Barn Hunt tests the ability of dogs to locate aerated tubes containing live rats within a hay bale maze, mimicking the historic purpose of our breed as rat-catchers and general purpose farm dogs.
The team must complete a tunneling and climbing effort, and locate the correct tube with the live rat within course time to receive a qualifying score.
Beginning with the the optional instinct (RATI) title, teams can progress through Novice (RATN), Open (RATO), Senior (RATS), Master (RATM), and to Champion RATCH. Barn hunt is not an AKC sport but they do recognize the titles via their event titling program for a fee.
Interested in competing?
Barn Hunt is based on the traditional roles that many breeds played in ridding farms, barns, crop storage areas, and homes of destructive vermin. Some breeds were specifically created to fill this role, and for many of those breeds, Barn Hunt provides a real opportunity to test for these traits.
Barn Hunt is open to any dog of any breed or mix who wishes to play the game and can fit through an 18” wide by bale height tall tunnel. Barn Hunt has titles, levels of increasing difficulty, and championships. Barn Hunt is an independent sport, but titles are recognized by both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC).
German Pinschers LOVE to hunt and excel at this sport!
LEARN MORE:
Barn Hunt Association
American Kennel Club
United Kennel Club