Some dogs go wild at the sight of a hole, especially terriers. Bred to hunt small animals like rabbits, rats, and mice, many of them were even trained to work alongside ferrets. They have a high prey drive and love small game hunting. Farmers have used these dog breeds for years to get rid of rats and rabbits.
They’re energetic dogs, often more suited for active families than calmer breeds. They don’t back down from anything. They were made to hunt small animals like rats, rabbits, and mice. They work with ferrets, too. The ferret goes down one end of the tunnel, and the dog waits at the other end. Whatever comes gets caught. They are small but tough. No fear at all. Plus, they have way too much energy.
This guide walks you through 7 breeds ideal for hunting ferrets and critters. The terrier is one such breed. Even though terriers differ from retrievers in hunting style, their prey drive is just as bad. You’ll learn what makes each breed stand out in the field or around the house.
With proper training and early socialization, they become energetic yet loving family dogs. Even if you have cats or other animals at home. You just need to know what you’re doing.
Dog Breeds That Hunt Ferrets and Small Critters
1. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are like little rockets with four legs. Small dogs, but they act like they’re ten times bigger. They were bred to hunt foxes way back then. Now they are perfect for going after rabbits and mice with ferrets.
These dogs have crazy good noses. They smell something and off they go. Rain, snow, mud don’t matter. They will chase rats anywhere, and when they work with ferrets? It’s pretty cool to watch. The ferret does its thing, the Jack Russell does its thing.
As per Britannica, the Russell Terrier is a bold and clever terrier, swift enough to run with horses and fearless enough to dig in and flush a fox from his lair.
Fun twist: Get a Jack Russell and say goodbye to your nice lawn. They think your yard is their personal hunting ground. See a bird? chase it. Smell something underground? Start digging. That’s how they are. Your grass doesn’t stand a chance.
What makes them great:
Compact, athletic, extremely alert
Up for active families or serious hunting
Excellent companions, even as a new pet or rescue puppy
2. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are mild-mannered in the house but bold in the field. At home, they are pretty chill. But put them outside, and they turn into little hunting machines. They love digging up stuff and chasing whatever moves.
They work great with ferrets. The ferret goes down the dog waits up top. With tons of energy, your house becomes their playground real quick.
They adapt easily, making them great for families with small pets or kids. Just be aware that this breed’s instinct to chase often means cats might end up as playmates or escape artists.
Although not as large as retrievers but they have got energy for days. They make good family dogs that also happen to be excellent at getting rid of mice and rats in your yard.
Their easy temperament and hunting dog skills make them ideal for both home life and yard pest control. However, don’t expect your garden to stay perfect as they dig a lot.
Top Traits
Gentle and adaptable with a subtle, sharp prey drive.
Excellent diggers and flushers of small game.
Great for families with small pets if trained early.
3. Patterdale Terrier
Patterdales aren’t your typical lap dogs; they thrive on hunt action. They don’t do the whole cuddly thing. They want action. These dogs came from Stony Moorlands, a rocky place in England, where they chase foxes or small game with unrelenting energy.
Whether flushing rats, digging for mice, or hunting down rabbits, their stamina shines. With the right training, they balance tough hunts with loving companionship.
They are tough little dogs. Really tough and smart, too, but in their own way. These athletic terriers work through harsh conditions, digging for prey and chasing rabbits with fearless determination. Don’t expect them to wait around for you to tell them what to do.
They’re smart, independent, and not afraid to explore rough terrain. Ideal for serious terrier lovers, they bond deeply with their human team. With correct training and mental stimulation, they become wonderful companions to ferrets.
Standout Characteristics
Tough, compact, and bred for rugged terrain hunting.
Tenacious trackers of small prey in harsh conditions.
Forms strong bonds with owners, even becoming a devoted rescue pup.
4. Rat Terrier
Ever had a dog who could spot a mouse miles away? Meet the Rat Terrier, a true farm hero with a nose for trouble. These pups were born to chase and outsmart critters think lightning-fast reflexes and endless curiosity. They are friendly, easy to train, and perfect for active families seeking a loyal friend.
Originally bred to keep barns and fields free of pesky vermin, rat terriers are a blend of smart, quick, and surprisingly cooperative, especially when hunting in teams.
Despite their hunting roots, they make excellent companions, adapting well to house life or backyard adventures chasing leaves or rats.
Smart, eager to please, and with a dash of mischief, they are the total package for families that want a lively, loyal companion who’s as at home on a farm as they are snoozing on your living room rug. They are well suited as family dogs, smart and trainable, yet hold a hunters sense when pests or mice arise.
