Some dog owners seek to return breeds to their roots. Rat terriers are no exception. Historians say that Rat Terriers came about by crossing the Smooth Fox Terrier and the black and tan Manchester Terrier in the early 1800s. They were bred to create an efficient ratter for farms, as well as a competent hunting companion for the farmer.
Fast forward to California where Jordan Reed and friends use rat terriers to eliminate rat infestations and coach farm owners about cleaning up rodent habitat.
Source: Countryside Daily, April 3, 2018.
Reed encouraged the practice, acquired a few more terriers and created the Mongrol Hoard. With a few dogs and brave friends willing to get dirty, Jordan charges $100-150 plus a case of beer: just enough to pay for gas and reward hard work. His fees are low because this isn’t his job; he has a job. He believes in eliminating poisons and helping his “farming family. Ideally, he says, “we want to come because there is an infestation, deal with the infestation and the reason for the infestation … so the farmer can manage it from that point.”
INSIGHTS: The working Rat Terrier is an anomaly for many animal health pros. However, as we bring more and more live food sources into our backyards, rodents will follow. A good Rat Terrier may be an option as long as they are trained to leave chickens alone.