# Ratonero Murciano Also known as: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta, Murcian Ratter - **Group:** Terrier (FCI group 3) - **Size:** Small - **Origin:** Spain - **Temperament:** Active, Alert, Lively, Hardy A compact, short-haired Spanish ratter from the Region of Murcia, long kept on farms to control mice and rats and now protected by a dedicated breeding programme. ## Overview The Ratonero Murciano, also called the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta, is a small working dog from the Region of Murcia in south-eastern Spain. For generations it lived on farms and market gardens, keeping the property free of mice and rats. Today it is a rare breed, looked after by enthusiasts who want to preserve a practical, tough little farm dog with a lively spirit. ## History The Ratonero Murciano was traditionally kept in the Murcia countryside as a vermin hunter. Local tradition says its ancestors were brought to the region by the Romans, who are said to have imported them from Egypt, though this cannot be proven. Numbers fell as farming changed. In 1997 a breeding programme was started to rescue the breed, and by 2009 it had reached its third generation, with around 80 breeding animals and a DNA testing scheme. ## Appearance This is a compact, short-haired dog built for agility and quick work. Its body is sturdy without being heavy, which suits its job of chasing rodents in tight spaces around farm buildings. ## Temperament Like most ratters, it is alert, active and quick to react. It tends to be devoted to its family and watchful at home, with a strong instinct to chase small animals that owners should plan for. ## Care and exercise It needs daily exercise and activities that use its hunting instincts, such as games and scent work. The short coat is easy to look after and needs only occasional brushing. Secure fencing is wise, since it may dash after small creatures. ## Ratings (1 to 5) - Energy: 4 - Exercise needs: 3 - Grooming: 1 - Shedding: 2 - Trainability: 3 - Barking: 3 - Good with children: 3 - Good with other dogs: 3 Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/ratonero-murciano Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratonero_Murciano ยท https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20735288 Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.