Barn Hunt is a fairly new growing sport. It is an independent sport but recognized by AKC, CKC and UKC. It was originally invented for the natural ratters, like Terriers who go to ground and hunt vermin, but because the Rottweiler has such a fantastic nose and wants to please humans by doing whatever job is asked of them, it is fun for Rottweilers as well! The Rats are safe, contained in tubes. then hidden in straw and the dog and handler have to discriminate between tubes with litter and tubes with rats, which requires the skill of the dog followed by correct interpretation by the human.
Tracking Resources & Links:
What it takes to get a Novice Title:
In any order, a team has 2 minutes to execute a climb, execute an Official Tunnel and correctly indicate one live rat tube. In Novice the tunnel is straight through and the start pad is directly in front of it.
After Qualifying 3 times and earning this title, a team can enter the same level in “B” and earn 10 Qualifying legs to earn a RATNX title.
Course has one empty tube, one litter tube, one rat tube
Area is: Min 20′ x 20′ Max 20′ x 24’* with 20- 30 bales.
What it takes to get an Open Title:
In any order, a team has 2.5 minutes to execute a climb, execute an official tunnel and correctly indicate TWO live rat tubes. In Open the tunnel has a 90 degree turn and is 8 to 10 fee long and the start pad can be anywhere on the course. After Qualifying 3 times and earning this title, a team can enter the “B” class and get 10 Qualifying scores to earn a RATOX.
Course has one empty tube, two litter tubes, two rat tubes and one of the rat tubes must be elevated.
Area is: Min 20′ x 20′ Max 20′ x 24’* with 25 to 40 bales.
What it takes to get a Senior Title:
In any order, a team has 3.5 minutes to execute a climb, execute an official tunnel and correctly indicate FOUR live rat tubes. In Senior the tunnel has up to three 90 degree turns and is 12 to 20 feet in length.Course contains one empty tube, three litter tubes, four rat tubes and some can be in moderately challenging locations. After Qualifying 3 times and earning this title, a team can enter the “B” class and get 10 Qualifying scores to earn a RATSX title.
Area is: Min 24′ x 24′ Max 24′ x 32′ with 35-55 bales and at least one spot stacked high.
What it takes to get a Master Title:
In any order, a team has 4.5 minutes to execute a climb, execute an official tunnel and correctly indicate HOW many rats are on the course! There will be 8 tubes. One to five tubes will have rats. All tubes without rats will have litter. The number of rat tubes to litter tubes will change with every competitor and the team will need to claim the course to be clear of rats to qualify. The tunnel has two to four 90 degree turns and could have multiple portal exits, it will be 15 to 25 feet long. In some runs, tube location could be quite challenging. In this level, a team needs to Qualify FIVE times to earn the title and then can move on to earning a Championship. Ten more Qualifying scores will get the RATCH title and another 10 the RATCHX title and if they love it, they can keep working to add numbers to the RATCHX.
Area is: Min 24′ x 24′ Max 24′ x 32′ with minimum of 50 bales and two high spots (3 bales high).
What is this?
This is a non-regular level that does not require any other title to enter. The team acquires points for the different challenges and has 2 minutes with eight rat tubes and four litter tubes. After 500 points, the title is CZ8B for Bronze, and the team can continue earning higher levels in 500 point increments- silver, gold, platinum etc.
Area is: Min 24′ x 24′ Max 24′ x 32′ with minimum of 35 bales and tunnel in similar to Senior level.
Barn Hunt Articles & Tips
The Best Way to Introduce Your Rottweiler to Rats for Barn Hunt
Learn the best way to introduce your Rottweiler to the rats in tubes used in Barn Hunt competitions. Discover tips for a smooth and successful introduction.
How to Get Started in Barn Hunt with Your Rottweiler
Learn how to get started in Barn Hunt with your Rottweiler. Discover training tips, competition guidelines, and the benefits of this exciting sport for you and your dog.