dont listen to the same old same old, any dog will do rats. ive no doubt that most will do rats. but if you enjoy the sport no doubt you will want to progress . and its best you have a decent terrier. one that can do the job front to back. with regular ratting comes injuries working bred dogs heal better. you will need it to have an exellent nose, drive, stamina.you will also want it to have a degree of intelligence. this will help with stock training and in controlling the terrier when working. there are plenty of examples of working dogs making hard work of it along with there owners on yo