What can you tell me about these dogs? Anyone use these for any huntinng? thanks, capt david

Sorry never heard of them before on my side.

Are you referring to the ratonero or bodeguero andaluz?



Yes, they were originally bred from Jack Russels by the British sherry winery owners in Jerez de la Frontera, to keep their cellars free from rats.

They can be used for hunting, I once met a game keeper in this area's Arcornocales park who used his for blood trailing wounded game.

I think of them as a trimmed down jack russel.

Yes they will hunt.

I'm on my second Rat now, a Decker Rat Terrier. These boys are big for a rat, anywhere from 35-50lbs. I expect he'll be closer to 50lbs by the time he's done growing. As for hunting, that's what these dogs do. Very intelligent, very trainable, and a prey drive like I've never seen. Ours have been indoor dogs, very well behaved. The current decker puppy is 5mo and he's already over 20lbs.

I have some friends who have them and I like them, pleasant, well mannered, intelligent and , yes, a good prey drive.

I already have one. I got her last week. she's 2months old. I believe she'll be about 10lbs and stand 10-12" at the withers when grown. The mother is a ratter around the barn. I bought her as a companion, light hunter. More something to go with me to dove/deer hunt to help find wounded stuff. I might try her on rabbits or tree rats, but they are not rediily avaliable. any hunting tips are appreciated. thanks, capt david

The only one that I have had personal experience with was a worthless nut case. Constant yip yip yip typical small dog syndrome. I saw that dog everyday for 5 yrs it never stopped barking at me. I never saw the dog do anything useful. The best thing it ever did was forget to move for the tractor.
I think most of the problem was that they treated it like a small dog, it was never socialized, constantly picked up and carried.
I was surprised at the Jack Russells in S.A. every PH seems to own one and they were all nice dogs.
Capt David I'm sure if you give that little dog a job and don't treat it like it a spoiled kid it will be a fine hunting companion.