If you own a Jack Russell then I’m sure you know how fast, agile, and strong they are. Not to mention all that energy that they have.
But what many owners don’t know is that these furry creatures were initially bred to hunt foxes, so the question begs to be asked: Are Jack Russells good at hunting small animals like rats?
Join me as I take a look.
Are Jack Russells Good At Hunting Rats?
Yes, Jack Russells are good at hunting rats because they were bred to hunt and due to their strong prey drive, they have a natural instinct for hunting small animals such as rats. They are also very strong, fast, agile, and determined and this gives them the upper hand when hunting rats.
Can My Jack Russell Hear A Rat?
Yes, just like many other dog breeds, Jack Russells have an excellent sense of hearing and this allows them to detect the presence of rats even before we do. They also have a keen sense of smell so that can easily track down a rat and hunt it down.
You can easily tell when your Jack Russell is hearing a rat. He will either run back and forth to where the rat is, or he will stay there for some time and start to burrow. He might then start to whine, growl or bark.
Can Killing A Rat Hurt My Jack Russell?
Your Jack Russell’s health may be at risk if he has killed a rat.
Rats carry a variety of diseases and parasites which can be transmitted to your pup if he has come into contact with a rat. Diseases include rat-bite fever, the plague, leptospirosis, and toxoplasmosis. Your pup might also get infected with roundworms if he has killed a rat that has been already infected with roundworms.
All of this can not only put your Jack Russell’s health at risk but it can also put your health at risk too as these diseases and parasites can be transmitted from your dog to you.
Should I Punish My Jack Russell For Killing A Rat?
You shouldn’t punish your Jack Russell if he has killed a rat. Remember, they have a very strong prey drive and they have a natural instinct for hunting small animals such as rats. In fact, you should regard it as a commendable feat if your pup killed a rat because it takes a lot of skill and determination.
Also, if your pup brings you a dead rat don’t freak out. It is just his way of showing you his accomplishment because he wants to please you. Jack Russells are like that, and they will often seek your approval.
What Should I Do If My Jack Russell Has Killed A Rat?
If your Jack Russell has killed a rat, it is very important that you disinfect his mouth immediately. This will get rid of all the harmful parasites and bacteria in his mouth.
The easiest way to do this is to use a bit of dog mouthwash. Simply mix a small amount of mouthwash with the water in his bowl and make sure that he drinks as much as possible.
I would also suggest that you brush your pup’s teeth with dog toothpaste. Be sure to also scrub the inside of your Jack Russell’s mouth to make 100% sure that you get rid of the harmful parasites and bacteria.
Then, after all of this has been done, congratulate your dog on his accomplishment. A belly rub will certainly be in order.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you have a better idea of a Jack Russell’s ability to hunt rats.
They were bred to hunt foxes so it is in their nature to hunt, and they are known for hunting small animals. In fact, they are very good at it because they are fast and agile, and to a certain extent, fearless. They have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, and this allows them to easily detect the presence of rats and hunt them down.
Please take care if your Jack Russell has killed a rat. Make sure that you disinfect his mouth immediately to get rid of parasites and bacteria. Your pup can get sick if this is not taken care of, and he can transmit it to you as well.
