them with their spunky attitude.
However, it's essential to take care when playing with them to avoid unintentionally hurting their delicate legs and small bones.
In warmer weather, they love to play and run around, but in colder climates, a smart padded winter dog coat is a must-have to keep them warm and happy.
Prazsky Krysarik Similar Breeds
The Prazsky Krysarik is a unique breed, but if you're looking for similar breeds, there are a few options to consider.
Similar to the Prazsky Krysarik in terms of maintenance, the Australian Bulldog shares a 94% similarity in this regard.
If you're looking for breeds of a similar size, the Yoranian is a great option, with a 100% similarity in size.
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The Prazsky Krysarik's energetic and playful nature also makes it similar to the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, which shares a 94% similarity in this regard.
Other breeds that share a similar size to the Prazsky Krysarik include the Maltipom, Chinese Imperial Dog, Russian Toy, and Chihuahua, all of which have a 91% similarity in size.
If you're interested in breeds with a similar energy level to the Prazsky Krysarik, the McNab and German Shorthaired Pointer are also worth considering, with a 94% similarity in this regard.
Here are some breeds that share similarities with the Prazsky Krysarik in terms of maintenance and size:
Frequently Asked Questions
Kolik stojí pražský krysařík?
The price of a Prague hamster ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 CZK for a pet with a pedigree. Consider purchasing from a reputable breeder for a higher quality pet.
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