Mice in the pantry. Rats in the shed. Forget the toxic poison and mousetraps. There is a four-legged solution to your pest control problem… and no, it is not a cat.
Some dogs, including most terriers, were literally born for this.
These furballs were bred specifically for hunting rats, chasing mice, and wiping out burrowing animals. Many of them are from the Terrier family, known for their high energy, agility, and relentless pursuit of prey. If you are on a farm or live in a city apartment, these dogs make fantastic pest control companions.
Dog Breeds That Hunt Mice and Pests
These dogs are hardwired to chase mice and rats because they have compact bodies, high energy, and strong prey drive. Read about the top dog breeds that hunt mice and pests like it were their full-time job.
1. Affenpinscher
“Mustached little devil, monkey dogs, ape terriers”… all nicknames of Affenpinscher, as noted by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This is a toy-sized terrier with a working dog background.
Originally bred in Germany, this scruffy, wiry-coated dog was once used to keep the kitchens, stables, and merchant homes free of mice and rats. Although they are small animals, they have the confidence of much larger working dogs.
Key Traits:
Bold, comical, and extremely confident
Small enough to slip into tight hiding places and small spaces
Known to chase, bark at, and catch small rodents on sight
Affenpinschers are fearless and alert, and you can find them constantly scanning for movement in their surroundings. They thrive in homes where they can be both watchdogs and pest hunters. Their stubborn streak means they need firm but training with positive reinforcement. With the right structure, this breed has charm and utility.
2. Rat Terrier
True to their name, the Rat Terrier is a compact and energetic pest controller originally developed in the United States. Farmers bred these dogs to take out rats, mice, and other vermin from barns, fields, and homes.
Their agile frame, sharp senses, and high intelligence made them indispensable long before pest poison or traps. According to AKC, these dogs were all-rounders back in the day: they were “all-purpose hunting partners, watchdogs, henhouse guardians and playmates.”
Key Traits:
Agile, alert, and extremely fast when in pursuit
Incredibly responsive to obedience training
Bred specifically for pest control and field work
Don’t forget, regular exercise is a must for them. Rat Terriers are sharp thinkers who thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. They chase and hunt rodents on purpose. Ideal for farms and large yards, this breed is still one of the best natural pest deterrents around.
3. Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is sleek, elegant, and deadly when it comes to catching rats and mice. With roots in Victorian England, this breed was a staple in the local cotton mills of Manchester, where rats were a public health issue. Manchester Terriers were bred to be fast, efficient, and tireless in their pursuit of vermin.
Key Traits:
Smooth-coated, quick, and graceful in motion
Incredibly focused on task and scent-driven, as noted by PetMD
Naturally protective and intelligent
They are beautiful dogs, but more than that, they are true ratters, and their quiet determination makes them excellent hunters even in today’s urban settings. They do best at home, where they get consistent exercise and positive reinforcement training. And yes, enough space to explore and chase.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
With their signature beards and bold personality, Miniature Schnauzers are charming dogs with a working soul, even if they are not big dogs. Originally bred on German farms to hunt rats and other small pests, these compact Terriers are tenacious and brave. Their wiry coat makes them weather-resistant, and their bold attitude means they are never afraid to act.
Key Traits:
Naturally alert, feisty, and protective
Known for digging and chasing small rodents, as noted by PetPlan
Very trainable and great with older children
They are smart and fearless, which makes them natural indoor hunters. Give them structured activities and they will give you loyalty and laughter. Also, they take it upon themselves to defend their territory from all things creepy and squeaky, no matter if you live on a farm or a suburban home.
5. Norfolk Terrier
One of the smallest Terriers (9-10 inches in height), the Norfolk Terrier has an enormous work ethic. This adorable and floppy-eared dog was bred to hunt foxes and small game across the British countryside. Alone or in a pack, they can dig, chase, and flush out vermin like a pro.
Key Traits:
Extremely bold for its size and always alert
Bred to chase burrowing animals from their dens
Excellent stamina and fearless under pressure
They have a teddy bear face, but don’t let that deceive you. This is a serious working dog in a fun-size package. They love being around people, but will instantly switch into “hunter mode” if they sense something moving underground. This breed is best for active households that appreciate both companionship and purpose.
6. Cairn Terrier
Famous as Toto from The Wizard of Oz, the Cairn Terrier was bred to survive and work in the harsh Scottish highlands. Originally used to hunt foxes and small animals hiding in cairns (rock piles), this scrappy little dog has all the tools for chasing and killing mice and pests… while many cats may just watch!
Key Traits:
Rugged, independent, and adventurous
Love to dig, chase, and bark at intruders
Great watchdog instincts mixed with Terrier toughness
Cairns don’t do well with boredom. They need mental stimulation, physical activity, and regular exercise. Their hunting instinct is strong, and without an outlet, they may take it out on your flower beds. So, be mindful!
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Once known as ratters in textile mills, Yorkshire Terriers have come a long way from the factories of 19th-century England. Today, they are often seen as lapdogs, but their DNA still carries the spirit of a focused and fiery hunter. When it comes to catching mice, these tiny dogs still have it.
Key Traits:
Alert and reactive to even the smallest sound
Small enough to chase pests through tight spaces
Loyal and confident despite their delicate appearance
Don’t underestimate their power just because they are small. Yorkies are full of energy and drive, and they are always on high alert. Their loud bark and persistent attitude make them great at keeping the vermin away.
8. Dachshund
Created in Germany to hunt badgers, the Dachshund is a long-bodied dog and bold-spirited hound with powerful digging and tracking instincts. They have a funny shape (we agree), but despite that, they are incredibly athletic and were used for hunting small game above and below ground, including rats and mice, thanks to selective breeders.
Key Traits:
Brave and tenacious, often to the point of stubbornness
Excellent diggers with sharp noses for tracking vermin
Protective and local when spotting unfamiliar movement.
They were not bred specifically for rodent control like some Terriers, but Dachshunds are still known to kill mice and alert you to household intruders, mostly if they squeak. They are best for families who want a loyal Hound that still knows how to have fun (and dig holes).
9. Schipperke
The Schipperke is a small Belgian dog once used to guard barges and boats. Part watchdog, part vermin killer, this breed earned its place by keeping ships free of mice and rats. With a fox-like face and endless curiosity, Schipperkes are small, agile, and excellent at spotting even the slightest motion.
Key Traits:
Extremely alert, watchful, and vocal
Quick reflexes and strong prey drive
Loyal to family but suspicious of anything unfamiliar
This breed needs room to explore and a clear sense of structure. Schipperkes are not content sitting still; they are busybodies who want to investigate, dig, chase, and protect.
Due to the high energy levels, they need walks and mind games like puzzles, as mentioned by PetMD. They are perfect as a compact pest control experts that also doubles as a protective companion.
Conclusion
Many breeds were made to herd. Others to guard. But these dog breeds that hunt mice and pests were designed for one thing: action. Jack Russell Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Patterdale Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier are some other breeds that chase, catch, and remove mice.
While modern pest control may use technology and traps, nothing quite replaces the instinct, agility, and drive of these incredible working dogs. Choose one of these breeds, and you get a pet but also a dedicated member of your household’s pest patrol unit.
