Today, we want to tell you about an ARISTODOG breed that you may not be familiar with. We're talking about the Valencian ratoneros ("gos rater," in Valencian), a breed originating from the Valencian Community that was historically used to guard and scare away small (or not so small) rodents that lurked in barns, stables, farmhouses, country houses, warehouses, and other places belonging to farmers and country folk.
However, over the years, the Valencian ratonero has won the hearts of its owners and found a place in their homes. So much so that today it is a full-fledged member of many families, especially those in the Valencian Community.
Image: Sociedad Canina Costa del Sol
The breed has already been recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE) within Group 3, which is the Terriers. However, it has not yet been recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Give it time!
What are Valencian ratoneros like?
Males measure between 30 and 40 centimeters. And females, between 29 and 38. In both cases, the weight ranges from 4 to 8 kilos. Due to their small size, Valencian ratoneros are agile, fast, and strong. In general, they tend to be quite athletic, so they have a great aptitude for jumping and are good at canine activities, such as agility trials, exhibitions, and also dog running, etc.
Their coat is variable, although generally, the hair is fine and short (not exceeding 2 centimeters in length). Spotted coats predominate over solid ones. In fact, the most abundant is tricolor (black-and-tan with white markings), followed by black-and-tan.
Their intelligent, complicit, and adventure-seeking gaze stands out, with medium-sized brown eyes, set in an elongated head with always erect, triangular ears.
Image: Sociedad Canina Costa del Sol
How do Valencian ratoneros behave?
One of the most distinctive and special traits of Valencian ratoneros is that they are devoted and loyal to their ARISTOPARENTS. Their always-alert nature, their willingness to help, their tenacity, and their bravery make this dog an ideal life companion, with whom it's impossible to get bored. This goes back to their need, as a breed, to be useful to their owners. Furthermore, they are also sweet and affectionate with family members.
However, it is worth noting that, due to their guarding function, they tend to be distrustful of strangers. And of any type of change. What's more: they get happy when they have the opportunity to warn their owners of the presence of strangers or unusual occurrences. Therefore, they do not miss the opportunity to bark when they believe the situation warrants it. And not content with that, they have developed different barks, which undoubtedly help the owner know if everything is in order... or not.
How to care for Valencian ratoneros?
Caring for a Valencian ratonero is simple. Because they are dogs that have been tempered over the years, accustomed to life in the countryside. However, precisely for that reason, it is recommended to have a Valencian ratonero only if you can provide them with quality time and have them in a space where they can explore, be curious, and feel fulfilled by performing their traditional function: that of guarding.
We hope you enjoyed learning about these funny, entertaining, and clever ARISTODOGS. If you want to learn about other breeds originating from our country, we invite you to keep reading here: dogs made in Spain.