At a glance the quick version
The FCI standard gives an optimum weight of about 2.6 kg; Wikipedia gives 1.5-3.5 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
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
Personality what they are like
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
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active and playful; daily walks and games keep it content, and it enjoys scenting and chasing.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy to groom; the short coat needs only an occasional brush, and the long coat a little more attention to its fringes.1
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to flats and town life thanks to its size, and some owners teach it to use a litter box.2
Company who they like around
A companion breed that thrives on close contact with its people.12
The story where it all began
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
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 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
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- 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.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pražský Krysařík. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 363, Pražský Krysařík fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Prague Ratter en.wikipedia.orgused for history, lifespan, weight range, fun facts
- FCI nomenclature: Pražský Krysařík fci.beused for group, provisional acceptance date
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.