About Barn Hunt

Barn Hunt is a contemporary dog sport that has rapidly gained popularity among breeders, exhibitors, and pet owners alike. This unique activity is based on the traditional role of dogs as hunters and pest control experts, particularly in agricultural settings. At these events, dogs are challenged to locate and signal the presence of rats (which are safely enclosed in ventilated tubes) hidden within a course constructed of hay bales. The high-energy sport is not only a test of a dog’s scenting ability but also its speed, agility, and the effectiveness of its communication with its handler.

The sport celebrates a dog’s natural hunting instincts in a safe, controlled, and competitive environment. It offers an engaging way for dogs of all breeds and sizes to engage in an activity that mimics the farm-based task of vermin hunting. The sport emphasizes the use of scent over sight, making it a distinctive and inclusive canine activity that welcomes all dogs with a strong desire to pursue hidden prey. It is designed to be fun, exciting, and a testament to the working nature and intelligence of all dogs.

History & Evolution of Barn Hunt

Barn Hunt as an organized sport is a relatively recent phenomenon, but its roots are deeply embedded in the historical and practical use of dogs for rodent control in rural and farm environments. This sport was formalized to provide a safe and humane way to continue the age-old tradition of using dogs for vermin hunting, transforming it into a competitive and spectator-friendly event.

The formalization of Barn Hunt as a sport began in the early 2000s, with the objective of recreating the traditional role of dogs in a way that is both safe for the animals involved and challenging for the dogs. The Barn Hunt Association was established to give structure to the sport, creating standardized rules and ensuring the welfare of both the dogs and the rats involved in the competition.

Over time, the sport has evolved from a niche activity to a widely recognized sport, attracting participants of any breed or mix of breeds. Dogs must be six months of age or older and capable of fitting through an 18-inch wide tunnel that’s as tall as a bale of hay. Barn Hunt is not just a test of a dog’s ability to hunt but also a celebration of its problem-solving skills and the bond shared between dog and handler. The growth of Barn Hunt reflects a broader trend in dog sports, where activities are designed to engage the dogs’ natural instincts in a controlled, competitive, and enjoyable manner.

Barn Hunt Organizations

Barn Hunt, as a recognized canine sport, enjoys widespread support from canine competitors who compete in a variety of events. Exhibitors from across North America participate in this fast and furious event. The American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) all recognize Barn Hunt as a legitimate sport and honor the titles awarded by the Barn Hunt Association (BHA).

Barn Hunt Association (BHA):

• About: The BHA is the principal governing body for the sport of Barn Hunt. It establishes the sport’s official rules, oversees competition standards, and sanctions events.
• Breed Acceptance: Inclusive of all breeds, including mixed breeds.
• Eligibility: Refer to BHA Official Competitor Rulebook for eligibility requirements.