The Perro Ratonero Andaluz is also known as Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz, Andalusian Rat-Hunting Dog and Perro Bodeguero Andaluz. As the name suggests, these dogs are used to hunt and eradicate small vermin like rats and mice in farms, ports, warehouses, stables, houses and even taken aboard ships for the same purpose. In Spain, its country of origin, the dog is also referred to as Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz which, in English, means Wine Cellar Rat Hunting Dog of Andalusia as these dogs were developed and used to free wine cellars from mice and rats.
This breed came into being when Englishmen settled in Jerez country side for sherry making industry. They brought with them Terrier dogs (progenitors of today's Fox Terriers) to hunt mice and rats. These terriers were then crossed with Raterillo Andaluz, a Spanish local breed. The resulting dogs were recognized as Perro Ratonero Andaluz.
This is a typically lively and spunky dog with medium size height and strong body structure. It stands between 14-17 inches and weighs about 15-18 pounds. This lean, athletic and agile dog resembles so much to Jack Russell Terrier that it is sometimes referred to Spanish Jack Russell. It has triangular head with semi-flat skull and long muzzle with straight nose bridge that leads to a black nose. Dark brown eyes are small with alert and intelligent expression. Triangular shaped high set ears are bent over at tip. Long and muscular neck is free of dewlap.
Rectangular shaped strong, athletic, lean and compact body is ideal for following rats into burrows. It comes with long, straight back, short but muscular loin, broad chest and slightly tucked-up belly. Tail is high set and carried straight. It can be naturally bobbed or docked to a quarter of its length. This breed comes with a short but dense coat that is tri-colour with predominant white, tan and black. Tan eyebrows give this dog a four eyed appearance.
This dog is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club.
