Paca and his son, owned by Javier Parra Gordillo
This small sized breed is always tricolored (a solid white body with a black and tan head) and has a short, smooth coat.
Typical of the terriers, the Perro Ratonero Andaluz is very active, lively and tenacious. It is a good guardian and sweet with people, but has a strong prey instinct. It is also a very fast and agile dog that is used for killing vermin such as rats and mice, in horse stables and in Andalusian cave homes. These dogs should not be trusted with non-canine pets. Be sure to be this breed’s firm, confident, consistent pack leader to prevent behavior problems from developing. Not recommended for the average pet owner. They need to have their minds challenged along with plenty of mental and physical exercise. If they sense you are not as strong minded as they are, the dog will believe they are alpha and the humans will run into issues. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome.
Height: 14 - 17 inches (35 - 43 cm)
Weight: 12 - 22 pounds (5 - 10 kg)
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Perro Ratonero Andaluzs will do okay in an apartment so long as they get at least 20-30 minutes of exercise a day. They are fairly active indoors and should have at least a small to medium-sized yard. Provided they have the proper protection, they are able to spend a good amount of time outdoors. They love to be inside the house and outside to play.
This breed needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.
About 15-18 years
About 5 to 7 puppies
This breed is easy to groom. An occasional combing and brushing to remove dead hair is all it needs.
The very rare breed may have descended from a fusion between old British terrier-types (similar to today's Fox and Jack Russell Terriers that the English brought to vineyards of Jerez de La Frontera—which is where Sherry comes from—in the region of Andalusia, southern Spain, during the wine exploitations) and the "Raterillo," a local/native breed related to the Miniature Podenco Andaluz (a breed similar to the Miniature Portuguese Podengo or "Podengo Pequeno").
Fionn the beautiful Perro Ratonero Andaluz puppy at 5 months old
Foster Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz at 8 years old "We found our boy sitting on a roundabout in Almoradi, Spain. He was covered in fleas and ticks and so we took him to the vet. After much discussion they told us his breed was a Ratonero and that he was about 3-4 months old. We tried to find him a home as we both worked full time and felt it would not be fair to keep him. We called him "The Foster Dog" so we didn't get attached. 8 years later he has emigrated back to the UK with us, loves his life in The New Forest and is loved not just by us, but by our whole family and everyone who meets him. This is the most sweet natured, interesting and loving breed I have ever owned, I didn't rescue him, he rescued me and my life is more complete with him in it. Such an easy breed to train, they make amazing companions. Just don't get one if you are too house proud because they shed like crazy and your clothing and home will forever be "Fostered" as we call it, small price to pay for the love he gives us in return though. He is a very loved and spoilt boy and he deserves to be."
Foster Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz at 8 years old
Foster Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz at 8 years old
Foster Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz at 8 years old
Foster Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz at 8 years old
Charlie the Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz at 12 years old—"Wonderful, loving dog. Very clever, funny and a wonderful companion. Brought back from Andalucia to the U.K. as he was a stray. Still very fast and lively at 12 years old. Loves the outdoors, sticking his head out of the car window and a good bone. My beautiful dog."
Charlie the Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz at 12 years old
Chucky from Spain
Paca the Perro Ratonero Andaluz and an Alano Español. owned by Javier Parra Gordillo
