Care. Lakeland Terrier 8. Eek! In their adult stage, the Prague ratter reaches a size of about 20 - 23 centimeters to the cross, along with a weight of between 1.5 and 3.5 kilograms. You left off probably the top dog at catching mice.. the Schipperke! We have a 44 lb dog that is half Weimaraner and possibly half lab but because of her size I'm sure there's another breed involved too. The Yorker or the Yorkshire terrier is rather small, but it is exactly this diminutive size that makes the breed ideal for hunting rats and other kinds of vermin. They are ideal for hunting rats and mice in places that are very difficult to reach because of their energy and their size. Here are the top terrier breeds that make excellent rat hunters. But it will soon calm down and become the sweet, lively and playful dog it is. Despite its rather comical name of sausage dog or wiener, the dachshund is a great ratting dog. That's all I know of her past. Their head is pear-shaped with projecting cheeks, and somewhat bulging dark brown ey… Or maybe I have watched too many Tom and Jerry episodes. They share much ancestry with the small hunting dogs known as feists. But keep in mind that some Westies can be pretty stubborn and training them can be quite difficult. I learned a lesson that day. Please share your experience with us below and let me know if you have any questions! Miniature cocker spaniels aren't good at defending farm perimeters against marauding snow dogs, and pit bulls aren't good at birding. I don’t quite understand the logic by some on here to not want these animals doing what God created them to do, what you call “instincts” are the blueprints under which God created them. Looks like 100% maltese. He is an amazing dog. The Manchester Terrier is by far the the best rat catcher, bar none. Not caring about the dog digging holes in the yard. The small size is, again, an advantage when hunting rodents. Beatris Johnson (author) from London on November 18, 2013: I think these dogs hunt rats just for the kill. Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on November 18, 2013: The photos in this hub are beautiful! Rat Terriers learn how to pottie train very well. Very protective and will bite. Common throughout family farms in the 1920s and 1930s, they are now recognized by the United and American Kennel Clubs and are considered a rare breed. Pulling a dog by the tail will severely injure the dog. Like all of the other ratter breeds, these dogs love to dig and have an instinct for chasing smaller animals, but if trained properly they can get along with other pets. Prague Ratter is said to be the smallest dog breeds in terms of height. I Have a Cairn Terrier/Dachshund mix that has been catching mice in the back yard and brining them in the house to give me. Given free rein, these breeds would revert to their nature and help eliminate unwanted rats and other vermin that damage lives and property. She is obsessed with chasing the mice in my apartment. Rat terriers – which come in different colors like red, white, black, chocolate are easy to train, playful and loving, which makes them an excellent family pet. © 2020 Copyright Rat Control Headquarters. I own and breed German Pinschers in the uk, and yes they love to chase and kill rats or pretty much any pray animal. Not only are good chasing rats my oldest one can tell the difference between a sparow and a pidgin. Beatris Johnson (author) from London on September 29, 2014: I must admit that while doing my research on the topic, I didn't come across this breed. My 1/2 yorkie 1/2 shitzu has been catching rats our back yard faces a huge empty field next to a canyon. He is out the door in a shot, surfacing with a rat in his mouth. I do worry that the dogs may get ill. Being the result of necessity, rather than design, their exact origins are unclear. Like all ratting dogs, the energetic wiener likes digging holes, chasing small animals, and going out for long walks. They have hundreds of years of experience in hunting and killing mice and rats. Us dead rat presents at the back door. I have a 'cheek'. The Westie is very friendly and is suitable for families with children. He'll alert quickly on where they're getting in and/or nesting, and I can patch and treat in a meaningful way. A Rat Terrier and Long-Haired Chihuahua mix will usually result in an individual with longer hair than if the Chihuahua parent was of the Short-Haired variety. He and our cat have a competition going i think. Despite his small size, the Prague Ratter will enjoy activities usually associated with larger breeds, such as dog agility or tracking. Though highly independent, the Cairn terrier can be trained and are cheerful, loyal, and friendly. christopher johnston on January 24, 2018: I think you are missing one of the best ones .The Bull terrier. My German Shepard just left a dead rat on his patio bed. That is just the way it is. He was raised since a pup with 3 cats. Referred to by some people as “earth dogs,” terriers – whose name is derived from the Latin word terra or earth – are bred specifically for hunting underground critters like rodents. Since Jack Russell Terriers are extremely energetic, they need to be taken on long daily walks. Not only are cats prone to being "slackers," but a big enough rat will kick their... Good Hub! If you feed them too much they will get fat and slow as they love to eat anything you put down. They can be a little high maintenance, though, as their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming. Sounds odd he literally hunts them. The Dachshund, also known as the Wiener or Sausage dog, is famous for its short legs and long body. I have a hard time reigning her in. Following is a list of several dog breeds that were commonly used as ratters: Bedlington Terrier; Don’t be fooled by this breed’s lamb-like appearance. He immediately went airborne with a flex of all four forepaws at once and was directly over that pronated rodent, vertical as lightning about to descend from the heavens. Its one of their basic instincts. So I reckon he had the instinct in him. It's also in this dog's nature to chase smaller animals, so if you have cats or other small pets, you should socialize the Lakeland Terrier with them at an early age. Its not really a well known breed. Because of their small bodies, they are agile and quick, with energy that allows them to dig holes, follow and catch their prey. Playful and cheerful, this breed naturally chases after smaller animals. Top 10 Dog Breeds Ideal for