At a glance the quick version
Spanish Wikipedia notes the breed does not exceed about 5 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth coat
A small, rectangular terrier-type dog (females a touch longer in body) with short, fine, close-lying hair over smooth skin.12
Personality what they are like
Lively, watchful and bright, with a strong bond to its owners. It makes both a handy little watchdog and a loving companion.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic little hunter that enjoys daily activity and chances to use its nose; today it is still used on rabbits and for retrieving small birds.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, smooth coat needs only light, occasional brushing.12
Company who they like around
Very attached to its family and happy as a companion dog in the home.2
The story where it all began
Its story before the 1800s is unclear, but it worked for generations catching rats in Mallorca's wetlands and keeping stables clear. It is closely linked to the Valencian ratter, which may have reached the island with Valencian rice workers in the early 1900s.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Catching rats in the island's wetlands was once a paid job, and this little dog was the tool of the trade.1
- 2
It is thought to share roots with the Valencian ratter, possibly brought over by Valencians who came to grow rice on Mallorca.2
- 3
Modern owners use it to hunt rabbits in dense scrub and to retrieve small game such as thrushes and doves.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Govern de les Illes Balears
- Officially recognised in 2002, with a stud-book established.1
- Spanish national government (BOE)
- Recognised nationally in 2004.1
- FCI
- Not recognised.1
- Club Espanyol del Ca Rater Mallorquí
- Breed club founded in 1990, formally registered in 2002.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Ca Rater Mallorquí. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Ca Rater Mallorquí - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, size, colours, uses, history
- Ratonero mallorquín - Wikipedia (es) es.wikipedia.orgused for temperament, coat, history, club
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.