Did you know Valencia has its own breed of dog? Say hello to the Gos Rater Valencià:

Source: RatoneroValenciano.spaces.live.com

Cute little guy!

The Gos Rater is a small, agile dog which was bred in the Communitat and first documented in the 16th century. As their name indicates, they were bred to be rat-catchers — something they’re extremely successful at. In fact, the Gos Rater is the world’s best canine rat-catcher. In doubt? Check out the video of a crew in action:

Besides being useful for rodent removal, the Gos Rater is a friendly and lively dog, though it can be overly nervous.

I’m not sure I’ve seen any Gos Raters running around, but will start keeping my eye out for them. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve guessed that Valencia’s official animal is the French Bulldog — you see those slobbery things everywhere (including our apartment).

More Information at the National Association of the Gos Rater Valencià
[via 20minutos.es]

We didn’t move alone to Valencia. Our French Bulldog Chucky came with us. She arrived one day before me, and it looks as though she’s already used to her new home:

When we were apartment hunting, we saw a ton of other French Bulldogs and it seems like Valencians in general are very dog-friendly.

Any other dog owners out there in Valencia who’d like to meet? If so let us know.

Our French Bulldog Chucky has arrived in Valencia. Getting her to Spain from Ireland was the most difficult part of the move — no airline flies with dogs from Ireland, so we had to drive her over with a ferry.

She spent 6 weeks in Germany with Juergen’s mom while we finished up the move, but now she is here. I think she’ll fit in very well in the city — there are tons of French Bulldogs in Valencia. In the 2 walks we’ve taken, she’s attracted a lot of attention and cooing. I’ll have to practice a few sentences for these encounters:

No, no muerde. ¡Es muy simpática! (No, she doesn’t bite. She’s very friendly!)

Es un bulldogg francés, y tiene seis años. (She’s a french bulldog, and is 6 years old)

Gracias, tienes razón, ¡ella es una monada! (Thank you, you’re right, she’s really extremely cute)