Andalusian Terrier

TheAndalusian Terrier(Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz) orSherry Terrier(Bodeguero Jerezano) is a Spanishbreedofdogof theterriertype. Its Spanish name reflects its main occupation: huntingratsandmicehidden between barrels in thewineriesofAndalusiain Spain. It was recognised as an indigenous Spanish breed in 2000 by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and by the Spanish Kennel Club, theReal Sociedad Canina de España.
The Bodeguero Andaluz has been declared ‘Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial’ (which translates to intangible cultural heritage) by the city council of Jerez de la Frontera in 2020 due to the value of this breed and their connection to the cities and the wine cellars
The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz is of medium-sized breed, measuring between (37 - 43 cm, the ideal for males being 40 cm and for females 38 cm) at thewithers.  Appearance-wise, they look like enlargedJack Russell Terrierwith longer and more elongated limbs, to the extent that it has on occasion been called the Spanish Jack Russell.The breed is an agile dog with a lean and athletic build; the head is triangular with a semi-flat skull. The eyes are very dark and the Ratonero has a long muzzle, and high set ears that bend over at the tip. The tail is traditionallydockedto one quarter of its length,however they may also be born with anatural bobtail.
Thecoatis short and dense, which is typically white. Its facial markings are a mixture of brown, white and black markings (known as tricolor), usually with tan-colored eyebrows.
The breed is lively and brave with strong hunting instincts. It must also be friendly and according to thebreed clubthis breed is good with children.
This breed is lively, intelligent and has strong hunting instincts, highlighting especially their tenacious skills and attentiveness, which are needed when hunting for rodents. They have an impeccable sense of smell and sight, can coordinate their movements, and are extremely agile. They are known for their loyalty, friendliness, and their capability to adapt to environments.
English wine merchants settling in theSherrymaking region of Spain,Marco de Jerez, brought with them the ancestors of today'sFox Terrierbreeds as long as several hundred years ago, where they were crossed with local dogs and used for vermin control ofratsandmicein the wineries. In the 1900s, the Toy Terrier was crossed into the breed. In 1993, the first breed club, theClub Nacional del Perro Andaluz Ratonero Bodeguero, was formed, and a breed standard was written. In 2000 the breed was recognised as a native Spanish breed by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture.In September 2024, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale accepted the breed.
The breed is recognised by numerous minor kennel clubs - such as theNordic Kennel Union- and dog registries, especially in North America.
No diseases specific to this breed, or claims of extraordinary health, have been documented for the Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz, though an undescended testicle is not uncommon in male pups.
Although the Bodeguero is small in size, it is just like any other dog, the Bodeguero needs a lot of exercise. The ideal is to take them on walks three to four times a day, preferably for an hour so that they can burn all their energy.
Their short hair makes it easier to take care of, when it comes to bathing and care, they should not be bathed more than once a month so that they don't lose their fatty layer (protective).Grooming their coat is also important as it allows the spread of natural oils to and helps the coat become waterproof.
Being a dog with so much energy and nervousness, they tend to eat really quickly. It is recommended that you divide their daily food so that they eat less anxiously.
Breeds similar in appearance to (but not the same as) the Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz include theJack Russell Terrier, theParson Russell Terrier, and theRat Terrier. Differences and similarities between theTerrier Brasileiroand theJapanese Terrierare detailed on the breed club's website.
The breed has been compared with otherratting dog breedsthat originated in Spain:Ratonero Murciano de Huerta,Ratonero ValencianoandRatonero Mallorqui. Their traits, intelligence, trainability, sociability, and behavior are all similar, but they differ only in size, color and conformation.  None of these breeds are recognized by theFédération Cynologique Internationaleor theAmerican Kennel Club.