The breed of rat catcher dog has been known since ancient times. People have long noticed the commitment of some varieties of these pets to hunting rats and mice. No worse than cats. But over time, their qualities faded due to lack of practice.
However, there are now special breeds, and the best rat-catching dogs have huge success at shows and in breeders' clubs.
Natural talent
An interest in rodents was noticed in a number of terriers, but some breeders themselves developed the necessary instincts. Thus, during the selection process, a number of rat-catching breeds were developed.
For example, the Andalusian tavern is a “product” of crossing different types of terriers that have the desire to catch not only rats, but also mice.
As a result, people got several types of rat catchers at once. Light-colored specimens were intended for catching rodents on ships, in barns and other dark rooms, while black and spotted ones were intended for catching rodents in the open spaces of villas and private lands.
In this way, not only transported cargo and supplies in barns were saved, but also crops and crops in the fields.
Mouse-catching and rat-catching dogs became no less popular than “noble” cats, who caught rats and mice regularly and partly thanks to instincts.
What qualities should rat catcher dogs have?
Long years of selection by crossing rat-catching dogs with hunting dogs resulted in the emergence of a large number of new breeds. Most often, pets with a light color with a small number of dark markings were chosen for these purposes. It was easier to find such animals in dark rooms and in landfills, where they caught rodents.
Over the years, the exterior has undergone changes. At the moment, even black breeds of rat-catching dogs are being bred, but they still have many common features. From a young age they are distinguished by the excitement of pursuit and courage. Owners often fear for their safety when the pursuit of prey begins.
Dogs have keen hearing, a flexible and strong body, a triangular head and well-developed jaw muscles. Currently, dogs do not crush rats, but are used as companions. Many of them are good with children and are friends with cats.
Note! Breeds of dogs used to catch rats and mice are not recommended to be placed in a house where there are chinchillas, hamsters, mice and rats, since the pet may attack them.
Jack Russell Terrier
Interesting stories
There were stories dating back to the beginning of the 19th century, the heroes of which were the most ordinary mongrels. Dozens of caught rodents were credited to them.
In the history of these breeds, there were rescues of granaries and rural farmsteads of chickens and other poultry. Terrier Jacko 15th was able to destroy a dozen rats in just over 5 minutes.
Another precedent: in a barn, a small dog killed more than 2 thousand rodents. It was a fox terrier. He was merciless to both rats and mice. The dog with absolutely smooth, shiny fur amazed with its beauty and agility.
How to choose a good rat catcher
All dogs catch rats if they were bred for this purpose. Pets will cope with the fight against pests that appear in barns and storerooms, so the choice should be made depending on financial capabilities and personal taste.
A large number of breeds of four-legged friends engaged in catching Georgians are quite rare, and therefore their cost will be high. Fraudulent breeders take advantage of this and pass off one breed of animal as another because some of them are similar in appearance.
Note! When choosing a pet, you should rely on the opinion of a specialist who knows the characteristics of the breed and exterior.
Jagdterrier
Varieties of rats
People have long noted the ability of all types of terriers to exterminate rodents. In particular, these are breeds of small long-haired rat-catcher dogs: Manchester Terrier, Andalusian Inn Pied Piper, Smooth Fox Terrier, etc.
Breeders consider the Rat Terrier to be a particularly smart and dexterous mouse fighter. Photos of rat-catching dogs can be admired below. It was the most notorious ones who introduced the rats. They are the ones that are popular in their segment.
Don't think that if there are no mice or rats nearby, these dogs will sit idle. They are terrible at snoring. According to some, as soon as they hear any glanders, they immediately bite you on the heels.
How to raise a hunter
Purchasing a rat-catching dog is by no means a guarantee that it will perform its functions. It is very important to raise your pet correctly, to instill in him a love of stalking, tracking and catching. Therefore, a rat catcher should be raised from early childhood. The dog must know that it is a working dog and not a lap dog, so it is unacceptable to show excessive tenderness to the animal. Strictness, but the absence of shouting and especially physical violence - these are the main elements of the educational process and training.
