Barn Hunt Event

Barn Hunt

A Barn Hunt is a sport with a historical purpose, a number of dog breeds were originally created specifically to be vermin hunters. Of those, there was a subset of dogs who were bred to go to ground (“go underground”) and eliminate or pull prey from their dens. These traditional go-to-ground earthdog breeds included Jack and Parson Russell Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Border Terriers, Dachshunds, and many others. Because they had to go down underground in animal burrows, those dogs were necessarily small.

At the same time, other breeds and mixes of dogs were being used extensively above ground to eradicate vermin. Wild rats did, and do, spread disease (including plague and leptospirosis) and cause damage to homes, farm buildings grain and crops. Above ground ratting dogs could be almost any size but most were medium to small and very quick. Itinerant rat catchers would go from town to town (and farm to farm) with packs of dogs and sell their skills in ridding the area of rats. Dogs also were used in the trenches in WWI to help control trench rats who were a real danger to troops.

Today, dogs still help farmers rid their crop stores and barns of rats. There's even a group of dedicated volunteers who patrol the alleys of New York City. Using dogs to deal with rat infestations is quick, humane, and avoids putting toxins and poisons into the environment.
Purebred breeds created specifically for above ground vermin eradication include (among many others) Rat Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, German Pinschers, Standard Schnauzers, and Manchester Terriers. Other breeds such as Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, etc. were expected to handle vermin eradication as part of their all-around-farm-dog tasks

Responsible breeders always want to make sure any dogs they plan to breed have the correct working temperament for that breed. Until Barn Hunt, there was no easy way for breeders to test the working instinct of their dogs. Now they can use Barn Hunt to gain valuable information about their dogs' working drives.

Today, Barn Hunt is a fun sport that allows dogs of all ages, breeding, background to come play on a course of straw bales while searching for a rat. The rats are hidden in safe tubes in the straw, and it is up to your dog to search for them using their amazing scenting skills! This is a great sport for older dogs, and older people too! Tripod dogs can compete, and so can deaf dogs. All are welcome, from seasoned dog sport competitors to people who have never even been to a dog show before. Our titles are recognized by the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, and Canadian Kennel Club.

The club generally sponsors 1 event per year for Members.

For more information on Barn Hunts

www.barnhunt.com – The Barn Hunt Association
www.centralk9.com – Central K9-local training facility

Connecticut River Valley Golden Retriever Club

Contact : Karen Richard, President,

Inquire here