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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pražský Krysařík, and at what times?
Adult dogs generally do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, but exact times and amounts should follow the food label and your vet's advice.4 Furry Diary plan
What should a Pražský Krysařík eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA; always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.5
How often should I bathe a Pražský Krysařík?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often only if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, and always use a dog-safe shampoo.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Pražský Krysařík need brushing?
The short coat needs only an occasional brush, while the long coat needs a little more attention to its fringes. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing weekly, and general guidance suggests weekly for short smooth coats and daily for long silky coats.16 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Pražský Krysařík's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every three weeks according to Furry Diary's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain and bleeding.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Pražský Krysařík need?
This lively little dog enjoys daily walks and games, and Furry Diary's plan recommends daily exercise. It also enjoys scenting and chasing, so playtime is just as important as walks.21 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Pražský Krysařík's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture; never push anything into the ear canal.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Pražský Krysařík live?
The typical lifespan is 12 to 14 years, with senior years usually starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life.2 Furry Diary plan
Is a Pražský Krysařík good with children and other pets?
This breed is gentle, curious, and loving at home, but tends to be reserved with strangers. Its compatibility with children and other pets varies; always supervise interactions and ask a good breeder or vet for guidance specific to your household.12
Can a Pražský Krysařík be left alone?
As a companion breed that thrives on close contact with its people, it may struggle with long periods alone. The answer varies by individual dog; consult a good breeder or vet for advice on training and gradual alone time.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.