Villanuco de Las Encartaciones
Also known as Villanuco · Enkarterriko Billanuko · Ratonero Basco
Spain, Terriers
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 30–40 cm
- Weight
- 4–8.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 yrs
- Alert
- Quick
- Watchful
- Lively
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Villanuco de Las Encartaciones is a small ratting dog from the Enkarterri district of Bizkaia in the Basque Country of northern Spain. It has fine, close-fitting skin, a very short coat, usually black and white or black and tan, and mostly upright ears. It is critically endangered, with fewer than fifty dogs recorded in 2009.
Size
- Size
- Small
- Height at shoulder
- 30–40 cm
- Adult weight
- 4–8.5 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
12–15 years
Most Villanuco de Las Encartacioness live 12–15 years. Like other small 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
As a ratter, it is quick, alert and eager to chase small animals. It also makes a good watchdog, quickly announcing strangers.
- Alert
- Quick
- Watchful
- Lively
Food
For a typical 6.3 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 450 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 252 ml–378 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 dayIt needs daily walks and play, and enjoys chances to sniff and search.
Grooming & shedding
The very short coat needs little more than a weekly wipe or brush. Its thin coat offers little protection from cold.
Health
Small pets such as rodents may not be safe with a dog bred to catch them. Almost all the dogs live in their home district, so the breed is very hard to find. Health information is extremely limited.
The breed can be prone to
- No well-documented breed-specific health problems
- Very small gene pool
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- General veterinary examination before breeding
Not every Villanuco de Las Encartaciones is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
The Villanuco is one of five native Basque dog breeds, and the Basque government recognised it as a traditional breed in 2001. It was included in the region's rural development plan for 2007–2013. It resembles other Spanish ratters such as the Ca Rater Mallorquí and the Gos Rater Valencià, though it is less like them than they are like each other.
- Country of origin
- Spain
- Type
- Terriers
- Recognition
- Recognised as a traditional Basque breed by regional government decree (2001); not recognised by the RSCE, FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Villanuco de Las Encartaciones 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
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 12–15 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.
Villanuco de Las Encartaciones FAQ
How big does a Villanuco de Las Encartaciones get?
Adult Villanuco de Las Encartacioness typically stand about 30–40 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 4–8.5 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Villanuco de Las Encartacioness live?
Typically 12–15 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 Villanuco de Las Encartaciones 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 Villanuco de Las Encartaciones need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Villanuco de Las Encartacioness easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Villanuco de Las Encartacioness shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Villanuco de Las Encartacioness 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 Villanuco de Las Encartaciones live in a flat?
Usually, yes — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Villanuco de Las Encartacioness have?
The breed can be prone to no well-documented breed-specific health problems, very small gene pool. Not every Villanuco de Las Encartaciones 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.