Appearance
The dog's coat consists of short, glossy hair and the most common color is black and tan, which is also the original color. Lately, other colors have been approved: Brown and tan, Blue and tan, Lila and tan, Yellow, Red and Merle. A PK is 2 cm shorter in maximum height than the minimum height of the Miniature Pinscher. Ideal height is 20 cm to 23 cm. Adult weight is mostly between 1,5 kg to 3,5 kg. Generally the best weight is 2,6 kg.
The breed matures late in appearance, they become much stronger over the years. They should not look skinny or thin, rather in the opposite direction, yet with a certain elegance.
An typical head from the front
Anni (The dog to the right) is one of the "original" Prazsky Krysarik that the breeding started with in the 1980's when the attempt to revive the breed was repeated and finally succeeded.
An typical head of the Prazsky Krysarik
from the side.
Picture borrowed from KPPPK
(Prazsky Krysarik club- Czech Rep.)
(Click to enlarge)
Rocky - Antonin od Katovicke Hory
(Click to enlarge)
Temperament
The Prazsky krysarik is very active, alert and lively. This breed is gentle and intelligent. They are naturally wary of strangers but are always loving to their family.
The breed is know for it´s nice temperament to other dogs, and usally it´s no problem to have several males together.
History
It used to grace the royal palaces in the Middle Ages. It was later used as rat catchers by commoners. It has been a breed since before the Polish king Boleslav II The Brave (1058–1080). He became fond of the Ratter. He had two and they came from Bohemia (the Czech lands). It is said that the Prague Ratter started to lose favor in the 19th century as the Miniature Pinscher became more prevalent. The breed started to experience a renaissance in the 1980s as Czechs and Slovaks started to breed them again.
Areas of Use
Prazsky krysarik might be small, but is nevertheless a very nice dog to work with. Agility, freestyle, obedience, tracking etc. The sense of smell is highly developed, and prazsky krysarik is still a great rathunter, just as the original purpose was. They have a high prey drive and will readily go after, squirrels, rats, mice and raccoons.
Health
Subject to bone injuries due to their small size. Also subject to patellar luxation, an ailment common to small breeds. Krysariks can also have retained baby teeth which may need to be pulled to prevent further problems with dentition.
Life expectancy
The Prazsky krysarik has a life span of 12 to 14 years.
Colours
Black & tan Brown & tan Mearle Blue & tan Red Yellow
Longhair has also been approved.
The hair on the body should be medium long.
Longer flags on ears, quarters, tail and chest.