Proper education is the key to ensuring that the natural potential of a rodent hunter will be fully revealed.
Ratcatchers are a special category of dogs that helped get rid of rodents and may have saved Europe from complete devastation by stopping the plague epidemic. Now they are actively used to protect suburban real estate, warehouses, and barns.
Manchester Terrier
One of the most popular breeds that has been fighting rodents for centuries. It was bred over 500 years ago. To this day, these dogs save people from infestations of rats and mice.
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The Manchester Terrier is obedient, friendly, loves everyone in the household and is very playful. Training a puppy lasts about a couple of months, but then throughout its life the pet pleases its owners with its gentle disposition, resourcefulness and dexterity.
A muscular terrier with a high degree of endurance, he is quite calm and observant. He plays with the kids all day long. At the same time, it will not bite or hurt even the smallest.
Variety of rat catcher dog breeds
Today, when it comes to breeds that are capable of performing the functions of a rat catcher, these are mostly terriers, although there are also mixed-type hunting breeds.
Breeds of rat catching dogs currently include:
- Ratlik or Parisian rat. Today this is the smallest representative of the rat catcher breeds. The weight of an adult dog fluctuates around 2.5 kg, and the height at the withers is 25-28 cm. But despite all their miniature size, the warriors are distinguished by their extreme bravery. The birthplace of the breed is the Czech Republic, where the breed is still most widespread. The breed did not achieve worldwide popularity, but in Japan the population’s desire for minimalism made the breed relatively popular.
Parisian rat rats require training, otherwise they will hunt everything they see, even large dogs. Another disadvantage of the breed is its poor thermoregulation. It is recommended to provide the ratlik with a wide wardrobe for all seasons, because the dog is constantly cold, even a draft at home can cause a cold. A well-trained rat makes an excellent companion dog.
- Rat Terrier. A British rat catcher, who, like the ratlik, needs quality training. The dogs are miniature, the weight of an adult male does not exceed 8 kg, and the courage of the breed makes them good guard companions. The breed was bred specifically for subway tunnels, capable of fighting several rodents at once, which made it very practical. But Rat Terriers were also used as pet dogs, for example, Theodore Roosevelt had this breed as his favorite.
- Miniature Pinscher (miniature pinscher). An excellent option for active people who are ready to take their pet with them everywhere. The miniature pinscher is no larger than a cat, but in terms of energy reserves it can be compared to a three-year-old child. A dog always urgently needs to run somewhere, catch someone and explore everything. The breed is highly trainable and ideal for dog sports. The breed was bred to catch rats in stables, hence the pinscher’s agility, because it is important not only to strangle the rodent, but also to dodge the hooves of a horse that is not happy about all this fuss on the floor. The breed was also used by professional rat catchers in tandem with ferrets: the man looked for rat nests, the ferret drove rodents out of them, and the pinscher strangled everyone who ran out. Interestingly, this breed is considered the basis for all other rat catcher dog breeds.
- Andalusian tavern ratcatcher (ratonero). The most effective breed of rat catcher. Most of the records for catching rats and mice were set by representatives of this breed. It requires training, because otherwise, in attempts to catch a mouse, which is not a mouse at all, but rustling neighbors, it can tear off the baseboard at home, gnaw all the wires and generally destroy the floor covering. It is strictly not recommended to have one in a house where rodents are kept; representatives of the breed will never put up with such a neighbor.
- Smooth Fox Terrier. Previously the most popular dog for fighting rodents in the arena, it is now loved by burrow hunters. Strong and dexterous, she will not miss any small game while hunting. Requires strict training and a clear understanding of who is boss.
- Lakeland Terrier. Playful dogs are companions, good for a private home, where a mouse will not be allowed even on the first level of the porch. They get along well with cats. These are very active dogs, so with proper training you can take them with you everywhere, the dog will not get tired and will follow you all day.
Representatives of the Lakeland Terrier breed are not the smallest of the rat-catchers; the weight of an adult dog can reach up to 8 kg, the fur is hard and requires trimming. It is noteworthy that the breed was originally bred as a complement to hounds, which helped protect flocks of sheep not only from large predators, but also from rats and foxes.
