Barnhunt

Barn Hunt exists because of Zipper, a Miniature Pinscher owned by founder Robin Nuttall in 2006. Nuttall couldn't find a way to test her Min Pin's natural hunting instincts—the breed wasn't accepted into AKC Earthdog competitions at the time. So she built a sport from scratch. On September 1, 2014, Min Pins were finally allowed in AKC Earthdog events, but by then Barn Hunt was already taking off as one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the U.S.

Barn Hunt is based on the traditional work of vermin-hunting dogs. Historically, breeds like Jack Russell Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Border Terriers, Dachshunds, Rat Terriers, and Miniature Pinschers were bred to hunt rats and mice—either going underground into burrows or working above ground on farms and in homes. Dogs eliminated or removed rats from barns, crop storage areas, and homes without poisons or toxins.

The sport recreates this work in a controlled environment. Dogs navigate through hay bales, go through an 18-inch-wide by bale-height-tall tunnel, and indicate the location of rats in safe, aerated tubes. The rats themselves are beloved family pets who jump eagerly into their tubes and enjoy the interaction.

Here's what makes Barn Hunt different: any dog of any breed or mix can compete, as long as they can fit through that 18-inch tunnel. No breed restrictions. The sport welcomes:

• •Tripod dogs (three-legged)
• •Deaf dogs
• •Blind dogs and dogs in wheeled carts (in Line Drive competition)
• •Older dogs
• •First-time competitors with zero dog sport experience

This accessibility is intentional. Barn Hunt targets seasoned dog sport competitors and people who've never been to a dog show.

Until Barn Hunt, breeders had no straightforward way to test the working instincts of their dogs. Now they can use Barn Hunt to evaluate whether their dogs have the correct working temperament and drive for their breed—critical information for breeding decisions.

Barn Hunt Association has partnered with the U.S. Center for SafeSport to provide a safe environment for all participants. Rat care is held at the highest level of consideration—these aren't wild or stressed animals.

The organization provides:

• •2025 Competitor, Club, and Judge Rulebooks (cross-referenced)
• •Barn Hunt Regional Rules for regional competitions
• •National Rules for the annual national event
• •Rat Wrangler's Guide for handlers
• •Spectator's Guide for newcomers
• •Rat Tube Construction Plans
• •Judge Listing to find certified judges
• •Club Listing and instructions for forming new clubs
• •Forums, FAQs, and Quizzes

Nuttall brought decades of dog sport experience to Barn Hunt's creation. She's competed in conformation, obedience, rally, agility, dock diving, lure coursing, Scent Work, Earthdog, and schutzhund/IPO across AKC, UKC, NADAC, ASCA, and other organizations. She's served as club president, vice president, and board member for multiple regional dog clubs. Her first Doberman earned an obedience title in 1984, and Zipper became the first Min Pin in the U.S. with Junior, Senior, and Master Earthdog titles.

When building Barn Hunt, Nuttall deliberately picked what worked from other dog sports and discarded what didn't—creating something with wide appeal across experience levels and backgrounds.