Ca Rater Mallorquí
Also known as Mallorcan Ratter · Ratonero Mallorquín
Spain, Terriers
- Size
- Toy
- Height
- 29–36 cm
- Weight
- 3–5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–16 yrs
- Alert
- Quick
- Watchful
- Plucky
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Ca Rater Mallorquí is a tiny, square-built ratter from Mallorca. Its short coat is black and tan or brown and tan, sometimes with white patches. It closely resembles the Valencian ratter and is uncommon outside the Balearic Islands.
Size
- Size
- Toy
- Height at shoulder
- 29–36 cm
- Adult weight
- 3–5 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
13–16 years
Most Ca Rater Mallorquís live 13–16 years. Like other toy dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 9, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Quick and alert, it makes a good watchdog and a pleasant companion. It still has a strong instinct to hunt rodents and rabbits, so small pets may not be safe with it.
- Alert
- Quick
- Watchful
- Plucky
Food
For a typical 4 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 320 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 160 ml–240 ml
- a day, from all sources
- Small dogs burn energy quickly — two or three measured meals a day suit most adults, and toy breeds shouldn't go long without food.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayDespite its size, it is a busy working dog that needs daily walks and games. It enjoys searching and chasing activities.
Grooming & shedding
The short coat is easy to keep tidy with a weekly brush.
Health
Train with short, positive sessions and work on recall early. Being so small, it should be handled gently by children. There is little published health information on the breed.
The breed can be prone to
- Little breed-specific health data published
- Patellar luxation (common in very small dogs)
- Dental disease
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Patella examination
Not every Ca Rater Mallorquí is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
There are no records of the breed before the late 1800s. Its likeness to the Valencian ratter may stem from Valencian rice workers who moved to Mallorca's Albufera wetlands in 1901, and some English terrier influence has been suggested. The dogs were once used to catch rats sold as food. A breed society formed in 1990, regional recognition came in 2002 and national recognition in 2004.
- Country of origin
- Spain
- Type
- Terriers
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Balearic government and the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture; not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Ca Rater Mallorquí right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- Smaller homes, as long as daily exercise needs are met
- Owners ready for a long commitment — often well into their teens
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
Cost to keep
Lower than average- Smaller food bills and medicine doses
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 13–16 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Ca Rater Mallorquí FAQ
How big does a Ca Rater Mallorquí get?
Adult Ca Rater Mallorquís typically stand about 29–36 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 3–5 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Ca Rater Mallorquís live?
Typically 13–16 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Ca Rater Mallorquí need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Ca Rater Mallorquí need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Ca Rater Mallorquís easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Ca Rater Mallorquís shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Ca Rater Mallorquís good with children?
Many get on well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Ca Rater Mallorquí live in a flat?
Usually, yes — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Ca Rater Mallorquís have?
The breed can be prone to little breed-specific health data published, patellar luxation (common in very small dogs), dental disease. Not every Ca Rater Mallorquí is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.