What Defines Them
They are Agile farm dogs bred for rodent control.
Smart, trainable, and adaptable to family life.
Fabulous at scent tracking and rooting out hidden pests.
5. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are so much more than just a pretty face. Sure, they look soft and cuddly, but there’s a spark of old-school hunter lurking just beneath all those curls.
Back in the day, these quirky-looking dogs were estate favorites for tracking down everything from pesky mice to quick-footed rabbits. People might do a double-take when they see a Bedlington streaking across the yard until they realize just how fast and determined these pups can be.
Believe it or not, they can hit speeds up to 35 mph, making them surprisingly fierce when chasing down small critters.
With good training and early exposure to ferrets, they become calm watchdogs or playful energizers in the home.
All it takes is a bit of training and early socialization (especially with ferrets or other animals they might encounter), and you’ll find they can be calm watchdogs, gentle comedians, or the life of the backyard chase. Bedlingtons are true originals, full of surprises.
According to the AKC, Bedlington Terriers are genial housemates, alert watchdogs, versatile athletes, and irresistibly cuddly TV‑time companions.
Curious Blend
Soft, lamb-like appearance hiding sharp hunting skill.
Exceptional at hunting rabbits and mice.
Gentle friends to kids and sprightly in play.
6. Lakeland Terrier
Meet the Lakeland Terrier. These little guys were made for action. Think of them as nature’s tiny stunt doubles. Their specialty? Squeezing into the smallest burrows, outsmarting rabbits or foxes, and teaming up with ferrets to flush out critters from the trickiest hiding spots. If you blink, you might miss their lightning-fast moves in dense, overgrown terrain.
Lakeland Terriers are clever and love a challenge; they won’t turn down a puzzle toy or a new trick, and they thrive when their brains are as busy as their new paws. excel at flushing small prey and working alongside ferrets. Their ability to chase foxes or rabbits from tight spaces makes them excellent at finding and flushing prey in dense terrain.
They are independent but not stubborn. They like to think for themselves, so proper training and mental stimulation go a long way. But here’s the twist: when the day’s adventures are over, Lakelands transform into cuddle champions, more than happy to crash on the sofa with their favorite person.
They bring twin energy: a keen hunter by day, an affectionate couch companion by night. For active families or pet parents who love smart, drama-free, efficient dogs, Lakeland Terriers are hard to beat.
Key Features
Built for marshy, rugged landscapes and burrowing prey.
Energetic and independent thinkers.
Lovable indoors, driven outdoors.
7. Carin Terriers
Cairn Terriers are dogs that could out-sniff a ferret and never get tired of a good dig. These scrappy little pups first made a name for themselves bouncing through Scottish cairns chasing after rabbits and anything else brave enough to hide among the stones. They dig and sniff tirelessly, matching ferrets in tracking down rodents or rabbits in dens.
Their tracking skills are legendary. Give them a scent, and those bright eyes practically sparkle with excitement, and tails that wag at the sight of small animals. These pups excel in turning over rocks or sniffing dens for rodents; they’re natural instinct hunters through and through.
Cairn Terriers are happy, busy little earthdogs originally bred to fearlessly root out foxes and other small, furred prey in the rocky Scottish countryside.
In the home, they are too loyal, curious, and fun. These natural guard dogs can alert you to movement, but when you bring them inside, you will find a playful pup who enjoys family life just as much as a good day’s searching.
They are a kind of dog that will keep you on your toes outdoors and then happily claim a spot on your lap afterwards. They’re solid picks if you want a hunting buddy and cuddly friend rolled into one.
Notable Qualities
Terriers by name and nature: brave, curious, and alert.
Expert diggers, scent trackers, and small-game hunters.
Naturally protective of their home and people.
Conclusion
Some of these terriers are tiny but mighty. Don’t be fooled by their size, from the ever-bold Jack Russells to the fiery Patterdales, pack serious courage in compact bodies. Hunting runs deep into their DNA, their ability to work with ferrets and flush small critters is both a tribute to traditional hunting and a sharp instinct
Inside every sturdy little frame beats the heart of a lion, fearless, sharp, and always ready for action. Generations of selective breeding shine through in how naturally they sniff out and chase small game. But there’s more than just instinct at play. These spirited pups need thoughtful training and early socialization to guide all that energy. With bonds built on trust and respect, they become loyal family pets, even lap dogs for the older dog lovers.
When raised well, with patient guidance and trust, terriers turn into devoted family companions, smart, loving, and sometimes total lapdogs. They’re not just hunters, they become true best friends. Whether you’re tracking rodents or just tossing a ball in the yard, you gain a lifelong, fiercely loving friend.
