Dog breeds that catch rats and mice just as well as cats

Cats are often kept in homes to protect them from rodents. However, sometimes a cat isn't an option—for example, if a family member is allergic to rodent fur. In this case, consider dog breeds that are just as good at catching rats and mice as their feline counterparts.

Dachshund

An excellent hunter, they will never allow rodents onto their property. Despite their small stature, dachshunds are reliable and fearless guard dogs, as well as loyal companions for all family members.

Rat Terrier

The breed was developed over two centuries ago in Great Britain specifically for the extermination of rats. This characteristic is indicated by the first part of its name – "Rat."

Representatives of the breed weigh up to 11 kg. They are known for their friendly attitude toward their owners and their cheerful, playful nature. Rat Terriers are very wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs for your property.

The Andalusian Pied Piper

This breed belongs to the terrier group and was developed in southern Spain. It was originally intended for catching rodents in taverns, cellars, ports, and farms. Later, Andalusian tavern ratters, or Ratoneros, became widely used for hunting burrowing animals (foxes and badgers).

The main characteristics of this breed are quick reflexes and courage. They are fearless and never back down, even from larger opponents. They are loyal to people and do not show aggression. They are devoted to their owners, love children, and get along well with them. They are easily trained.

Jack Russell Terrier

Another representative of the hunting breeds, the Jack Russell weighs no more than 5-6 kg. On its territory, it exterminates all rodents, and during hunting, it excels at tracking animals and flushing them out of hiding.

When strangers intrude, this small dog starts barking loudly and loudly, which is why it is also used as a guard dog.

Lakeland Terrier

The breed was developed to catch rats in sheepfolds, as well as to hunt foxes and badgers. Furthermore, the dog has excellent guard qualities, as it is very wary of strangers.

Miniature Pinscher

The breed is approximately three hundred years old. Miniature Pinschers were originally kept in stables, where they caught rats. Nowadays, they are more often used as companion dogs, but are always ready to fight rodents on their property.

Despite their small size, Miniature Pinschers are excellent guard dogs and protectors. They alert their owners to the presence of strangers with a loud bark, and in case of danger, they will defend their owner even at the cost of their own lives.

Schipperke

An exceptionally agile ratter, a courageous guardian, and a vigilant watchdog. Although members of this breed are modest in size (weighing no more than 9 kg), they trace their ancestry back to massive herding dogs.

Schipperkes once sailed around the world on ships, exterminating rats living in the holds. Now these dogs successfully apply their skills to protecting private homes.

Yorkshire Terrier

Nowadays, Yorkies are mostly kept as toy house dogs. Yet, few people know that in the past, these charming little dogs were used to protect barns and houses from rodents.

They still haven't lost their hunting instincts. Yorkies actively patrol their territory and regularly bring home trophies from successful rat and mouse hunts.

These terriers cannot, of course, be called full-fledged guards due to their small weight (up to 3 kg), but if necessary, they will always raise the alarm, calling on their owners to be vigilant.

Fox terrier

The breed was developed to hunt burrowing animals, primarily foxes. Therefore, exterminating rodents in the yard is a common occurrence for fox terriers. These dogs are also excellent guard dogs.

Jagdterrier

This small dog (weighing up to 11 kg) is a natural hunter. It actively catches rodents and defends its territory from strangers.

The Jagdterrier has one significant drawback: it tends to bark at anything that moves. Therefore, keeping this breed can be challenging in areas where other animals (cats, rabbits) or birds (ducks, chickens) live.

If you need a responsible and skilled "specialist" to protect your home from rodents, but a cat is neither possible nor desirable, consider one of the breeds listed. These dogs have very different personalities and appearances, so finding a pet to suit your needs won't be difficult.