Valencian Terrier
GOHS RAH-tair vah-len-see-AH
Spain· Valencia, Spain
The Valencian Terrier — the Gos Rater Valencià — is a small regional ratting terrier from Valencia and the surrounding Spanish Levante, provisionally recognised by the FCI in 2022.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small
Exercise needs
Moderate
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 Valencian Terrier
Valencia's native ratting terrier, provisionally recognised by the FCI in 2022.
- Region
- Valencia, Spain
- Climate it was bred for
- Mediterranean
- Original job
- Ratting on farms and around homes
The long read
About the breed
Traditionally kept on farms, in warehouses and around homes to control rats and other vermin, it is a quick, brave and alert little dog of similar stamp to Spain's other native ratters. Published documentation in English is still limited while recognition is provisional, so details on this page may change as more is released.
Registry note: the FCI accepted the Valencian 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
3/5
Capable, with consistent fair handling.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Head
Clean and triangular, terrier-like.
Colours & patterns
Recognised coats
Which coats the standard accepts — and which are simply popular.
Tricolour
Standard colour
Reported regional colouring; accepted colours are still being formalised.
Timeline
History & development
Traditional
Levante ratters
Small ratting dogs worked the farms, warehouses and towns of the Valencian region for generations.
2022
Provisional FCI recognition
The FCI accepted the Valencian Terrier on a provisional basis in 2022.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact and athletic.
- coat
- Short and close; rougher coats are reported in the regional population.
- ears
- Set high, erect or tipped.
- eyes
- Dark, round and alert.
- gait
- Quick and nimble.
- head
- Clean and triangular, terrier-like.
- size
- Small; precise figures are still being formalised by the registry.
- tail
- Set high, carried alertly.
- colour
- Reported in tricolour and bicolour patterns typical of Spanish ratters; accepted colours are still being formalised.
- muzzle
- Strong and tapering.
- temperament
- Brave, lively and watchful; devoted to its family.
- general appearance
- A small, quick, well-proportioned ratting terrier; 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
Hardy ratter type; routine dental and weight care.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Valencian Terriers added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Valencian Terrier
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Valencian 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.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Valencian Terrier Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Valencian Terrier illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Valencian Terrier Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Valencian Terrier illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Valencian Terrier Mug
Ceramic mug with the Valencian Terrier illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Slicker & Deshedding Brush
Self-cleaning slicker head for coats of every length.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Valencian Terrier video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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