Snake Dogs- Best Dogs That Kill Snakes
82Dogs vs Snakes
The buzz of a rattlesnake’s rattles is not hard to mistake. Anyone who has ever encountered this dangerous reptile never forgets the sound. It is a warning to all species to stay away, but it doesn’t always work. Ally, the little Jack Russell terrier, had found a huge canebrake rattlesnake by the swimming pool..
Her bark, different when a rattler
is encountered, alerted me to her discovery. She circled around the
snake until it had to adjust its body to face the dog. Finally she saw
her opening and grabbed the snake , immediately shaking it violently
before throwing it to the ground.
Catching a Canebrake Rattler
Dogs and Their Instincts
After seeing the snake was injured she repeated this action until the snake was dead. She has learned how to safely dispatch these creatures without getting bitten so far. She seems to know the difference between rattlers and other harmless snakes as evidenced by her bark.
The number she has killed is unknown as she freely roams hundreds of acres of woodland harboring many of these creatures. Ally is a snake dog. A valuable and loved member of our family. We worry about her safety but she has a mind of her own when it comes to her inborn instinct to kill snakes.
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What Makes A good Snake Dog
There is no breed of dog called a “snake dog” of course, but there are breeds better at this ancient ritual than others. Almost all dog breeds have individual members which are good at killing snakes.
But being
able to kill a venomous snake without being struck is the difference in
being a successful snake dog, and one which may or may not make it to
the vet. In some sections of the country this is not important because
of the scarcity of dangerous snakes, but this is not the case in
southern Georgia and northern Florida.
The countryside
consists of woodland and agricultural crops which mice and other small
animals feed upon giving snakes a virtual smorgasbord of food nearby.
Farmers, migrant workers, construction crews, and of course, homeowners
encounter rattlesnakes on a regular basis.
While many of these snakes
are not dangerous and help keep the rodent population in check, there
are also several species of rattlesnakes to contend with. They will be
found in any open accessible area in which a possibility of food
exists. Lawns, gardens, flower beds, and even inside buildings.
This
is one reason for having a dog on your premises. Of course there are
dogs who won’t give a snakes a second look, if they see them at all.
There are some dogs which may try to kill a snake but are not fast
enough to avoid being struck by the lightening fast rattler. Other dogs
may attempt to play with the snake not knowing of the danger involved.
Jack Russell Terriers Make Good Snake Dogs
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Speed and Quickness Essential
A dog’s technique for killing snakes seems to be hereditary. The
instinct to violently shake a snake repeatedly disrupts the nervous
system of the snake by injuring the delicate spine running the length
of the snake. This prevents the snake from striking in the direction of
the dog. The danger to the dog comes while trying to seize the snake. A
good snake dog will wait for the right opportunity before attempting to
kill the snake.
Jack Russell terriers are very good as snake
killers. Their speed and intelligence allows them to avoid getting
bitten until a chance to grab the snake presents itself. But even these
dogs get bitten occasionally. Fortunately, there are vaccines available
for dogs that live in rattlesnake infested areas. Although this vaccine
was developed for the western diamondback rattlesnake, this vaccine may
help if your dog is bitten by other rattlesnake species. Not enough is
known about this vaccine yet to tell how effective it is in preventing
death or serious injury to dogs.
How does one find a “snake
dog”? This has to be by word of mouth in most cases. In most rural
areas a good snake killing dog is well known to the locals. Obtaining a
puppy from known snake killing parents is the best way to assure the
dog can dispatch a snake. Even then some will not be good at this task.
It’s hard to teach instinct and caution to a dog if they are the
impetuous type. This is another reason to obtain the vaccine for your
dog. Some dogs develop an immunity to rattlesnake bite by getting
struck several times and surviving the resulting injury. Some never
have a second chance.
Most people do not have to worry about
having venomous snakes invade their property so no dogs are needed to
protect their children while at play. But this is a country of
different landscapes and terrain in which many choose to live. Having a
dog to guard against possible injury or death to your family may make a
huge difference in the amount of safety you experience in your area.
One of Ally's Victims
Beware!
Jack Russell Terriers
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Hello Paul, I guess it depends on what "native wildlife" means to you. The canebrake rattler is a recent invader in my area. It used to be rare to even find one except in the deep swamp. The diamondback rattlesnake was predominant until the boll weevil eradication program destroyed many of the gopher tortoises, which dug burrows the rattlers used to survive the winter.
Since then the canebrake has infested the area and can be found all around our property. If you step on one of these snakes they do not care if you mean them harm or not, they will strike you. Maybe it will be a dry bite, maybe not. The baby snakes can hide in small places, and they are much more dangerous than the big ones because they will give you the whole dose of venom. If you want, you can come save all of them and take them back with you.
