Overview
The Ratonero Murciano de Huerta was bred to keep rats out of the irrigated fields and barns around Murcia in south-east Spain. It is a small, neat, short-coated dog in the mould of the other Spanish ratters, with upright ears and a lively, watchful expression.
Documented information on the breed is thin and almost all of it is in Spanish, so a UK walker should treat the Ratonero Murciano as a classic small terrier type and let the individual dog fill in the gaps. Most are affectionate with their people and alert to everything else.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day across two walks is a fair guide, with the dog kept busy rather than just moving. Ratters are sharp and quick to learn, so training games and sniffing time matter as much as the distance covered.
Being small and short-coated, the breed feels a damp British winter more than its Spanish homeland ever asked of it. Shorter, brisker walks and a coat on cold days keep it comfortable.
On the walk
- Prey drive: Rats, mice, squirrels and birds on the ground will all get a reaction. Keep the dog on a lead or a long line anywhere a chase could take it towards a road or water.
- Recall: Depends entirely on the individual and its training. Assume it is untested with you and build from a long line.
- Other dogs: Most ratters are sociable with dogs they know and a little wary of big boisterous strangers. Match them with calm or similarly sized walking companions.
- Alertness: The breed barks to alert. Expect comment on cats, cyclists and sudden noises, and reward quiet rather than scolding the noise.
Tips for professional walkers
- Ask the owner to show you what the dog does when it spots a rodent before you decide on off-lead time.
- Keep treats small and frequent; these dogs work well for food and lose interest in long dull stretches.
- Check the dog for ticks after walks through long grass, as the fine coat hides little.
- Pack a coat for the dog from autumn onwards and shorten the route in heavy rain.
- Give the dog a job on the walk, such as finding a hidden treat, to channel the hunting drive.
What to ask the owner
- How strong is the chase instinct, and is the dog safe around cats, chickens or small pets?
- What is the recall like, and where has the owner let the dog off the lead before?
- Does the dog bark a lot on walks, and how does the owner prefer you handle it?
- How does it cope with cold and wet weather, and does it wear a coat?