- Dachshund. Today this breed of dog is considered more of a burrow hunter, but the roots of the breed go back to a time when rodent control was a priority. Strong and stocky sausages can penetrate the hole and deal with all the pests there. Today they are wonderful companions for the whole family, active and cheerful, loving walks, and also not averse to hunting ferrets and foxes on their days off.
- Russian toy terrier. A Russian breed, bred in the Russian Empire as a guard for the chambers of noble ladies and revived after the war by Soviet dog handlers. Not a single government vegetable warehouse in the USSR could do without toy in its staff. Small but distinguished - this is an accurate description of the three-kilogram terriers, which, despite all their fragility, can catch a rodent almost instantly.
- Schipperke. The universal soldier is a guard, a shepherd, a rat catcher, a companion, and a watchman. There are no tasks that a Schipperke cannot handle. The thick coat protects the dog from bad weather, and the reserve of energy makes him an excellent modern city dog, with whom it is pleasant to walk in the park after a working day.
- Yorkshire Terrier. Today, looking at a Yorkie with a bow on his head, it’s hard to imagine that he can even hunt someone. However, the breed was bred not only to decorate the boudoir, but also to save the interior of its owner from rodents. It is from the rat-catching past that the breed has an irrepressible character, a desire to fight and bark at everything that moves. You shouldn’t expect the original functions from a modern Yorkie, but a hamster as a friend is still not recommended.
As for the prices for the above breeds of rat catcher dogs, there is a wide range. Some breeds are expensive due to their rarity, while others are expensive due to their extreme popularity. If you want to get yourself a dog with a talent for catching rats and mice, then ask the breeder whether such skills are still available in his kennel, because many breeds have already been given more decorative companions than pest hunters.
Andalusian tavern pied piper
Another unassuming and dexterous representative of the rat catcher family. He is agile and brave.
There are practically no obstacles for an Andalusian in pursuit of a rat. The dog is capable of developing high speed, can quickly dig holes and even tear off baseboards.
In ancient times, representatives of this breed were used in taverns to protect provisions. Hence the bright name of the breed.
Breed overview
Most dogs, both domestic and stray, will not deny themselves the pleasure of poking around. All canines hunt rodents, and specifically rats, to satisfy their hunger or just for fun - to realize their hunting instinct. But there are also “narrow specialists” in the dog world who were bred specifically to work on rats—deratization was their main job.
Jack Russell Terrier
A very popular English companion breed in our country. Interestingly, in South Africa, Russells are widely used as guard dogs - what we call “bell dogs”. In their homeland, they effectively helped farmers in the fight against rodents and hunters in catching burrowing animals. Extremely active, playful and cheerful.
The Jack Russell Terrier is an excellent hunter, athlete and watchdog.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies - stars of dog shows and regulars of fashion salons - also come from the UK, where they began their glamorous ascent as a pied piper in a stable. To the credit of these dogs, it must be said that they coped with their work perfectly, like any true terriers.
The Yorkshire Terrier strives to be the leader in the family, and this sometimes creates problems.
Cairn Terrier
Small shaggy Cairn Terriers with a peculiar appearance and capricious character are not very popular with us yet. The Cairn is one of the earliest breeds in the terrier group and the earliest Scottish working dog. He is popular and highly respected in his homeland.
The Cairn Terrier is a short but nimble burrow hunter who once saved European cities from rat infestations.
Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland Terrier is another wonderful English rat catcher. It is a pity that the breed is not very widespread and well-known among us . These beautiful, intelligent and well-trained dogs get along well with all family members, but it is better not to have small animals in the same house as them.
The Lakeland Terrier is loyal to its owners and can behave warily and even aggressively with strangers.
Ratlik
The Ratlik, or Prague rat-catcher, is the smallest representative of the rat-catching breeds. But this does not prevent him from performing his professional duties superbly. However, they are now rarely remembered - ratliks are kept mainly as decorative dogs - charming and cheerful.
The Prague rat is confident that he is a huge and formidable dog, and behaves accordingly
