Andalusian Terrier

The Andalusian Terrier — Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz — is the sherry-cellar ratter of southern Spain, and it takes its name from the bodega.

History

The sherry warehouses of Jerez and El Puerto de Santa María attracted rats to the grain and the casks, and the bodegueros kept small white-and-tan terriers to keep them down — a job that ran for centuries and gave the breed its name. Spain recognised it in 2000. It descends from English fox terriers crossed with local Spanish ratters.

Temperament

The breed is known for being quick, bold and affectionate with its own people, tireless and thoroughly focused on anything that moves in a corner.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and a secure garden, since it digs and hunts. The short coat needs almost nothing. Training benefits from short, interesting sessions.

Health

Generally robust and long-lived, with patellar luxation among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.