Companion and ratting dog Small size 4-8 kg
Majorca Ratter
An agile, affectionate Spanish ratter that makes a lively family companion - the trade-off is a busy, alert nature and a prey drive typical of a ratting dog.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Small
Size
4-8 kg, 29-38 cm tall
Moderate-high
Activity
Lively; enjoys daily exercise and play
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Copes with routine but likes company
Good
Trainability
Bright and quick to learn
Minimal
Coat care
Short coat, easy upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Playful with considerate children
Fair
Other pets
Ratting prey drive toward small animals
Light
Health burden
Generally healthy; knees and teeth to watch
The Majorca Ratter typically weighs 4-8 kg, stands 29-38 cm, and lives 12-15 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a lively, affectionate small dog for an active family,
you can offer daily walks plus play and some training,
you like an alert, easy-to-groom companion,
you have no small caged pets a ratter might target.
Do not consider this breed if…
you want a calm, low-energy lap dog that entertains itself,
you keep rabbits, rodents or other small pets loose,
you cannot handle an alert dog that may bark at activity,
you are away for long full days most weekdays.
A typical day with a Majorca Ratter
- 7:00 · MorningBrisk walk and a potty break
- 9:00 · MidmorningPlay or a puzzle, then rests near you
- 13:00 · NoonShort walk and a sniff around
- 17:00 · AfternoonActive game of fetch or tug
- 19:00 · EveningLonger walk and family time
- 22:00 · NightSettles happily close to its people
Family and environment
Kids Good
Playful with considerate children.
Dogs Good
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Can live with cats raised together; watch the prey drive.
Apartment Suitable
Small and adaptable with daily exercise; may bark.
House with a yard Ideal
Loves a secure yard to explore and dig.
City Suitable
Portable and adaptable with enough activity.
Countryside Ideal
Space and things to chase suit its ratting roots.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Obesity Manage portions; small dogs gain weight easily
Hip dysplasia Screened in breeding stock
Allergies and skin issues May need diet or environmental management
Dental disease Small crowded mouth; brush regularly
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Tiny ratting companion with a similar alert nature
Prague Ratter
A tiny, lively toy breed that adapts well to apartments - its fragility and dental and knee issues mean careful handling and vet upkeep.
View profile →
Small ratting breed with comparable drive
Ratter Terrier
A hardy, clever small terrier that fits many homes and needs little grooming - its prey drive and terrier stubbornness are the main trade-offs.
View profile →
Lively small dog with a strong prey drive
Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog with an enormous engine that suits experienced, active owners - the trade-off is relentless energy, strong prey drive, and a low tolerance for boredom.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Majorca Ratter cost in the US?
The Ca Rater Mallorqui is very rare outside Spain, so availability is limited and you may face waitlists or need to import a pup. When available, prices commonly run $1,000-$2,000. Over a 12-15 year life, food and routine vet care for a small dog typically add $10,000-$18,000 or more, and a chronic problem can add thousands on top.
Is a Majorca Ratter good with other pets?
It is usually fine with other dogs and can live with cats raised alongside it, but its ratting heritage gives it a real prey drive. Small caged pets like rabbits, rats or hamsters are not a safe match.
Does a Majorca Ratter bark a lot?
It is an alert, lively breed that will announce visitors and activity. Regular exercise, mental work and early training keep barking in check, but expect a watchful little dog rather than a silent one.
Is a Majorca Ratter easy to train?
Yes, it is bright and quick to learn with positive, consistent training. It does best with an owner who keeps sessions short and engaging and channels its energy into games and simple tasks.