At a glance the quick version
Same range for both sexes in the FCI standard.
Coat and looks how to spot one
smooth short coat
A light, small-framed terrier with a fine, short coat no more than about 2 cm long.1
Personality what they are like
A bright, busy and happy terrier that is devoted to its family. It tends to be a bit reserved with strangers and will bravely look after its home.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active hunting terrier that enjoys daily walks, play and chances to use its nose and quick reactions.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, fine coat needs very little work; an occasional brush or rub-down is enough.1
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to town or country as long as it gets activity; it was traditionally kept on farms as a vermin catcher and companion.12
Company who they like around
Forms close bonds with its people and enjoys being part of family life.1
The story where it all began
Small ratting dogs have been kept in the Valencia region for a long time, and records from the late 19th century describe them hunting water rats, rabbits and moles on farms. They are linked to early British terrier imports mixed with local dogs. Spain's kennel club recognised the breed in 2004 and the FCI accepted it provisionally in 2022.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1, standard no. 370, provisionally accepted 21 June 20221
- Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE)
- Recognised 20042
How many 523 dogs registered with the RSCE as of 31 December 20102
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Valencian Terrier. 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
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- 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.
- FCI Standard No. 370 Gos Rater Valencià fci.beused for history, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, use
- Wikipedia: Valencian Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for RSCE recognition, registrations, fun fact
- FCI nomenclature: Gos Rater Valencià (370) fci.beused for recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.