Catching Rats. Now, a really rather remarkable thing happened. Once, when he was five (5) he found a big old rat in the garden woodpile. Top 10 Dog Breeds for Catching Rats | Top 10 animalsTop 10 Dog Breeds for Catching Rats :10. He came down in a single movement like a helicopter straight from above, and, grabbing that rat by the back of it's neck he snapped it's neckbone in a flash while he was still in the air descending. Patterdale terriers are fast and formidable ratting dogs. The Majorca Ratter is a breed that came into existence as a working dog, rather than one bred for their looks. For an hour he ran to and fro, back and forth, across that woodpile hounding the thing. Examining the rat as I picked it up with a piece of cardboard I noted that the dog hadn't even broken the skin of the rat or drawn blood. I need help , ready to give up plus would love a canine companion, My German Shepherd just caught and killed his first rat this morning. If you don't have a problem with rats, you can still use the dog's ratting instincts for playing. He's ten years old! So we shouldn't underestimate the potential of the smaller breeds. The Jack Russell terrier is not just one of the most popular terrier breeds. However, recent breeders have been developing them solely for their beauty, which has diminished their hunting abilities. The dogs will give their best to make their owner and ancestors proud by eliminating the unwanted pests. This breed usually comes in colours of black, black and silver, white or a "salt and pepper" mix. Besides being ideal rodent hunters, dogs of this breed are clever and can be taught to do many tricks. There are always rats in this area and I never experienced my dachshund kill rats. chihuahua-terrier-thing (an adorable medium-small-sized brown animal). I have a chihuahua and he is obsessed with catching rats. The dachshund was originally used to hunt badgers. And here is one more video because, dang it…I LOVE watching these dogs do what they were born to do! Can you imagine that? I have never seen a dog more obssessed with catching mice and rats. The Rat Terrier’s ancestors probably included Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, and Bull Terriers, among others. We also have an aussidoodle. When the puppies were born, we were given one. Well, I just have to say.. Just sniffs them when dead or paralzed. Awesome at rodent killing, but they do not eat them. It's just instinct. But then there is something else. If you are offended by seeing rats get killed, then don’t watch the video. We have two chihuahua mixes--one is a 8 lb. This breed also has two layers of coats—hard and wiry on top, and a softer fur underneath. Rat Terriers are small, active, and can be a great companion. Norfolk Terriers have lop ears, unless these guys had there ears cropped. They can quickly dig up a hole in order to catch their pray. Aside from being excellent ratters, schnauzers make great guardian dogs, no matter their size. He does best when given regular daily walks with time off leash to romp, sniff, chase, and play. This site, www.ratrelief.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Playful and energetic, this dog breed is ready to hunt all the time, so if you don’t have rats to think of, make sure to spend a lot of time playing with it. The most notable difference for the Rat-Cha will be the coat length. Because of their energy, they need to be let out of the house regularly – they need the exercise. This cute little dog has a weatherproof and hypo-allergenic coat, which needs regular grooming and maintenance. Had terriers all my life. Consider this fact when deciding whether this is the right dog breed for you or not. Their name says it all: this dog is the perfect rat hunter. Also known as the Westie, this terrier breed is raised to control rodent reproduction in farms. Rat Terriers are very loving, which makes it appropriate as a sweet family pet. Not ready for that. Not only that, but terriers also have long tails, which owners could use for pulling them out of holes, if necessary. I reckon the rat hadn't an idea in the world of what was happening. I always thought it was the cats job, or even a mouse trap. Don't underestimate the Yorkie because of its size. Dogs, on the other hand, have been chasing, catching, and killing vermin so long that it is literally in their DNA. They carry a lean and elegant look with skinny legs and a graceful, long neck. It originates from a fox hunting breed, so catching small animals such as rats and mice is one of its basic instincts. Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. my siberian husky cross border collie, just caught a rat in the kitchen,and bit it killing, it. Her count so far this year... 10. So, if you have a ratter blessed by God and a rodent wreaking havoc you are fortunate because there is precious little you will have to do to get things set right, I reckon. This dog was bred to control the rodent population in farms and can quickly catch any rat or mice. Has also come back with mice, toads and an already-dead baby bunny. These dogs all have small bodies and surprising amount of energy. Also yes mine do eat them given the chance. Nonsense article. This breed requires a lot of long walks and exercises. Here is another glorious video of a pack of ratters being turned loose on a serious rat infestation. Ray Terriers are rat killers and will hunt. The kills are quick, relatively humane. I have two Morkies (Yorkie/Maltese mix) and two Papillons. Dachshund are great rat killers.....my dwarf-dachshund girl goes absolutly crazy when she see other animals cats rats mouse. If you like to be alone at times, don't own a Dachshund. They may be tiny, but its courage is enormous. He doesn't usually kill them though. By breed standard, size is measured by height, not by weight. Energetic and playful, they are also good with children, as long as they treat them well. She has brought me a gopher, a little chewed on but still a prize catch! Beatris Johnson (author) from London on February 18, 2015: @roodkapje Thanks for sharing this cute looking breed :), @Vin I don't think this is common for shi-tzus but maybe yours is more curious and playful one :). No One Important... on September 05, 2016: AKC images say that the Norfolk Terrier, you show, is actually a Norwich Terrier. Get rid of rats and keep them from coming back. It was informative and your analysis of terriers being great "varmit" dogs is spot on. 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