Ratting dogs or ratter dog breeds are glorious. It’s funny that cats get all of the attention for being rat killers when, in reality, the terriers are absolute killing machines.
Domesticated cats do not really hunt rats for the hunt – they probably will if they’re bored and want to present you a rodent gift, but they will not do it all the time. Dogs, on the other hand, have been chasing, catching, and killing vermin so long that it is literally in their DNA.

While any dog can be used for ratting, the toughest and the most effective dogs that hunt rats are the terrier. 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.
Because of their small bodies, terriers are agile and quick, with energy that allows them to dig holes, and follow and catch their prey. Not only that, but terriers also have long tails, which owners could use for pulling them out of holes, if necessary. Here are the top terrier breeds that make excellent rat hunters.
Top Terrier Dog Breeds You Can Rely On
Rat Terriers
Which come in different colors like red, white, black, and chocolate are easy to train, playful and loving, which makes them an excellent family pet. They are good around kids, especially if they grew up in the family. Because of their energy, they need to be let out of the house regularly – they need the exercise. Rat terriers love to dig, so be prepared to see holes in your garden.
Here Is A Great Video Of Ratting With Terriers
If you are offended by seeing rats killed, don’t watch the video.
Here is another glorious video of a pack of ratters being turned loose on a serious rat infestation.
And here is one more video of hunting rats with terriers because, dang it…I LOVE watching these dogs do what they were born to do!
Cairn Terrier
The oldest of the terrier breeds, the Cairn terrier, has hundreds of years of rat hunting experience behind it. Like the rat terrier, cairn terriers need plenty of exercises. They can be a little high maintenance, though, as their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming. Though highly independent, the Cairn terrier can be trained and are cheerful, loyal, and friendly.
Yorkshire Terrier
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. Despite its size, the Yorker has a very willful personality and can take over an entire household if not trained well. It has boundless energy too, which is why it needs regular exercise and playtime.
Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk terrier is an affectionate and friendly little dog. Like the Yorkshire terrier, the Norfolk terrier makes a very good vermin catcher because of its size. This easy-to-train breed comes in coat colors like tan, red and black. 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 them.
Jack Russel Terrier
The Jack Russell terrier is not just one of the most popular terrier breeds. It is also one of the best ratters there are, having come from a breed that hunts foxes. Besides being ideal rodent hunters, dogs of this breed are clever and can be taught to do many tricks. Energetic and playful, they are also good with children, as long as they treat them well. They need long daily walks to expend their energy.
West Highland Terrier
The West Highland terrier counts among the most popular terrier breeds in the United States and the United Kingdom. Also known as the Westie, this terrier breed is raised to control rodent reproduction on farms. Some Westies can be very stubborn, but good training can turn them into loyal and friendly family members who will love playing with the kids.
Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland terrier is named as such because it comes from England’s Lake District. They are ideal for hunting rats and mice in places that are very difficult to reach because of their energy and their size. Playful and cheerful, this breed naturally chases after smaller animals. Thus, it is important to have your other pets as cats and rabbits socialize with them from an early age.
Miniature Schnauzer
The miniature Schnauzer is of German origin, originally bred by farmers for ratting purposes. Aside from being excellent ratters, schnauzers make great guardian dogs, no matter their size. You can keep your energy levels down by daily walks and exercise.
Despite its rather comical name of sausage dog or wiener, the dachshund is a great ratting dog. Famous for its long body and short legs, the dachshund is bred for hunting prairie dogs, rabbits, and rats. Like all ratting dogs, the energetic wiener likes digging holes, chasing small animals, and going out for long walks. Given proper training and care, sausage dogs make good traveling companions and wonderful playmates for older children.
German Pinschers
German Pinschers are not just great family dogs; they are also good at guarding coaches and hunting rodents. With its glossy coat that comes in red, tan, black, and dark brown, the sweet and loyal German pinscher makes a handsome guard, companion, and playmate that require good training, long walks, and lots of exercise.
These dog breeds are, by nature, rodent hunters and killers. However, recent breeders have been developing them solely for their beauty, which has diminished their hunting abilities. Given free rein, these breeds would revert to their nature and help eliminate unwanted rats and other vermin that damage lives and property.
Of course, if you don’t want to invest in a dog to deal with your rats, then you can always take care of the infestation with some rat traps or you may consult with rat exterminators near you.
About Author
Noah Thompson
Noah Thompson is an expert in rat relief, providing invaluable tips and advice on effective rat control. With extensive knowledge in rodent behavior, he simplifies complex concepts, empowering readers to confidently tackle rat infestations. Through workshops and seminars, Noah equips communities with practical skills while advocating for humane treatment and control of rats.