Dogs may catch and kill a mouse from time to time, but they aren’t known for their predatory instincts in the same way that cats are. Even cats can’t catch and kill enough mice to make a significant impact when you’ve got a mouse
somewhere on your property.
Most people think of cats when considering pets that chase mice and control them. Cats can be effective at keeping mice under control, but they are opportunistic predators who may or may not be micers. Many cats adopt a relaxed mindset toward the presence of mice, especially as they get older.
On the other hand, dogs can be just as aggressive with mice as cats. They can be trained to be constantly on patrol because they are territorial and obedient. They can be on guard around-the-clock and will work to keep mice under control out of duty.
Additionally, many dogs were bred specifically to combat pests. On farms, keeping mice and rats in check was essential to maintaining one’s livelihood; having a dog handle this responsibility increased the amount of produce that could be sold. Rat control was crucial during the bubonic plague years, and dogs were found to be excellent at it. Even after it ceased to be necessary, it remained a fun sport, and people worked hard to breed dogs that were excellent rats (and micers).
The most well-known breed of dogs, known for their propensity to rat, is the terrier. In actuality, especially in a sporting sense, they were raised for it. Through the early 20th century, rat baiting was a well-liked sport in England. It involved putting a dog, typically a terrier, in a pit full of rats and accepting wagers on how many the dog could kill quickly, how long it would take him to clear the pit, or other similar bets. Many of the owners attest that the dogs still have the instinct to hunt for rodents. They’ll chase every squirrel out of your yard in addition to mice.
Cairn terriers and Jack Russell terriers are two frequently suggested terrier breeds for mousing. These two dogs are a good contrast because of their very different looks, but they also have a lot in common, like their high energy levels, propensity to bark, and difficulty getting along with other animals. Because they were developed as fox hunters, Jack Russell terriers are more active and require more space. Cairn terriers have a traditional terrier appearance, are a little calmer, and were specifically bred for rodent hunting. However, I’ve experienced firsthand that they occasionally behave badly.
There are some excellent alternatives for people who don’t want to deal with the energy and mischief that come with owning terriers since terriers are not the only breed of dog bred for pest control.
Dachshunds are commonly recommended as mousers. Their instinct drives them to pursue small animals like mice because they were bred to flush out burrowing animals like badgers. They make good lap dogs and are much lower energy than terriers, but they also enjoy digging (part of that chasing burrowing animals thing). Depending on how you set up your yard and garden, dachshunds might also assist you in reducing burrowing pests like gophers and voles. However, they might also cause more harm than good.
Papillon are also recommended as mousers. They will harrow mice and drive them from your property. They are pretty and fun dogs, too. They can be high-maintenance, though. They require maintenance for their lengthy coats and shed more than any of the other dogs on this list, with the possible exception of long-haired dachshunds. They can have severe separation anxiety and are almost as energetic as terriers. If they don’t feel like they’re getting enough attention, they may act out and bark excessively. But if you spend a lot of time at home and want a dog that you can love and that will also love you back while keeping mice away, a papillon might be your best option.
Contact Animal & Pest Control Specialist, though, if you’re looking for mouse control that won’t shed, won’t ruin furniture, and is present when you need it but disappears when you don’t. From Evergreen to Castle Rock, as well as the entire Denver metro area, we provide assistance to people throughout the Front Range.
Signs a Dog Can Help with Mice
Numerous behavioral characteristics could suggest that your dog can help you solve your mouse problem. Your mouse problem will undoubtedly be helped by dogs that are watchful, territorial, and constantly using their nose to discover what is going on.
When you think your dog is acting strangely and possibly even acting a little crazy, there’s a good chance they’ve picked up on something you haven’t. Have you ever noticed your dog seemingly stalking nothing in the kitchen? Dogs are incredibly good at smelling other animals and pests because they have more than 300 million olfactory receptors in their nose, which is up to 40 times more than humans.
Although it is a little more challenging, some people have also had success training their dog to help control a mouse problem. A dog may simply not be suited for the task if they don’t naturally jump at the chance to catch a mouse. Don’t give up though; with a little time and effort, you might be able to teach your dog to find Fievel after all.
Here are some indications that your dog might be able to assist you with your mouse issue:
Another indication that your dog might be successful at catching mice is that:
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Credit: Cairn Terrier / Getty s
Cairn Terriers (yes, The Wizard of Oz Dorothys Toto was a Carin) have Scottish roots, originating from the British Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands. They make great rodent chasers, but they are just as happy snuggling on your lap.
Credit: Maxim Fesenko
The Yorkshire Terrier (or Yorkies as theyre lovingly called by their human caretakers) originated from England. Today, theyre considered excellent family pets as they are small, feisty, and fiercely loyal; in centuries past, they where bred to chase rats.
Credit: natenn / Getty s
Fondly referred to as the Westie, the West Highland White Terrier is another ratter breed with Scottish ancestry. While they are apartment-friendly dogs, they also enjoy a leisurely hike. The Westies distinctive white coat—which is rather rough to the touch—sets them apart from their terrier relatives.
If your dog’s odd behavior persists, it may be time to search for additional indications of an infestation, such as droppings, grease stains, and broken food containers. Alternately, if there is an infestation, you can contact a pest control expert to conduct a more thorough inspection and to eradicate it. If you have any questions about professional inspections or pest control methods, or if you think you may have a mouse infestation in your walls, get in touch with us right away. We’ll be happy to help.
Cats are skilled rodent hunters, as we all know, but they don’t emit as many signals as dogs do. However, you might notice that the cat is attempting to climb behind the walls and that it appears particularly interested in some of the house’s walls.
The mice in your walls can be heard and smelled by dogs even if you are not aware of any intruders. They can hear the minute sounds that mice make in the walls as they scurry about because their hearing is so acute.
Your dog may run close to the walls when it notices mice, appearing alert and excited. Your dog might be waving its tail and rubbing against a wall. There’s a chance that your dog will sniff the wall and then follow the scent along it. Other indicators that a rodent is being detected in the walls by the dog include sudden excitement without any obvious triggers, barking, whining, growling, or fixed gaze.
Although they can be adorable, mice should never be allowed inside your house. Mice are able to enter walls, and if they aren’t caught and dealt with, they could seriously harm your house and create an unhealthy environment. But typically, you won’t even be aware of an infestation until it has become quite large. Thankfully, man’s closest friend comes through for us once again. Dogs can detect an infestation before we are aware of any signs because they have extremely keen senses of smell and hearing. Your dog will alert you to a house mouse infestation in the following ways:
FAQ
Will dogs keep mice away?
Although dogs can be effective in scaring away mice, it is not guaranteed to work to keep them out of the house. While some breeds may be able to reduce the likelihood of an infestation, others may be able to catch mice.
Do dogs react to mice in the house?
Dogs are excellent at removing mice from homes because they are territorial, obedient, and have a keen sense of smell. While most dogs will likely respond to a mouse infestation in some way, some breeds are more adept at catching mice than others.
Is it okay for dogs to kill mice?
Even if they don’t go on to eat and swallow the mice, dogs can become ill from the act of killing them. A dog can contract a disease from a mouse simply by coming into contact with it.