The sport of Barn Hunt simulates the hunting and teamwork skills historically used by Ratcatchers and their dogs who traveled the countryside ridding farms of vermin.
The purpose is to demonstrate a dog’s vermin hunting ability in a “barn-like” setting, using straw and hay bales to introduce climbing and tunneling obstacles in the dog’s path. Barn Hunt events may be held indoors or outdoors.
Barn Hunt tests speed, agility, hunt drive, scenting ability, surefootedness, control and responsiveness to handler direction. There are different levels of difficulty, placements, titles, and championships in this event.
Some breeds are specifically created to fill this role as well as some mixed breeds being up to the task, but as long as your dog can fit through an 18″ wide by bale-height tall tunnel, he’s eligible! “Barn Hunt tests the nose, speed, agility, and surefootedness of dogs that have a history of above-ground vermin hunting,” said Robin Nuttall, founder of the Barn Hunt Association.”
Independent Sport
Barn Hunt has titles, levels of increasing difficulty, and championships. Barn Hunt is an independent sport, but titles are recognized by the American Kennel Club.
