Many dog breeds have historically been used to hunt down mice, rats, and other vermin. Today, this is still an incredibly useful trait, especially in farm dogs. So, here are some of the most popular ratter dog breeds, and what you’ll want to know about each of them.
Andalusian Ratter
The Andalusian Ratter is a Spanish breed of dog that is extremely fast and determined to catch every last mouse and rat in sight! They were originally bred to hunt down the vermin lurking in wine cellars. In fact, its full Spanish name roughly translates to Andalusian Wine-Cellar Rat-Hunting Dog!
Since that name is quite a mouthful, though, it’s usually referred to simply as the Andalusian Ratter. While small, this breed has an extremely high prey drive, and should be kept away from small pets, including cats.
American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is one of the breeds native to the United States! This hairless breed is small to medium in size, and was of course used to hunt mice and rats. Despite its great hunting ability, however, its lack of coat meant it was unsuitable to take on hunting missions outdoors. Owners of American Hairless Terriers should be aware that this hairless dog is very sensitive to heat, cold, and sunburn.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most famous ratters out there, although they were originally bred to hunt foxes. This small, cute breed may look like the ideal breed for beginner dog owners at a glance, but be warned!
These small dogs have a big attitude, and their stubborn and mischievous nature means they’re best suited to experienced dog owners. This is, however, an extremely friendly dog breed that is great with children, strangers, and other dogs alike!
Rat Terrier
Another one of the amazing rat hunting dogs is the rat terrier. This breed is said to have been named by President Theodore Roosevelt himself. This is a small yet courageous breed that has a feisty and mischievous breed. They’re especially notorious for being wonderful escape artists.
The Rat Terrier can be quite a handful, so they’re best suited to experienced owners with good leadership skills and an excellent sense of humor. Rat Terriers need an owner who can appreciate their wild antics!
Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier can come in two different sizes: toy and standard. These are fast, stream-lined dogs who can catch even the quickest of rats. Manchester Terriers are incredibly athletic, and as a result, they require a large, fenced-in backyard, as well as regular walks and runs to stretch their long legs.
Their sleek, short coat means they are very easy to groom. Manchester Terriers are very affectionate and playful family members who get along especially well with children.
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a small ratter breed with a very short tail and fox-like ears. This is an old breed that was developed in Germany to hunt vermin, and today they are revered for their active and spirited personalities.
While its exact ancestry is unknown, it’s believed that the Miniature Pinscher was developed from Dachshunds, Italian Greyhounds, and German Pinschers. This clever little breed has a warm and outgoing personality, and it fits right into just about any family!
Brazilian Terrier
The Brazilian Terrier is a relatively new breed, only about 100 years old. While incredibly popular in Brazil, not many people outside the country know about this dog’s existence. Like most terriers, the Brazilian Terrier has a spirited and somewhat stubborn personality that can make them quite difficult to train.
They do best with owners who have strong leadership skills and a firm hand. Otherwise, you’re likely to find your Brazilian Terrier bossing you around!
Prague Ratter
Another one of the popular rat-catching dogs is the Prague Ratter. It is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, and is the smallest in its country of origin, the Czech Republic. While small, this is an incredibly active and frisky dog that needs lots of exercise. Prague Ratters need plenty of room to stretch their legs, so unlike many other small dog breeds, they aren’t well suited to life in an apartment.
Dutch Smoushond
The Dutch Smoushond is a small breed with a thick, fluffy coat and a charming personality. It originated in the Netherlands as a ratter dog breed, and despite its popularity in its country of origin, it isn’t particularly well known elsewhere in the world.
Sadly, this means that the Dutch Smoushond is a rare breed that is difficult to come by. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on this breed, however, you’ll immediately fall in love with its adorable face and spirited personality!
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a tiny, fluffy dog breed with an adorably grumpy face. If you’re looking for a dog that looks like an Ewok, then the Brussels Griffon is perfect for you! This is a funny little breed that will be sure to entertain you with its playful and comical nature.
These dogs are incredibly curious and active, which means they can often get into trouble. With proper training, however, this spunky little dog makes an amazing companion!
German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is one of the oldest dog breeds from Germany, and is the main ancestor behind most other pinscher breeds. Their original purpose was to hunt and catch rats, but their intelligence and hardworking demeanor make them well suited to all kinds of work today. This medium-sized dog does best in an active household that can meet their high exercise requirements.
Affenpinscher
The last of our ratter dog breeds on this list is the Affenpinscher. This is a small, fluffy black dog with an adorable face and a lively personality. Similar to the Brussels Griffon, this small dog packs a huge personality, and they can often get into trouble with their curious nature. They require proper training to make sure they don’t rule the house, but they thrive best in a home that can appreciate their hilarious personality.
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