Apartment fit
The Valencian Terrier can fit apartments when barking and energy are handled daily.
TerrierSmall
Spain
SpainValencian Terrier
Weight
8-18 lb
Height
12-16 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Valencian Terrier is a small Spanish ratting terrier from Valencia, with a short tricolor coat, quick reactions, and strong vermin-hunting drive.
Small Spanish ratting terrierShort tricolor coatQuick and alert with prey driveCan suit apartments with barking management
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Gos Rater ValenciaValencian Ratter
AlertQuickBoldAffectionateLivelyPrey-driven
Weight
8-18 lb
Height
12-16 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Valencian Terrier, or Gos Rater Valencia, is a small Spanish ratting terrier from the Valencian region. It was used around farms, stables, and homes to control rodents, so it is quick, alert, bold, and interested in movement.
This is a small, athletic terrier with a short smooth coat. The breed is commonly tricolor, often white with black and tan markings, though other accepted patterns may occur. Grooming is simple, but terrier prey drive and barking need training.
Valencian Terriers can be affectionate family dogs in active homes, but they are not passive lapdogs. They need play, walks, recall work, safe outlets for chasing instincts, and management around small pets.
Temperament & Personality
AlertQuickBoldAffectionateLivelyPrey-driven
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a alert, quick, bold companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Tricolor, White black and tan, White and black, White and tan
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs3/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly3/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active owners wanting a small terrier
- homes that can train barking rules
- people who enjoy play and recall work
- families with respectful children
Not ideal for
- homes with unmanaged small pets
- owners wanting a silent lapdog
- people who dislike terrier chase behavior
- low-activity households
Common challenges
- alert barking
- prey drive
- door-dashing
- digging or chasing
Barking & behavior
Alert barking is common. Reward quiet check-ins and give the dog structured work instead of constant window access.
Training style
Use short reward-based sessions for recall, leave-it, leash manners, and calm greetings.
Grooming & shedding
The short coat is easy to brush and sheds moderately. Dental and nail care are important.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Valencian Terriers need 45 to 75 minutes of daily activity with walks, play, training, and safe chasing or scent games.
Grooming
The short coat needs weekly brushing, nail trimming, dental care, and skin checks after outdoor work.
Training
Teach recall, leave-it, barking rules, leash manners, and calm handling. Prey drive around rodents and small animals should be managed.
Nutrition
Feed measured meals for a small active terrier and keep the dog lean.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
4/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather2/5
Heat tolerance4/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Patellar luxationDental diseaseEye diseaseSkin allergiesObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Valencian Terrier bred for?
It was traditionally used as a small ratting and farm terrier in the Valencia region of Spain.
Is it good for apartments?
It can be, if barking and exercise are managed. It is small but active and alert.
Does it bark a lot?
It can be a high-alert barker, especially around movement, doors, or small animals.
What colors are common?
Tricolor patterns, often white with black and tan, are common.
How much exercise does it need?
Most need 45 to 75 minutes of daily activity with play and training.
Is it good with small pets?
Care is needed because ratting drive can be strong around rodents and other small animals.
What is the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is managing barking and prey drive in a small, fast terrier.
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