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Basque Ratter Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Basque Ratter so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank335
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OriginSpain flagSpain
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Basque Ratter known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Enkarterriko billanukoLittle Villein of Las EncartacionesRat hunting dogRatonero vascoVillanucuVillanuco de Las Encartaciones Basque
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Basque Ratter? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Basque Ratter Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Basque Ratter? Learn how big the Basque Ratter breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does a Basque Ratter weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Basque Ratter breed.
10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Basque Ratter?
17.5 pounds (8 kg)
Height
How tall is the Basque Ratter? Basque Ratter height:
10-13 inches (21-33 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Basque Ratter?
12 inches (27 cm)

Basque Ratter Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Basque Ratter puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Basque Ratter costs.
Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Basque Ratter. If you have a Basque Ratter for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Basque Ratter gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Basque Ratter? How many Basque Ratter are there in the world?
Average: The Basque Ratter is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Basque Ratter Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Basque Ratter? Discover the Basque Ratter's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Basque Ratter dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Basque Ratter is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Basque Ratter? Learn about the Basque Ratter's trainability and response to training methods.
Basque Ratter dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Basque Ratter as a watchdog? Learn about the Basque Ratter's alertness and guarding instincts.
Basque Ratter dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is a Basque Ratter protective of its territory? Learn about the Basque Ratter's guarding instincts and behavior.
Basque Ratter dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Basque Ratter Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Basque Ratter have? Learn about characteristic Basque Ratter temperament and behavior traits.
CuriousOutgoingHuntingAdaptableCalmTolerant
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Basque Ratter sensitivity:
Basque Ratter dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Basque Ratter a good family dog?
Slightly Below Average: Basque Ratter dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. Their happiness doesn't depend on their owner's emotional level.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Enkarterriko billanuko need? Basque Ratter social needs:
Basque Ratter dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Basque Ratter to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Basque Ratter roam?
Basque Ratter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Basque Ratter have high prey drive?
Basque Ratter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Basque Ratter dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Basque Ratter Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Basque Ratter bark a lot? Learn about typical Basque Ratter vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Basque Ratter is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Basque Ratter? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Basque Ratter breed.
Average: Basque Ratters, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Basque Ratter live in an apartment? Learn about the Basque Ratter's suitability for apartment living.
It is not recommended to keep the Basque Ratter breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Basque Ratter indoors by introducing daily routines.

Basque Ratter Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Basque Ratter to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Basque Ratter's flexibility to new situations.
Basque Ratter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Basque Ratter be left alone? Learn about the Basque Ratter's tolerance to solitude.
Basque Ratter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Basque Ratter Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Basque Ratter biting potential? Learn about the Basque Ratter's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Basque Ratter has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Basque Ratter mouthy? Learn about the Basque Ratter's tendency to use mouth during play.
Basque Ratter dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Basque Ratter dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Basque Ratter bite? Learn about the Basque Ratter's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Basque Ratter bite force: Weak. The Basque Ratter bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Basque Ratter measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Basque Ratter may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Basque Ratter being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Basque Ratter bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Basque Ratter puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Basque Ratter can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Basque Ratter Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Basque Ratter live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Basque Ratter breed.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Basque Ratter: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Basque Ratter handle different weather? Learn about the Basque Ratter's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Basque Ratter? Discover typical conditions affecting the Basque Ratter breed.
Basque Ratters tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Basque Ratter need vet visits? Learn about the Basque Ratter's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Basque Ratter should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Basque Ratter Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Basque Ratter? Understand daily activity needs of the Basque Ratter breed.
Basque Ratter dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Basque Ratter need? How much exercise do Basque Ratter dogs require per day?

Do Basque Ratter dogs need a lot of exercises?

