17 Dog Breeds for Hunting Rats & Mice: Info, Pictures, & Traits
By Ashley Bates
Updated on
Some dogs are more talented at hunting rodents than cats. Typically, Terriers and Pinschers are incredibly efficient hunters of smaller rodents and vermin. If you’re looking for a companion animal that doubles as a pest control service, we’ve rounded up 17 of the best mousers and rat hunters. You can determine if any of these dogs are suitable for your home.
The 17 Mouse & Rat Hunting Dog Breeds
1. Affenpinscher
| Height: | 9–12 inches |
| Weight: | 7–13 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 11–14 years |
| Colors: | Black, gray, silver, red, black and tan, white, brown with red hair |
The Affenpinscher is a German breed notorious for scouting out rodents. These little dogs were initially bred in Germany in the 1600s to exterminate rats and other problematic animals in homes.
Affenpinschers love running around, exploring interesting scents, and chasing after smaller pets. This inquisitive and fun-loving breed acclimates well to various lifestyles.
Because of their compact size, they are generally suitable playmates for children and other pets. They also make perfect apartment companions.
2. Rat Terrier
| Height: | 10–18 inches |
| Weight: | 10–25 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 15–18 years |
| Colors: | Black, tan, chocolate, gray Isabella, lemon and apricot, tri-color |
The Rat Terrier is a fun-loving farm dog and hunting companion. In the early 1900s, they patrolled family farms to keep rodents and other pests at bay in barns and other outbuildings.
The Rat Terrier might have a high prey drive, but they get along very well with various people and animals. They are lively, intelligent, and loyal to their owners. To prevent destructive behavior, they need plenty of exercise.
3. American Hairless Terrier
| Height: | 12–16 inches |
| Weight: | 5.5–25 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14–16 years |
| Colors: | Pink and red, pink and gray, pink and black, pink and gold |
The American Hairless Terrier is certainly a unique addition to the list. Their hairless skin is similar to that of humans, and they even sweat out of their pores, just like we do! Because of that, they don’t pant as much as other dogs. They are very athletic and skilled at hunting small rodents.
American Hairless Terriers are very happy-go-lucky and eager to please. They get along with children and adults, but due to their hunting lineage, they like to chase smaller pets. Their personalities make them highly compatible with obedience training and agility exercises.
They are affectionate in the home but don’t settle down quickly because they’re energetic.
4. Manchester Terrier
| Height: | 15–16 inches |
| Weight: | 12–22 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 15–17 years |
| Colors: | Black and tan |
The Manchester Terrier was bred for their ratting and rabbit-coursing capabilities. These days, they make outstanding pets for owners with active lifestyles. Manchester Terriers love to accompany their owners to the dog park to toss around the frisbee or chase a ball. At the end of the day, they also make great cuddle buddies.
Manchester Terriers are available in standard and toy varieties.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
| Height: | 11–13 inches |
| Weight: | 11–18 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14–16 years |
| Colors: | Grey, white |
The distinguished Miniature Schnauzer is a real award winner in rodent reduction. Although they were bred to hunt, today, they make more suitable family companions and love being around their people.
Schnauzers are very good-natured dogs that are spunky, brave, and affectionate. These loyal little companions might occasionally be a tad vocal, but you can reduce barking with training.
The Miniature Schnauzer also comes in a standard and giant variety. If you haven’t seen them, be sure to check one out!
6. Norfolk Terrier
| Height: | 9–10 inches |
| Weight: | 11–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | Grizzle, wheaten, black and tan, red |
The Norfolk Terrier was bred to chase vermin and foxes. It might surprise you that they are even smaller than some of the prey they chase. The Norfolk Terrier loves being part of the family if you can keep up with their busy-body personalities.
Rather than cuddling on the couch, they love to play and go on adventures, which makes them compatible with active owners. Even though they are small, they need lots of space to roam and explore. So, if you live in an apartment, ensure you have a proper plan to provide mental and physical stimulation.
7. Brussels Griffon
| Height: | 10 inches |
| Weight: | 8–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Colors: | Black, beige, black and tan, blue, brown, red |
The Brussels Griffon is a great tracker, and they were engineered to hunt rodents and stables. However, they’re now adopted more as pets than hunting companions. The Brussels Griffon has a short snout and adorable beard, and their colorful personality will provide plenty of entertainment.
While they’re difficult to housetrain, they excel in other forms of training and can be very good candidates for agility exercises.
8. Cairn Terrier
| Height: | 9–10 inches |
| Weight: | 13–14 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14–16 years |
| Colors: | Crème, light brindle, darker brindle, wheaten, dark red brindle, red, rich red, red brindle, gray, black |
The Cairn Terrier was developed for the exciting task of digging into piles of rocks to find vermin. They are very hardy, muscular canines with few health issues. The Cairn Terrier is brave and bossy and isn’t the ideal pet for young children. We recommend them for children 6 and older.
However, they can make perfect companions for adults and older owners looking for a loyal companion. They require a moderate amount of exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
| Height: | 7–8 inches |
| Weight: | 4–6 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14–16 years |
| Colors: | Black and tan, blue and tan, blue and gold, black and gold |
Yorkshire Terriers once monitored cotton mills and mines in the 1850s to hunt mice and rats. Since then, they’ve become trendy lap dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed with a larger-than-life personality. They’ll give you a run for your money if you’re a novice owner and will rule the roost if you let them. It’s essential to be firm during training.
