Pet Wiki

Valencian Terrier

Also called Gos Rater Valencià, Ratonero Valenciano, Valencian Ratter

A bright, busy and happy terrier that is devoted to its family.

SizeSmall
Weight4 to 8 kg (9 to 18 lb)12
Height29 to 40 cm (11 to 16 in)males 30 to 40 cm, females 29 to 38 cm12
CoatSmooth short coat
OriginSpain (Valencian Community)12
GroupFCI group 3
Provisionally recognisedShort profile
lively and cheerful
affectionate and loyal
brave little watchdog
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

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

Colourstricolour (black, tan and white)black and tanbrown and whitebrown and tancinnamonblack12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Valencian Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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

  1. 1

    It was traditionally used to hunt water rats in the rice fields and farmland of Valencia.1

  2. 2

    A Valencian Terrier won Spain's National Dog Show in 2011.2

  3. 3

    Tricolour is by far the most common coat pattern in the breed.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is called Gos Rater Valencià in Valencian and Ratonero Valenciano in Spanish, both meaning 'Valencian ratter', reflecting its traditional role hunting rats and other vermin in the Valencian Community of Spain.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

ChispaCocoCorazónFiestaFuetGosLunaNaranjaPequeRatonSolTaronja

A day in the life told by a Valencian Terrier

I wake to sunshine and the smell of toast. I patrol the kitchen, checking every corner. Then I chase a fly from the window, barking my victory. My human laughs and takes me to the park. I dig for treasure, sniff every bush, and make friends with a butterfly. At home, I guard my toys from the big dog next door. I end the day on the sofa, tired and happy.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Valencian Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Valencian Terrier at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent times help their digestion, but the exact schedule is up to you. Check the food label and ask your vet for portion sizes.4

What should a Valencian Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced dog food is best, and treats should be safe. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and raw dough. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe a Valencian Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your terrier gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Valencian Terrier need brushing?

The short, fine coat needs very little work; an occasional brush or rub-down is enough. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Valencian Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 21 days as a starting point. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Valencian Terrier need?

This active hunting terrier enjoys daily walks, play, and chances to use its nose and quick reactions. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily exercise, so aim for at least one good walk and some playtime each day.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Valencian Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste only. Check ears every 14 days and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Valencian Terrier live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your breeder or vet for an estimate based on the dog's health and lineage. With good care, many small terriers live into their teens.

Is a Valencian Terrier good with children and other pets?

This breed is devoted to its family but can be reserved with strangers. How it gets on with children and other pets depends on early socialisation and individual temperament. Ask your breeder about the specific dog's history.

Can a Valencian Terrier be left alone?

Valencian Terriers form close bonds with their people and enjoy being part of family life. How long they can be left alone varies; some may struggle with long separations. Talk to your breeder or vet for advice tailored to your dog.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 370 Gos Rater Valencià fci.beused for history, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, use
  2. Wikipedia: Valencian Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for RSCE recognition, registrations, fun fact
  3. nationalpurebreddogday.com nationalpurebreddogday.com
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. FCI nomenclature: Gos Rater Valencià (370) fci.beused for recognition

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.