Perro Ratonero Andaluz

Perro Ratonero Andaluz, also known as Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz, Perro Ratonero Bodeguero, Bodeguero Andaluz, and Andalusian Mouse-Hunting Dog, is a Spanish terrier that was originally bred for hunting mice and rats that hid between the barrels in the wineries of Andalusia, Spain.

Appearance
This lean dog has a triangular head with a semi-flat skull; on it sits dark eyes, a long muzzle, and high set ears that bend over at the tip. The tail is typically docked to a quarter of its original length, but natural bobtails do occur. Its appearance has been noted to that of a Jack Russel Terrier, to such an extent, that it was once called the Spanish Jack Russell. The coat is dense and short. The breed is always tri-colored; a white body with a black & tan mask.

Behavior
Typical of terriers, the Andalusian Mouse-Hunting Dog is lively, energetic, agile, and quite athletic. It makes a good guardian and loves people, especially children, but it does have a very strong prey instinct. They are not recommended to live with any non-canine pet. This dog is not your average pet and requires an owner that is able to keep up with it and teach it to not develop Small Dog Syndrome. These dogs need to be taken on a long daily walk.

History
This extremely rare breed's origin probably came about when English wine merchants settling in Spain brought with them the ancestors to Fox Terriers. These dogs mixed with local dogs who were used to hunt the mice and rats hiding between the wine barrels in the wineries. In the 1900s, the Toy Terrier crossed into this wonderful breed. In 1993, the first breed club, Club Nacional del Perro Andaluz Ratonero Bodeguero, was formed and the breed standard was written. In 2000, the breed was recognized as a native Spanish breed by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture. The breed is recognized by various kennel clubs, such as the NKU (Nordic Kennel Union), but is not yet recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.