Have you ever walked into your kitchen and spotted a tiny shadow dart across the floor, knowing it’s another rat invading your home?
Dealing with a rat infestation can be stressful, frustrating, and even dangerous, especially when these clever rodents can carry disease and damage your property.
Did you know that studies show that a single pair of rats can produce over 1,250 offspring in a year? That’s a lot of potential trouble if left unchecked.
Certain dog breeds have been originally bred to hunt and catch rats, using their sharp instincts, agility, and prey drive to protect homes, gardens, and farms. A good ratter can chase, catch, and help rid your space of pesky rodents, keeping your yard and house safe without chemicals.
In this article, we’ll explore the best dog breeds for ratting and show you which dogs are most likely to succeed at hunting rats and small rodents.
Whether you’re looking for a lively companion or a natural pest control partner, these breeds have earned their reputation as top-notch rat catchers.
Best Dog Breeds for Ratting
Here we go, one by one.
1. Jack Russell Terrier
Ever met a dog so small it fits in your lap but fierce enough to chase a rat across the room?
Meet the Jack Russell Terrier!
The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most energetic and fearless dog breeds you can find. Originally bred for fox hunting in England, these little powerhouses are perfect rat catchers due to their strong prey drive and lightning-fast reflexes.
Their compact size allows them to chase rats and other small rodents into tight corners, burrows, and even behind cupboards. While some may rely on rat poison, a Jack Russell can provide a natural and effective way to catch rats without chemicals, making them excellent for homes, barns, and yards.
These terriers are not just hunters—they’re also playful companions who bring life to any home. Jack Russells thrive on activity, love to dig, and enjoy following scents, which makes them instinctively drawn to rat killing.
Their fearless nature means they will confront even the boldest rat infestation, making them invaluable for vermin control. Training a Jack Russell to hunt rats is often a joy, as they are intelligent, curious, and eager to please their owners.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that World Atlas notes that a Jack Russell Terrier can run up to 38 miles per hour in short bursts while chasing rats?
2. Rat Terrier
Want a dog that’s small in size but big in attitude when it comes to hunting rats?
Say hello to the Rat Terrier!
The Rat Terrier is a compact, energetic dog breed that has earned its reputation as one of the best catchers. Originally bred in the United States for farm work, these dogs excel at hunting rats and other small rodents in barns, gardens, and homes.
Their keen sense of smell and quick reflexes make them natural hunters, capable of chasing rats into tight corners where traps or rat poison often fail. With proper guidance, a Rat Terrier can help eliminate unwanted pests from your space while keeping your yard and coop areas safe.
Beyond their hunting skills, these Terriers are loyal companions who love to play and explore. Their curious and fearless nature keeps them motivated to catch rats, but they also enjoy interactive games with their human family.
Agile and intelligent, they are easily trained to focus on rat-catching tasks without becoming aggressive toward other small animals. For those looking for a natural, active solution to rat infestations, a Rat Terrier is a perfect fit.
Fun Fact:
This Terrier can detect rats hiding underground or behind walls, using its incredible sense of smell to search even the sneakiest vermin.
3. German Pinscher
Looking for a sleek, smart dog that can outwit even the craftiest rats?
Meet the German Pinscher!
The German Pinscher is a medium-sized, agile dog known for its intelligence and quick reflexes. Originally bred in Germany as a versatile farm dog, this breed excels at catching rats and hunting them in barns, garages, and homes.
Their alertness and strong prey drive allow them to detect and chase rats and other small rodents before these pests become a real problem. Unlike rat poison, which can be dangerous for pets and wildlife, a German Pinscher offers a natural and effective way to control vermin.
Beyond their hunting skills, German Pinschers are loyal, active companions who love mental challenges. They enjoy following scents, exploring, and solving problems—traits that make them excellent rat killers without needing excessive supervision.
Their energy and curiosity ensure they remain engaged in both play and work, making them ideal for anyone looking to rid their yard or home of rats naturally.
Fun Fact:
Wikipedia notes that German Pinschers have been employed on farms for centuries, earning the nickname “farm watchdog and ratter” because of their ability to patrol buildings and keep rat populations under control.
4. Cairn Terrier
Want a dog that’s tiny in size but fearless when it comes to chasing rats?
The Cairn Terrier has you covered!
The Cairn Terrier is a spirited breed that was originally bred in Scotland to hunt foxes and other small rodents. Their compact, sturdy build allows them to dig, chase, and corner rats in gardens, coops, and barns with impressive agility.
