Tom and Jerry always made us believe that cats were the best option for hunting and catching rodents and mice. In reality, dogs are the best choice among animals for hunting small rodents because it is in their DNA to do so. Several small breeds of dogs have been developed specifically for hunting rats.
These ratting dog breeds rely on their powerful sense of smell to detect rodents. Such dogs are often small and tenacious, allowing them to navigate tight spaces. They are really useful for hunting and controlling small rodent populations, especially in household or agricultural settings.
Ratting dogs can catch multiple rats in a day during an active infestation. This makes them useful for various settings, including houses with basements, farms, barns, places with poor sanitation, restaurants, and backyard sheds, etc.
Now, let’s look at the best dog breeds for effective pest control, specifically trained to hunt small rodents.
Dog Breeds that Hunt Small Rodents Perfectly
1. Jack Russell Terrier
All the various kinds of Terriers are among the most efficient breeds for catching rats due to their agility and tenacity. However, small, agile dog breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier are best suited for rat control. Although these Terrriers are small but they are mighty, and so they fearlessly chase mice.
Fearless and Energetic
Also known as ‘Parson Russell Terrier’, the high speed and agility of this dog make it an excellent mouser. These canines are high-energy dogs that thrive on action. These can run up to 38 miles an hour, and so, they are fit for active households.
2. West Highland White Terrier
Characterized by their soft white undercoat and hard outer coat, West Highland White Terriers are recognized as effective ratters. According to Britannica, this Terrier was originally bred for the purpose of hunting small rodents, foxes, and other vermin.
Fit for Apartment Living
Due to their compact and small size, West Highland White Terriers are a good choice of pet for people living in apartments. They are most suitable for people living on the ground floor or in buildings without proper sanitation because these places have a higher chance of rat infestations.
3. Lakeland Terrier
Originally bred to work in packs to hunt foxes that stole sheep, the Lakeland is also included in the top dog breeds for hunting mice and rats. According to AKC, they are named after the district of their origin, i.e. Lake District of England.
Low Grooming Needs
This mouser canine does not need a lot of grooming, so they can happily live in an apartment. They have a wire coat which needs brushing, but still, this requirement for grooming is less compared to other breeds. These dogs have a low shedding rate, and so they are also suitable for allergy-sensitive households.
4. Dachshund
Despite its small size, the Dachshund is an excellent hunter of rodents. They are also called ‘Sausage Dogs,’ ‘Wiener Dogs,’ or ‘Doxies.’
Dachshunds come in three different sizes, including the Kaninchenteckel, miniature, and standard. These sizes are assigned to pups based on the measurement of their chest, which is done while they are 15 months old.
Playful Nature
These dogs are known for their quirky personalities and for always wanting to be the center of attention. Dachshunds are kid-friendly dogs with sass, and this makes them perfect for families with kids and also for seniors or singles.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
The Schnauzer dog breed comes in three different sizes, and the Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of these three varieties. The other two varieties are the Standard and Giant Schnauzers.
According to PetMD, this breed descended from a dog breed in Germany during the late 1400s. The purpose of these dogs was to catch rodents, pull carts, and herd livestock.
Hypoallergenic
Miniature Schnauzers have lots of facial hair, but despite this, they have a low shedding rate. Due to their low shedding rate, these dogs are considered hypoallergenic.
Thus, they are a good choice of pet for allergy-sensitive households or for those individuals who wish to have a pet without compromising the cleanliness of their home.
6. Rat Terrier
Known for being the pets chosen by Teddy Roosevelt, William Faulkner, and Carrie Underwood, rat terriers were once the most popular farm dog in the U.S.
They have a long lifespan of almost 12-18 years. Moreover, they are a hardy breed with a few major issues. This makes them a suitable choice of pet for long-term companionship.
Versatile and Agile
Due to their small and agile appearance, Rat Terriers are a good choice for urban rat control. These dogs are able to jump 4 to 5 feet in the air despite their small height, i.e., 16-19 inches.
They love both outdoor and indoor play and have an obedient nature, which makes Rat Terriers adaptable to all environments.
7. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers have been named so because they were originally bred for rodent control around the Cairns, i.e., gravestones in Scotland. They are considered to be among the oldest breeds of Terriers.
Thus, Cairn Terriers are hardwired to hunt rodents, which makes them both great rodent chasers and companions.
Curious and Brave
Since they had to confront animals alone, these dogs are extremely intelligent and brave. They are naturally bold and will chase rodents fearlessly. They enjoy puzzle toys and interactive games.
Due to their history of hunting, Cairn Terriers are also high-energy dogs, and they love to have a purpose at hand. So, they need to walk and play on a regular basis.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
In the present day, Yorkshire Terriers are commonly known for being lap dogs. However, back in the 1800s, they were used in mines and cotton mills to catch mice and rats.
Luxury Look with a Tough Interior
Yorkshire Terriers are characterized by their long, hair-like coats and small size. However, do not let their looks fool you because Yorkies actually carry strong personalities in a small package.
Beneath the diva-like glam is a dog that is a terrific hunter, which makes it ideal for style-conscious pet owners who also wish to get rid of vermin and rats in their home.
9. Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is considered to be among the smallest of Terriers. However, its small size comes as an advantage when paired with its strong digging instincts.
These dogs are very friendly and easy to train. This makes them a good choice for households with multiple pets.
Strong Burrowing Instincts
Norfolk Terriers love to dig and explore. Even if there are no rodents to chase, they’ll stay entertained if you give them toys or tasks that let them dig and explore. This makes them great for all kinds of pest-prone areas.
10. Brussels Griffon
Thus dig breed is divided into two varieties based on the kind of coat. The Brussels Griffon with a wiry and hard coat and hair on the face is known as a Rough-coated Griffin. The Brussels Griffon with a short and glossy coat is known as a Petit Brabançon.
Expressive Personalities
These dogs are known for their affectionate and lively personalities. They are also famous for having human-like expressions. They are great emotional communicators and bond deeply with their owners.
Conclusion
Whether you’re living in a rural barn or an urban apartment with poor sanitation, these 10 dog breeds will free your home of annoying rodents while also doubling as a good companion. Compared to poison and other pest control methods, dogs offer a more humane method of pest control. The reason behind this is that dogs have a long and proven history with rat catching, harking back to the 19th century.
Many pest control companies use dogs based on their geographical heritage for rat control. However, the worth of dogs does not end with their hunting instincts. With their friendly personalities and loyal temperaments, dogs from these 10 breeds make good companions for every and all categories of people.