Because of their headstrong nature, they don’t make the best companion animals for children. They much prefer adults to give them the love and affection they need.
10. Dachshund
| Height: | 6–9 inches |
| Weight: | 16–32 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Colors: | Black and tan, brindle, wild boar, red brindle |
You might think that a Dachshund’s body is all for looks, but it has a practical purpose. In Germany, Dachshunds were used to chase badgers and rodents out of their holes for hunters.
They’ve retained their prey-driven personality traits and love to run and play fetch. However, they can be challenging for first-time owners because they can be very headstrong and demanding. They’re affectionate to their owners but require training and socialization to get along with unfamiliar humans and pets.
11. Schipperke
| Height: | 11–13 inches |
| Weight: | 12–16 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13–15 years |
| Colors: | Black, apricot, cream, wheaten, red, chocolate |
The brave Schipperke was created to be a watchdog and master ratter. Although they’re small dogs, they have powerful necks and jaws. They are excellent guard dogs that always stay alert.
The Schipperke makes a curious, fearless, and confident companion. They will keep you on your toes and require plenty of daily exercise to fulfill their needs. Schipperkes get along well with people of all ages but can be aggressive to smaller pets.
12. Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
| Height: | 8–15 inches |
| Weight: | 20–25 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14–17 years |
| Colors: | White, black, tri-color, black and tan, black and white, lemon and white, red, blue and white |
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a distinguished-looking pup bred to hunt mice and rats. They excel in agility and obedience training and are receptive and responsive to commands.
These little dogs make tremendous companions and love the great outdoors. They will gladly accompany you on hikes, walks, and off-leash adventures. They are chipper enough to get along with almost anyone they encounter.
Even though they need a moderate amount of mental and physical exercise, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers can live in apartments and small homes. However, they much prefer having open space to roam.
13. German Pinscher
| Height: | 17–20 inches |
| Weight: | 25–45 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Colors: | Black and tan, fawn, blue, brown, red |
You might confuse the German Pinscher with their larger cousin, the Doberman Pinscher. They were developed for hunting, controlling vermin, and guarding the residence. German Pinschers are pretty efficient in their duties and take them seriously.
They are obedient, even-tempered, and highly affectionate. Once they bond with the family, they are in it for life! When they’re not busy playing games or running around the yard, they’ll protect your home and family.
German Pinchers are brilliant dogs, and while they are eager to please and easy to train, they can outwit you at every turn.
14. Jack Russell Terrier
| Height: | 13–14 inches |
| Weight: | 9–15 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14–16 years |
| Colors: | White and tan, tri-color |
The chipper Jack Russell Terrier is an excellent mouser due to their speed and agility. Like many Terriers, Jack Russells are very active little dogs that love exploring and running around. They certainly require a fenced-in space to burn off steam. They also make loyal family companions for virtually any age group.
Jack Russell Terriers can be bossy and might suffer from little dog syndrome. They might also try to overpower their human companions and require a firm hand during training.
15. Lakeland Terrier
| Height: | 13–15 inches |
| Weight: | 15–17 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Colors: | Black and tan, blue and tan, red grizzle, liver, blue, black, wheaten |
The Lakeland Terrier looks a lot like their larger cousin, the Airedale Terrier. They worked in groups to protect shepherds’s flocks from foxes and chase off smaller vermin like rats. The Lakeland Terrier is an incredibly intelligent, friendly, and independent dog.
They respond well to training and enjoy spending time with their owners. Although they love to run and play, they equally love affection from their owners.
16. West White Highland Terrier
| Height: | 10–11 inches |
| Weight: | 14–20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14–16 years |
| Colors: | White |
The West White Highland Terrier was bred to track and hunt rats and other underground rodents. They are tough little dogs that move efficiently and quickly. The Westie is a fun-loving little dog that will happily accompany you on any outing.
They get along with visitors and make friends everywhere they go. They can be a little bossy occasionally, but with proper training, they make exceptional companions.
Even though Westies love to be on the go, they can live in apartments. Just ensure they get the appropriate amount of exercise and socialization to keep them happy.
17. Norwich Terrier
| Height: | 9–10 inches |
| Weight: | 11–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Colors: | Wheaten, grizzle, black and tan, tan, red |
The Norwich Terrier is the smallest of all Terriers. They’re native to East Anglia in England and were initially to hunt vermin. During the 1880s, they became popular companion animals for students at Cambridge.
Norwich Terriers are affectionate and intelligent, and they love running around and getting into trouble. They require constant human companionship and love being around their people 24/7.
Norwich Terriers are rarer than other Terriers and are more difficult to find.
Final Thoughts
Terriers and Pinschers were bred to hunt rodents. So, if you adopt one of the dogs on our list, you can train them to hunt, but they also make remarkable pets. Although most are smaller dogs, they have incredible energy and guarding instincts.
Of all of these adorable dog breeds, which one was your favorite?
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Featured Image Credit: Imageman, Shutterstock