Thanks
Randy Godwin
Very nice & important topic! I have a Jack Russell too! She is my pride & joy! The perfect dog! Looks like you got agood one too!
I know what you mean, Michael! My Ally is the smartest animal I've ever encountered. I could never imagine a better dog than her! Thanks for the comments and congrats on your great dog!
Easy thing to say 'You want a dog to kill native wildlife? . . . [...] and attacking them.' when you don't have them in your yard or garden or home. I can see that terrier as a great snake killer. Ours on the farm was a Scottish Terrier. We had Timber Rattlers, but he hated all snakes. Great hub Randy.
These folks simply don't understand, Charlie! I don't get angry though, I get this response often when I write about the recent infestation of canebrake rattlers we are experiencing here.
Terriers seem to harbor a grudge against snakes more than some other canine species, but this is just my experience. Good of you to stop by Charlie. Thanks again, my friend!
There are several rat terrier breeders around us, are they good snake dogs? I have 5 children one of whom was bit by a copperhead, it was horrible!! I love nature and wildlife too, but venomous snakes are too risky to go unnoticed.
Hello Toni! Like all breeds of dogs, there are differences from litter to litter. One dog from the litter may be good at killing snakes while its sibling may not.
But rat terriers are very smart so you may get lucky with one. You never know! My Ally is a special dog and I never expect to get another as good as she is.
Thanks for commenting and reading!
Randy :)
I'm not so sure I agree with your disbelief that a man named Jesus did not exist.
However, I have enjoyed this article of yours. My very best friend was a shaggy injured "Benji-like" dog I picked up along a very busy highway.
She was walking toward incoming traffic against the concrete median barrier only inches away from the tandem wheels of big rigs that sped by.
She had enough sense to stay close to the barrier until she could cross and lay down in a small grassy area.
I pulled off at the first chance, reversed, drove partway up an exit ramp and picked her up.
She was about 10 at the time according to the vet. Her eyesight was poor and she was loosing her hearing. Yet, in spite of these problems, she followed behind me like a duck follows its mother for the next 8 years.
She was, indeed, the best friend I've ever had. I will never forget her. If there's an afterlife, I hope she's there.
Not so much disbelief as lack of any solid evidence, Regis!
But we can agree to disagree on this subject and that's okay! I'm glad you found a friend in your little dog! My Ally is most precious to me and I appreciate her loyalty and friendship. Thanks for reading and for the great comments about your furry friend.
Now this is a unique and entertaining hub. I would hate for my dog to confront a snake, not knowing how she would fare. As you said, not every dog is suited for this type of confrontation. It is something I have never given much thought to, but you have made a very interesting and informative hub of this topic. Thanks for sharing.
I don't recommend letting a "city" dog come in contact with one of these fast creatures, mquee! But out here in the country they either learn fast or aren't around very long! Some dogs have been bitten so many times they develop an immunity to the rattlesnake's venom! Others, not so lucky! Thanks for visiting my hub!
Your writing skills elevate this informational Hub to fine literature. Write Write Write!
We have 4 dogs, the closest in size and hunting instinct to a Jack Russell is Foxxy, our Shiba Inu. Luckily, though we live on the perimeter of one of the few remaining rattle snake refuges in the state, we have few incidents of snake/human interaction.
I like snakes, but I treasure my family. If I lived where you do, I'd never be without an "Ally".
CP
I really appreciate the compliment, Christopher! And the comments concerning your area and your dogs. My ally is very special to me, a one of a kind dog! She still loves to ramble over the farm and dispatch rattlers when she finds them.
Thanks for dropping by!
Randy
we have a chiwawa and she has found snakes for us when she starts to bark we know that there is one she is after we live upon a mountain and we are having a major problem with snakes is there anyway you can give me information on getting a terrior we also have a bull mastiff but he just lays around while our chiwawa goes on her hunt. Please help! I would love to purchase either more chiwawas or a terrior
Hello Noel,
Terriers are known as good snake dogs because the name "terrier" comes from the word Terra, meaning earth. Terriers keep their noses to the ground and this is why they are good at finding snakes and other creatures a different breed of dog may not notice at all.
I'm sure will have no problem finding any type of dog you want simply by checking out the local newspaper, or better yet, check the local animal shelters. There are often great dogs to be found there and you will be doing the shelter, the dog, and yourself an enormous favor.
