The Prazsky Krysarik is known as the smallest of all dog breeds.
They stand 7 to 9 inches in height.
They typically weigh between 2 and 6 pounds.
These small dogs are quite fragile.
They have a short haired coat.
You will normally find this breed in one color combination: black and tan.
Temperament
These dogs are intelligent and affectionate.
This small breed tends to be quite happy and loving toward its family.
They are relatively active and like to play.
Due to their delicate body type, these dogs may be better suited for older and more responsible children.
This breed is good with other dogs and cats. However, they should not be trusted with rodent type pets such as hamsters or gerbils.
These small dogs are also quite alert and will definitely bark at unfamiliar noises. Hence, they are a good watch dogs.
Living Standards
This breed is wonderful for apartment living.
They can be quite active indoors without causing a mess due to their size. Just be sure to get them plenty of exercise.
Exercise
These dogs should be walked on a daily basis (a short distance will suffice).
They have the tendency to chase after small animals, so you may want to let them run a safe confined area.
Be sure to provide them with dog toys and bones to chew as well.
Litter Size
This breed will typically have 1 to 3 pups per litter.
Health and Life Expectancy
This is generally a healthy breed.
A particular concern with these small dogs is their delicate bone structure. They are much more prone to leg injuries due to the thinness of their bones.
The life expectancy of these dogs is typically between 12 and 14 years of age.
Trainability and Obedience
As mentioned earlier, this is an intelligent breed. Hence, they are not overly difficult to obedience train.
Simply be firm and consistent (not aggressive) with your training methods.
Show this small dog that you are the leader and he will follow your lead.
For the best results, begin training these dogs when they are a pups.
Remember that any small dog breed can develop small dog syndrome if not properly trained.
Grooming
Due to the length of their coat, these dogs are not difficult to groom.
Simply brush them every two weeks or so (be gentle and use a soft bristle brush).
You can also wipe their coat with a warm damp cloth.
Be sure to monitor their ears and trim their nails when necessary.
History
The origin of the Prazsky Krysarik dates back to the middle ages in the countries of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
To date, these small dogs are still most commonly found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The Prazsky Krysarik was often the pet of Bohemian nobles.
These small dogs also became quite popular among regular citizens for their ability to kill vermin.
Unfortunately, the Prazsky Krysarik nearly became extinct during the 1900s due to a lack of demand for the breed.
To date, these small dogs are bred primarily as companions and are still quite rare in different parts of the world.
