Does your pup have rodent-sensing abilities? Let’s find out together!
Whether you live in a house in the suburbs, on a farm, or in an apartment in the middle of the city, one thing’s for sure: nobody wants to have rodents inside. These creatures are tiny, but they can terrify even the strongest people; they can quickly breed; and they’re dangerous for your health. There are many ways to get rid of pests, and if you’ve had this problem before, you’ve probably tried some of them.
However, some dogs were specially bred to hunt rodents like mice and rats and protect their owners from harm, such as Yorkshire Terriers or Rat Terriers. If you’re scared that there might be some renters in your home, these dog breeds will help you tackle the problem. They have amazing rodent-sensing abilities, and they’ll let you know if you have company or not.
If you’re curious to know what dog breeds have excellent rodent-sensing abilities, here they are:
1. Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers have impressive rodent-sensing abilities, so no wonder they’re called so. They were bred in our beautiful country as farm dogs, and their main job was to keep rats and other small pests away from the farm.
These gorgeous pups are agile, quick, and have a brilliant sense of hearing, which helps them detect prey or infestants easily. They’re also very smart, and they can immediately confuse any rodent. Rat Terriers enjoy patrolling their territories, and thanks to their high energy levels, fearless nature, and enduring stamina, they can be relentless in the hunt, ensuring that your home is rodent-free.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers might be small, but they’re feisty, especially when it comes to keeping you safe from pests. They have incredible rodent-sensing abilities, and they’re known for doing a great job.
These tiny pups were bred in England, and their duty mainly involved fox hunting. They’re fearless, and if they sense any rodents, they can quickly flush them out of their hiding spots. Thanks to their small nature, Jack Russell Terriers can pursue pets in narrow spaces, while their restless energy ensures they can maintain physical activity without getting tired.
If you own a pup like this, you already know how strong, tenacious, and brave they are, and thanks to their excellent rodent-sensing abilities, they never back down from a good old chase. Moreover, if you have any pests at home, they won’t mind, because they love to put their skills to use.
3. Dachshund
Did you know that the cute Dachshund was originally bred in Germany to hunt rabbits, badgers, and other burrow-dwelling animals? While they look like tiny hot dogs, their short legs and long bodies are great helpers for digging into dens and quickly flushing out pests.
These cute pups are brave, full of energy, and aren’t afraid to fight with animals or pets that are bigger than themselves. Thanks to their fearless energy and brilliant rodent-sensing abilities, they’re excellent pest trackers and can efficiently get rid of any unwanted farm or garden visitors. Is your dog on the list? Keep reading to discover other cute pooches with rodent-sensing abilities!
4. Border Terrier
Did you know that the lovely Border Terrier was bred on the border between Scotland and England to help farmers keep pests away from their homes? These pups have a wiry coat and agile bodies, and they won’t have a problem spending time in rural environments.
Their lovely heads are shaped in the form of an otter, which helps them squeeze into narrow spaces where pests tend to hide most. They’re full of energy, eager to control the prey, and determined, so they won’t rest until they get rid of every pest.
5. Cairn Terrier
Originating in the Scottish Highlands, the sturdy and determined Cairn Terrier was first bred to remove vermin from cairns (mounds of stones used as markers or graveyards). These little dogs have excellent rodent-sensing abilities, and they’re great at cutting through difficult terrain to pursue rodents and other small animals to get out of their hiding spots.
Thanks to their small stature, natural curiosity, and strong hunting drive, Cairn Terriers are great at controlling pests both indoors and outdoors. Their tenacity and perseverance help you keep any unwanted visitors at bay.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
Let’s continue with these adorable dogs and their amazing rodent-sensing abilities. Up next, it’s all about the Miniature Schnauzer! They were originally bred to trap rats and control pests and thanks to their energy, they succeed in this job.
Their sturdy frame and wiry coat let them withstand the difficulties of chasing through garbage and underbrush. Thanks to their innate protective instinct, these little schnauzers are lively and vigilant, and they can fiercely defend their area from intruders.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers started as working dogs in English mills, where they were used to reduce rat populations. Even though they’re small and incredibly cute, they know how to drive out rats and other pests from small places. They can easily fit in tight spots and aren’t scared of a fight.
Experts say that Yorkshire Terriers have a fearlessness and drive that defies their small size. They are feisty and stubborn dogs, but they’re also lovely, and they enjoy getting attention from their favorite humans.
8. Manchester Terrier
Manchester Terriers are sleek, quick, and agile dogs that have wonderful rodent-sensing abilities. They were bred in England in the 19th century specifically to kill rats, and they are still quite effective at controlling pests.
They are fast and intelligent at the same time, which makes them strategic hunters who can change their approach depending on how their target behaves. They might be small, but they know how to get the job done, so don’t underestimate them!
9. Norfolk Terrier
As you can tell, the majority of these pups that have great rodent-sensing abilities are terriers. And the Norfolk furry babies are no exception! Because they are little, bold, and incredibly active, Norfolk Terriers are excellent at controlling pests. They were once kept as barn dogs to keep rodents under control, which helped them develop a great hunting instinct.
But that’s not all. They’re also highly skilled at pursuing swiftly moving targets, and if you have at least two Norfolk terriers at home, you’ve probably noticed them working together. That’s because these lovely pooches are good at working in packs, and they enjoy putting their rodent-sensing abilities to the test.
Takeaway
These nine dog breeds have fabulous rodent-sensing abilities. Their instincts are amazing; they’re agile, and they’re intelligent. According to experts, they’re considered the elite of canine pest control specialists. While each breed has its own unique strengths, they all excel at efficiently controlling pests.
Now that we’re at the end of the article, I want to ask you something: do you have pests at home? And if you already have a pet at home, is your pup on this list? If the answers to these questions are yes and then no, you could think of adopting a pup that’s from the breeds previously mentioned. Besides helping you keep rodents at bay, they will also shower you with love and affection and bring a splash of joy into your life.
Did you know about any of these pups and their excellent rodent-sensing abilities? If you know any other pooches that do an amazing job at keeping pests away from homes and farms, let us know in the comments below! If you have a pet at home and you’d like to play with them more, here’s a great interactive toy that will strengthen your bond.
There you have it: these were the nine pups that have impressive rodent-sensing abilities. Until next time, here’s another great post for you: 11 Signs Your Dog Is Feeling Ignored… and What You Can Do About It
