Ratonero Murciano

The Ratonero Murciano is a small Spanish ratting terrier from Murcia in the south-east, kept in farmhouses and market gardens.

History

It belongs to the family of Spanish ratonero terriers that also includes the Valencian and Basque ratters, each shaped by its own region. Murcia's huerta — the irrigated market gardens along the Segura — gave it steady work against rats and mice around the water channels and stores. Regional recognition is recent; the working dog is much older.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, quick and attached to its household, confident for its size and driven to hunt vermin.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and a secure garden. The short coat needs almost nothing. Training suits consistency and short sessions.

Health

Generally robust; nothing is widely documented as specific to the breed. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.