Basque Ratter dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Basque Ratter breed need?
Basque Ratter dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Basque Ratter Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Basque Ratter prone to weight gain? Learn about the Basque Ratter's obesity risks.
Average: The Basque Ratter has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Basque Ratter weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Basque Ratter need daily? Learn about the Basque Ratter's feeding requirements.
3/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Basque Ratter Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Basque Ratter hypoallergenic? Learn about the Basque Ratter's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Basque Ratter dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Basque Ratter come in? Discover all possible Basque Ratter color variations.
Black Red Fawn Copper
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Basque Ratter need? Learn about Basque Ratter coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Basque Ratter requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Basque Ratter, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Basque Ratter drool a lot? Learn about the Basque Ratter's drooling habits.
The Basque Ratter is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Basque Ratter smell bad? Learn about the Basque Ratter's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Basque Ratter has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Basque Ratter have? Learn about the Basque Ratter's fur characteristics.
ThickHarsh
Bathing Needs
How often does a Basque Ratter need baths? Learn about the Basque Ratter's bathing requirements.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Basque Ratter dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Enkarterriko billanuko? Do Basque Ratter dogs shed a lot?
Basque Ratter dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Basque Ratter Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Basque Ratter good with children? Learn about the Basque Ratter's behavior around kids of different ages.
Basque Ratter dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Basque Ratter get along with other pets? Discover the Basque Ratter's compatibility with other animals.
Basque Ratter dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Basque Ratter temperament with other people:
Basque Ratter dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Basque Ratter dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Basque Ratter breed live with a cat?
Basque Ratter dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Basque Ratter good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Basque Ratter dogs get along with other dogs?
Basque Ratter dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Basque Ratter can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Basque Ratter breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Basque Ratter breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Basque Ratter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Basque Ratter dogs good office canines? Do Basque Ratter dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Basque Ratter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Basque Ratter dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Enkarterriko billanuko temperament with senior people? Are Basque Ratter dogs good for elderly owners?
Basque Ratters are usually recommended for elderly people.

Basque Ratter As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Basque Ratter be a service dog? Learn about the Basque Ratter's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Basque Ratter is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Basque Ratter good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Basque Ratter's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Basque Ratter is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Basque Ratter good at detection work? Learn about the Basque Ratter's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Basque Ratter is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Basque Ratter do search and rescue? Learn about the Basque Ratter's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Basque Ratter is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Basque Ratter good on boats? Learn about the Basque Ratter's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Basque Ratter breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Basque Ratter pull carts? Learn about the Basque Ratter's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Basque Ratter is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Basque Ratter used in military service? Learn about the Basque Ratter's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Basque Ratter Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Basque Ratter usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
1-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Basque Ratter pregnant? Learn about the Basque Ratter's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Basque Ratter: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Basque Ratter have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Basque Ratter Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Basque Ratter in? Learn about the Basque Ratter's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Basque Ratter in? Learn about the Basque Ratter's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Basque Ratter Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Basque Ratter dogs have great intelligence.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Basque Ratter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Basque Ratter dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Basque Ratter dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Basque Ratters are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Basque Ratter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Concerns: Basque Ratters tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Basque Ratter dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: It is not recommended to keep the Basque Ratter breed in the home.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Basque Ratter dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Basque Ratter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Basque Ratter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Basque Ratter is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Basque Ratter History

The Basque Ratter or Enkarterriko Billanuko is a ratter-type breed as it can be concluded from its name originating in Spain. The Villanuco de Las Enartaciones is another name for the Basque Ratter. Be careful, though! This breed is related to (but distinct from) the Villano de Las Encartaciones. Those two extra letters (UC in Villanuco) make all the difference... between a small agile ratter and a large, strong cattle dog. Very little is known about its certain ancestry and history. Sadly since 2009, they are considered a critically endangered breed. Now there are an estimated 50 dogs alive representing this breed, making them very rare indeed and in danger of extinction.

Although there is very little published information about the Basque Ratter's origins we can know for sure that his little, nimble dog is from the Basque Country, where they made their living by hunting rats and vermin from farmsteads just as most ratter dogs. Other comparable Ratters emerged from the provinces of Biscay, Cantabria, and Burgos as well. These dogs have a shady history that dates back centuries. Dogs brought by Roman, Carthaginian, and Egyptian traders may have been their distant ancestors. These dogs were then crossed with local dogs to create breeds that were unique to each region.

A ratter is a dog type specifically bred to hunt rats and other vermin. Ratters are small to medium-sized dogs with short, smooth coats. Although some breeds have semi-erect and folded ears, their ears are frequently erect. It was said that one of the sports associated with having an American rat terrier was making competitive wagers on which dog could kill the most mice or rats in a specific amount of time. One dog was thrown into a barn and killed 2501 rats in seven hours.

The Villanuco is one of five Basque dog breeds: Euskal Artzain Txakurra (Basque Shepherd Dog), Erbi Txakur (Erbi Txakur), Pachón de Vitoria (Pachón de Vitoria), and Villano de Las Encartaciones (Enkarterriko Billano). All of these varieties are native to the Basque Autonomous Community, with the exception of the Pachón de Vitoria, and were designated as traditional Basque breeds by government order in 2001. It was one of fourteen indigenous animal breeds featured in Pas Vasco's 2007–2013 rural development plan.

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