Unlike relying solely on rat poison, Cairn Terriers offer a natural and safe method of rat catching, using their keen sense of smell and relentless energy to control vermin. These dogs are excellent for anyone looking to reduce rat populations without chemicals.
Beyond their hunting skills, Cairn Terriers are playful and loyal companions. Their fearless and curious nature makes them ideal for rat catching, and they also make loving family dogs.
Agile and intelligent, they can quickly learn to track, chase, and hunt rats, providing both protection and entertainment in your yard. With their instinctive determination, Cairn Terriers remain highly motivated and successful in keeping homes and farms free from pests.
Fun Fact:
According to the American Kennel Club, Cairn Terriers starred as Toto in The Wizard of Oz, showing that even small terriers can have big personalities.
5. Norfolk Terrier
Who says small dogs can’t be fierce?
The Norfolk Terrier proves even the tiniest rats have a big challenge ahead!
The Norfolk Terrier is a courageous and lively breed, originally bred in England to hunt rats and control vermin on farms. Their small size and sturdy bodies allow them to squeeze into tight spaces, dig through soil, and chase small rodents with impressive agility.
Unlike relying on rat poison, Norfolk Terriers provide a natural solution for rat catching, protecting your yard, barn, or coop while keeping pets and wildlife safe. Their instinctive determination and fearless nature make them highly effective rat catchers.
Beyond hunting, Norfolk Terriers are affectionate and playful companions who love activity and exploration. Their intelligence and curiosity make them easy to train for rat catching, while their energy ensures they stay engaged and motivated.
These terriers are ideal for anyone seeking to hunt rats naturally, control rat populations, and bring a lively companion to the family. Agile and fearless, they are a small but mighty force against pesky rodents.
Fun Fact:
Norfolk Terriers are known for their bold personality despite their tiny size, often working in packs to tackle rats in farmyards.
6. Dachshund
Think a dog with tiny legs can’t outsmart a rat?
Think again—meet the fearless Dachshund!
The Dachshund is a clever and courageous breed, originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Their long body and short legs allow them to squeeze into tunnels, holes, and tight spaces where rats hide.
With a strong prey drive and exceptional determination, Dachshunds are natural ratters, capable of tracking and hunting rats in yards, barns, and gardens. They provide a safe and traditional way to manage vermin without harming other pets or wildlife.
Beyond their hunting skills, Dachshunds are loyal and playful companions who enjoy exploring and using their noses. Their curiosity and intelligence make them easy to train for ratting, while their fearless nature ensures they can face even the boldest rat infestations.
Agile and persistent, they are ideal for anyone looking to naturally rid their space of small rodents, keeping both home and garden safe.
Fun Fact:
Dachshunds have such strong burrowing instincts that they can follow rats underground, sometimes for dozens of feet!
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Don’t let the Yorkie’s tiny size fool you—these little dogs are fearless rat hunters!
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small but spirited breed, originally bred in England to catch rats in textile mills. Their tiny frame allows them to slip into tight spaces where rats and other small rodents hide, making them highly effective rat catchers.
With an alert mind and strong hunting instincts, Yorkies excel at hunting rats without relying on rat poison, providing safe vermin control in homes, yards, and barns. Their fearless personality makes them surprisingly efficient at tackling even bold rat infestations.
Beyond their hunting prowess, Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate companions who love interacting with their human families. Their curiosity, energy, and intelligence make them highly trainable for rat catching, while their playful spirit keeps them active and engaged.
Perfect for anyone needing a small but determined dog to naturally rid their home or garden of pesky rats, Yorkies combine charm with effectiveness.
Fun Fact:
Yorkshire Terriers were once prized by mill workers for their skill in controlling rat populations, proving even tiny terriers can make a big impact.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog can make a world of difference when dealing with a rat infestation.
These breeds are the best for ratting because they are natural rat catchers with instincts designed to hunt rats, dig, and control vermin in yards, coops, and gardens.
Unlike relying solely on rat poison, trained ratter dogs provide a safer, more traditional method to rid your home and property of small and other rodents, protecting your house, life, and even pets like cats.
Whether you need a single dog or a pack for larger areas, these terriers are fast, intelligent, and motivated by their natural prey drive.
Investing in a good ratter ensures a successful approach to pest control while adding a loyal, active companion to your family.
With their instincts, training, and fearless personalities, these dogs remain one of the most effective tools in the fight against rats in the world of natural vermin control.
