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Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Ratonero Murciano de Huerta so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank485
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Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dog profile picture
OriginSpain flagSpain
Other Names
What other names does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta have?
Huerta RatterRatonero MurcianoMurcian Ratter
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Size and Weight

Size
Is a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta small, medium or large dog?

How big do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta get?

What is the average size of a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta?

Small
Weight
How much does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta weigh? How much should a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta weight? What is the normal weight of a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta? How much does a full-grown Ratonero Murciano de Huerta weight?
Male: 13-14 pounds (6-6.5 kg), Female: 12-13 pounds (5.5-6 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta?
Male: 13.5 pounds (6.25 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.75 kg)
Height
How tall is the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta? Ratonero Murciano de Huerta height:
Male: 13-13.5 inch (33-35 cm), Female: 12-13.5 inch (31-33 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta?
Male: 13.25 inch (34 cm), Female: 12.75 inch (32 cm)

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta in the United States? How much money is a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta?

Where to buy a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta with a good pedigree?

Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta. If you have a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta? How many Ratonero Murciano de Huerta are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta? Is the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Ratonero Murciano de Huerta good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActiveAlertIntelligentGentleFast
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Ratonero Murciano de Huerta sensitivity:
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta a good family dog?
Average to High: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Huerta Ratter need? Ratonero Murciano de Huerta social needs:
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Ratonero Murciano de Huerta roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Ratonero Murciano de Huerta have high prey drive?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Ratonero Murciano de Huertas, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Huerta Ratter bark?
Average to High: The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Ratonero Murciano de Huerta good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta in an apartment?
Apartment-friendly dog the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta be left alone? How long can you leave a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta alone?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta? How much bite force does a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta have? How strong is a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta bite force: Weak. The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Ratonero Murciano de Huerta measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Ratonero Murciano de Huerta being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Huerta Ratter? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta do?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta see the vet?
Rare
The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs live? How old can a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta be? What is the age limit of the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta? How many years can the oldest Ratonero Murciano de Huerta live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta?

How long is the lifespan of a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta?

14-16 years
The average lifespan of Ratonero Murciano de Huerta: 15 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta have? What is the activity level of the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta need? How much exercise do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs require per day?

Do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs need a lot of exercises?

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed need?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Ratonero Murciano de Huerta? How much food should I feed my Ratonero Murciano de Huerta?
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Ratonero Murciano de Huerta risk for obesity:
Average: The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta weight regularly.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Dense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Ratonero Murciano de Huerta coats?
BlackCinnamonBlack & TanCinnamon & White MarkingsBlack & White Markings
Grooming
How to groom the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta and how often? How often should I take my Ratonero Murciano de Huerta to the groomer?
Average: The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Ratonero Murciano de Huerta, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Huerta Ratter? Do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs shed a lot?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta need a bath? How often should you give a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta a bath? Can I bathe my Ratonero Murciano de Huerta every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed hypoallergenic?
No
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta drool?
The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs get along with other pets? Are Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Ratonero Murciano de Huerta temperament with other people:
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Ratonero Murciano de Huerta temperament with children:
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed live with a cat?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Ratonero Murciano de Huerta good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs get along with other dogs?
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs good office canines? Do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Huerta Ratter temperament with senior people? Are Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs good for elderly owners?
Ratonero Murciano de Huertas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Ratonero Murciano de Huerta be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Ratonero Murciano de Huerta be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Ratonero Murciano de Huerta be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Ratonero Murciano de Huerta be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Ratonero Murciano de Huerta be a boat dog?

Not really

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Ratonero Murciano de Huerta be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Ratonero Murciano de Huerta: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta have in a litter? How many puppies can the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta have? How many puppies can a Ratonero Murciano de Huerta give birth to?
1-6 puppies

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Recognition

AKC Group
Is Ratonero Murciano de Huerta recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Ratonero Murciano de Huerta recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs have great intelligence.
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Apartment Friendly: Apartment-friendly dog the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breed.
  • Watchdog Ability: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Ratonero Murciano de Huertas are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Ratonero Murciano de Huerta is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Ratonero Murciano de Huerta History

The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta or on its other name, the Murcian Ratter is a Spanish dog breed, from the region of Murcia. The breed also went by the name of Farm Dogs, Huerta Dogs (after a region where they were particularly prevalent), and Dog of Irrigation Ditches (a popular place for rats to nest and breed). As the breed’s name already suggests, the dogs were traditionally kept in the region of Murcia, and were developed to be bold hunters of rat, mouse, and other small rodents, which would otherwise have decimated local farmers’ crops. The dogs also used to help control the vermin population.

The long history of the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta starts before the records began. It is widely believed that the breed is descended from dogs introduced to the region by ancient Egyptian, Carthaginian, and Roman traders, who brought these dogs alongside them on their boats. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, these imported canines then were bred with local dogs to produce the Murcian Ratter. In the 18th century, further modifications took place onward, with the process of crossbreeding them with the Manchester Terrier, the English Toy Terrier, and the Fox Terrier. These breeds all have a strong prey drive in common and a fearlessness that makes them ideal for hunting purposes. Indeed, this lively dogs’ popularity peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries when they had an important practical role to play.

Their success as a hunting dog made them widely popular working dogs in their native areas in Spain. Back in the 18th century, the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta breeders made every effort to keep the breed pure and avoid any further outcrossing. These dogs also had an outstanding character making them companionable to people and reliable around children. Thus, farmers were likely to treat their dog as a member of the family, as well as a working animal, which, today, stands them in good stead.

Although, unfortunately, because of the changing farming practices and techniques, the niche filled by the Murcian Ratter became redundant. It took until the mid-20th century for their plight to be recognized, and concerted efforts made to revive the breed and save it from dying out altogether.  The result being that this once popular dog is now considered to be a rare dog breed. However, in 1997 a well-planned breeding program was established to save the breed from extinction and by 2009 the program was up to its third generation, with 80 breeding specimens and a DNA testing program. To some extent, these efforts have been rewarded with the Ratonero Murciano de Huerta now popular in Murcia as a pet and also as a companion.

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