At a glance the quick version
Single range given for the breed.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth coat
A small, compact and active ratting dog with a smooth coat no longer than about 2 cm.21
Personality what they are like
A lively little working dog with a strong sense of loyalty and a protective streak, which also makes it a handy watchdog.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, smooth coat needs little more than an occasional brush.2
The story where it all began
This small ratter has long kept mice and rats out of farms, wine cellars, warehouses and orchards around Murcia. Local tradition links it to dogs brought by the Romans from Egypt. A preservation programme started in 1997 had reached its third generation and about 80 breeding dogs by 2009.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- None (major kennel clubs)
- Not recognised by any major kennel club; promoted by a Spanish breed club through shows and working trials.1
- Club del Ratonero Murciano
- Breed club that runs exhibitions and working trials and a preservation programme begun in 1997.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Ratonero Murciano. 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.
- Ratonero Murciano - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, history
- Ratonero murciano - Wikipedia (Spanish) es.wikipedia.orgused for size, coat, colours, temperament, history
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.