A ratter is a type of dog that has been developed for catching rats and other vermin. A typical ratter is small to medium-sized and has a short and smooth coat. Their ears are often erect, although some breeds can have semi-erect and folded ears.
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Ratter Breeds
The definition for a ratter varies a little - sometimes it only includes the breeds that have the word "ratter" in their name, sometimes also pinschers and several terriers originally used for rat hunting.
Rat Terriers
The term rat terrier refers to the American Rat Terrier and its descendants, as well as other terrier breeds used as ratters:
Spanish Ratoneros
There are five ratoneros, so called rat-hunting dogs, in Spain which all are local breeds originating in a specific area:
Pinschers
Pinschers - excluding the large Doberman Pinscher used as a service dog - were originally developed to be rat catchers: