Prazsky Krysarik
12-14 yrs
4-6 lbs
7-9"
Czechoslovakia

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Prazsky Krysarik

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Prazsky Krysarik

4-6 lbs

7-9"

Czechoslovakia

Prazsky Krysavik, Prague Ratter

The Prazsky Kyrsarik dog is acknowledged as the smallest dog in the world, but what they lack in size they more than make up with their spunky character and affectionate nature. These tiny dogs forge strong and reliable relationships with humans and they love attention and cuddles. This dog adapts well to indoor and apartment living, but don't be fooled by that. The Prazsky Kyrsarik loves and needs a daily dog walk and enjoys playing outdoor games. They are fast and agile, willing to be trained, and have a high sense of hearing and smell.

Originally bred as a dog to help control the rats in and around homes, they soon became the companion of kings and noblemen. The Kyrsarik can be sensitive to criticism but they respond well to praise and rewards. The family will love this little dog who is quiet in voice yet lively and loving. Care must be taken as it is easy to hurt this little canine unintentionally in play. Sweet and loving, the Prazsky Kyrsarik is also friendly to strangers, but may be slightly protective of their owners without being aggressive. They do best living in warm places as they feel the cold, but that can be overcome by wearing a dog jacket.

                
                Purpose
              
Companion

                Date of Origin
              
1058

                Ancestry
              
Prague Ratter

Prazsky Krysarik Health

Average Size

Height: 7-9 inches Weight: 4-6 lbs

Major Concerns

Patellar Luxation

Minor Concerns

Bone And Joint Problems
Foot and Toenail Injuries

Occasional Diagnoses

Dental Problems

Occasional Tests

Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Diagnostic Imaging
Dental and Oral Examinations
Hip and Elbow X-rays

Prazsky Krysarik Breed History

The Prazsky Krysarik was known as a popular little dog in the courts of central European royalty during the Middle Ages. When the Polish King Boleslaw ll the Generous came to power in 1058, he much admired the tiny Prazsky Krysarik and he ordered two of the breed to be imported from Bohemia. Not only were they great companions of the royal and noble class, but they were invaluable as rat hunters in both rural and urban households. Small and lively, they could easily dispatch their prey and save not only the fields and crops of the farmer, but they could keep the rats from infesting the city houses.

During the 19th century, the popularity of the Prazsky Krysarik decreased due to the rise in popularity of the Miniature Pinscher which had become very fashionable. It wasn't until around the 1980s that they again became popular as Czechs and Slovaks began to breed them again. They are still quite rare and are not a Federation Cynologique Internationale acknowledged breed. There are about 2500 of the breed registered; they are presented at shows and create quite a stir due to their tiny size and elegant form.

While the dog breed is gaining popularity again, they are a dog that needs a little more care due to their stature. With thin legs and tiny paws, they can be injured easily. Their thin skin and coat make them better for warmer climates, if they are living in colder climates they really require a dog coat to keep them warm. Tiny, dainty, and yet large in personality, the Prazsky Krysarik is worth several times their weight in gold!

Prazsky Krysarik Breed Appearance

The Prazsky Krysarik is known as the smallest dog breed in the world. They have a lean, almost fragile, body which is thin skinned. Their neck is long and thin and supports a delicate, beautifully proportioned head. A narrow and pointed muzzle with small teeth meeting in a scissors bite, and pointed triangular ears that are held erect are their hallmark traits. Large round eyes that show their enthusiasm and kind temperament and a cute small black nose will warm even the coldest heart. They have a long narrow body with a broad but shallow chest, and a narrow straight tail. Their legs are small boned and delicate and they have tiny dainty feet, thus they are susceptible to leg injury.

This small dog is known to feel the cold because of their thin skin and short glossy hair. In colder climates the Prazsky Krysarik will need a doggie coat to keep them warm outdoors, otherwise, you will find them shivering all the time.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Amber

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Brown

Fawn

Blue

White

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Prazsky Krysarik Breed Maintenance

The Prazsky Krysarik is a low shedding dog breed so they require low maintenance. Because of their thin skin and coat, they only require a gentle brush each week and perhaps a wipe down with a damp cloth. They don't like the cold weather; they will need a warm sweater in winter to keep them warm, and are known to appreciate a woolly scarf or two to wrap up in. When grooming, it is a good opportunity to check their tiny body and legs for any sore spots or injury.

Another area to pay attention to is the alert twitching ear; infection can start easily deep within the ear, so gently wipe out the ear but never poke anything into it in case you cause damage. Their tiny feet are easily injured so check that they are not carrying an injury.

Clip their nails when required and twice or three times a week give their tiny teeth a good brushing. These tiny canines love attention and thrive on companionship, so they will love grooming time.

Prazsky Krysariks often suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, and eye conditions. Secure pet health insurance today to avoid high veterinary care costs. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

Brushes for Prazsky Krysarik

Slicker Brush

Dematter

Deshedder

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Prazsky Krysarik Temperament

The Prazsky Krysarik is more than just a tiny dog, they are lively, alert, gentle and real characters who are treasured by their owners. They love games and children, and like to be part of the family. Companionship is important for this dog, they love their people and live for their family. This tiny pup is ideal for apartment living, but don't think you can get away with just inside fun and games. They love to go outside and explore. A daily walk is still a requirement for this dog but do take care that they are not bullied or pushed around by larger dogs. The Prazsky Krysarik hates the cold and may shiver because they have such thin skin. A bright and woolly sweater will be appreciated on colder days. Socializing and training are important for your pet, they need these vital skills which will make taking them out in public a pleasure. All dogs need to have some rules otherwise, boredom and behavioral problems can arise. Because the Prazsky Krysarik is such a willing-to-please dog, they learn new tricks reasonably fast, but patience may be needed until they learn new tasks. This small dog responds best to kind handling and a lot of praise and in return will shower you with love and affection.

Prazsky Krysarik Activity Requirements

Just because your Prazsky Krysarik is tiny, don't think they won't need a walk! This little pooch loves to get out and strut their stuff. They love all the attention they get and don't realize how small they really are. A well socialized Krysarik is not scared of larger dogs, they can stand up to them and overpower them with their spunky attitude! When out and about with your dog, take care that they are not hurt unintentionally during play with larger dogs. Games and training will also rate high with your Prazsky Krysarik - they are eager to please, and love praise and positive acknowledgment. Teach younger children how to play carefully with this small dog - their legs are delicate and small boned which can be injured easily. Warmer weather suits this canine, although a smart padded winter dog coat will be welcomed so that they can join in the winter games. Inside they love to play with the children, or curl up on a lap and accept all the cuddles they can.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Prazsky Krysarik

Similarly Sized Breeds to Prazsky Krysarik

Prazsky Krysarik Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00

Prazsky Krysarik Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 4.5 inches
                  Weight: 2.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 4.5 inches
                  Weight: 2.5 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 7.0 inches
                  Weight: 4.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 7.0 inches
                  Weight: 4.0 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 8.5 inches
                  Weight: 5.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 8.5 inches
                  Weight: 5.5 lbs

Written by Darlene Stott

Published: 07/19/2018, edited: 09/30/2021

Prazsky Krysarik Owner Experiences

Boyyo

6 Months

1 People

Condo

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

walking, playing fetch, running, exploring

A little concerned now that I see at 6 months he should only weigh 2.5 lbs and he is over 7 lbs

2 years, 3 months ago

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