Andalusian Terrier
rah-toh-NEH-roh boh-deh-GEH-roh
Spain· Jerez and Andalusia, Spain
The Andalusian Terrier — the Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz, often nicknamed the 'Sherry Terrier' — is a small ratting terrier from the sherry-producing bodegas of Jerez and the wider Andalusian region, provisionally recognised by the FCI in 2024.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small
Exercise needs
Moderate to high
Home size suited to
Adaptable
Grooming frequency
Occasional brushing
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Town or country
Town or country
Garden size needed
Secure garden helpful
Where it comes from
Origins of the Andalusian Terrier
The little 'Sherry Terrier' of Andalusia's wine cellars, provisionally recognised by the FCI in 2024.
- Region
- Jerez and Andalusia, Spain
- Climate it was bred for
- Mediterranean
- Original job
- Ratting in wine bodegas, stables and farms
The long read
About the breed
The breed developed to keep wine cellars and stables clear of rats and mice, descending from terriers brought to the region, including by British wine merchants in the sherry trade, crossed with local Spanish dogs. Lively, brave and quick, it is both an effective vermin dog and a cheerful family companion. Documentation in English is still limited while recognition is provisional, so details on this page may change.
Registry note: the FCI accepted the Andalusian Terrier on a provisional basis, which means the standard is still settling and details may change before definitive recognition. We will keep this page updated as more is published.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Energy
4/5
Settles well once exercised.
Barking
4/5
Quick to sound off.
Grooming
1/5
Wash-and-go coat.
Sociability
4/5
Friendly and outgoing.
Independence
3/5
Balanced — works with you, thinks a little too.
Trainability
4/5
Quick to learn and keen to work.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Head
Triangular and clean, with a flat skull.
Colours & patterns
Recognised coats
Which coats the standard accepts — and which are simply popular.
White, Black & Tan
Standard colour
The classic pattern: white body with black-and-tan head markings; details still being formalised.
Timeline
History & development
1700s–1800s
Bodega ratters
Terriers kept in the sherry bodegas of Jerez controlled vermin among the barrels, absorbing British terrier blood from the wine trade.
1900s
Regional fixture
The type spread across Andalusia as an all-purpose farm and stable ratter.
2024
Provisional FCI recognition
The FCI accepted the Andalusian Terrier on a provisional basis in 2024.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact, athletic and slightly longer than tall.
- coat
- Short, smooth and close.
- ears
- Set high, tipped or erect, mobile and alert.
- eyes
- Round, dark and lively.
- gait
- Quick, free and nimble.
- head
- Triangular and clean, with a flat skull.
- size
- Small; precise figures are still being formalised by the registry.
- tail
- Set high and carried gaily.
- colour
- Predominantly white with black-and-tan head markings is the classic pattern; accepted details are still being formalised.
- muzzle
- Strong and tapering, with a black nose.
- temperament
- Lively, brave and affectionate; a tireless ratter and a cheerful companion.
- general appearance
- A small, elegant, athletic terrier with a smooth coat; full published details are still limited while recognition is provisional.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
Data
Watch closely
Provisionally recognised; no published health surveys yet.
General care
Watch closely
Robust working terrier type; routine dental and weight care.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Made for the Andalusian Terrier
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Andalusian Terrier illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
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Framed poster
Andalusian Terrier Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Andalusian Terrier illustration, framed or unframed.
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Hoodie
Andalusian Terrier Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Andalusian Terrier illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Andalusian Terrier Mug
Ceramic mug with the Andalusian Terrier illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Car Seatbelt Restraint
Clips any harness to a standard seatbelt buckle.
Fits any dog
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