Good luck finding a good snake dog, I think you will!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Randy
Hi, I live in an area known as the Riverland in South Australia, it is a beautiful area with the Murray River flowing through it and is home to some of the worlds deadliest snakes. We have a West Highland Terrier ...Sophie. Yesterday she killed a Brown snake, the 6th in her life that we know of . The largest being 5' 8". She will bark at them and at the right time spring through the air as fast as lightening biting them anywhere between 6" to 12"" behind the head. One bite is enough . We call her 'Snake Dog Sophie' and hope that her luck continues
Hello Paul and congratulations on having a good snake dog. Ally, my female Jack Russel terrier, prefers to shake the snakes vigorously which damages the creatures delicate spine and renders them unable to strike accurately.
I've heard about the very deadly snakes in your country, so it makes sense to have a good snake dog around to keep them from approaching your home or grounds.
Thanks for relating your experiences with your wonderful dog "Sophie" and give her a pat on the head for me!
Randy
Just came home and found a King Snake in my kitchen. We live on acreage. Do NOT like snakes in the house. HELP!! Dogs didn't pay any attention. Best dog? Jack Russell?
Please don't harm the King Snake, Sally! They eat venomous snakes and do a great job keeping their numbers down. Many Jack's are good snake dogs, but this depends on the particular Jack, like in other breeds.
Thanks for your time and question!
Randy
Bravo on asking Sally not to harm the Kings Randy, they do eat the vipers and mice are fantastic snakes and sadly getting rare, at least in the Carolinas.
Sorry to hear the snakes are getting rare in your area, Alastar! I am lucky to live in the country and get to observe so many species of wildlife that I forget sometimes that not everyone has the same opportunity to appreciate our wonderful American fauna.
We still have a good population of Kings here but some species of snakes, such as the Coach whip and Indigo, have become rather rare. But I have faith they will recover if enough people take notice.
Thanks for the comment and for your interest in our country's wildlife.
Randy
Wow, now that I am done with the cold chills running down my back from looking at your pictures, I can say thanks for this information. I live in rattlesnake country and can't stand the sight or thought of them nearby. I have a La-Chon that goes out of her way to advoid them, or any kind of snake for that matter. I am not sure if she would kill one or not. I have noticed that the bull snakes around here will kill the rattlesnakes. Of course, I don't stick around long enough to figure out the difference between the two when confronted by one.
Thanks again for sharing this useful information. Awesome hub!
Either a dog will attempt to kill snakes or simply avoid them. It all depends on the particular personality of the dog. My avatar is a King Snake which hunts down and kills other snakes, especially rattlesnakes!
Thanks tlpoague for stopping by and for the comments!
Randy
12 days ago my snake killer named Stuart was fighting a corn snake in my back yard. How the snake got in with my 3 layed fence I will never know. Stuart won the fight. Somehow while taking care of business he hurt his back. He has FCE...a blood clot on his spine. Vet bills reached $2000 and he is still paralzed in his left back leg. Watch your dogs even the snake killers.
Sorry to hear about your dog, D.T.! But it surely wasn't the snake causing the blood clot, though! Yes, it does pay to watch your dog carefully. I wish you luck with your pet and thanks for stopping by.
Randy Godwin
Thank You. Friend. If you have any advice on keeping snakes away...I would love to hear it. Like I said I have a 3 layered fence. I am so Phobic and have actually been treated for my fear. Didnt work. I do feel badly when one bites the dust. I am in S.C.. Copperhead country. Please, I need advice.
Hello again D.T.! I've added some snake repellents and a trap to my article as I've gotten several requests for info about keeping snakes off one's property.
I hope these products will set your mind at ease and they do not harm the snakes.
Thanks for your input and questions.
Randy
That little terrier is a brave one to kill a snake!
Indeed she is, Rozanna! She's a wonderful little creature and it's true about them being "man's best friend."
Thanks for dropping in!
Randy Godwin
My kids have been begging for a dog since we moved to Georgia, and my fear of venomous snakes down here may be the thing that gets them one. If we can get a terrier that's as smart and devoted as Ally, we'll be very lucky indeed.
Thanks for stopping by, Becki! Sorry i took so long to respond but i just returned from a much needed vacation. Ally needed one too! LOL!
Good luck on finding a good dog and I do hope it will be as good as Ally is.
Thanks again,
Randy Godwin
Great hub and a cool little dog.
My crazy Labrador alerted me to a snake in the garden, but I was more worried that the snake would get the dog (she's a quick dog, but a bit daft), so took care of it myself ... priorities eh! lol Maybe she needs a terrier friend to protect her ... as I really don't like the speed of snakes!! Mind you, the pythons in the area may be hard even for a terrier.
Thanks Brett! Yep, a python might prove a bit troublesome, even for Ally! LOL! But seriously, pythons are said to be moving up from Florida where thy were released or escaped as pets.
Gotta get a bigger dog! Thanks for the comments and your time.
Randy
OUTSTANDING hub, Sir! WHEW - so proud for you to have them rattlers and . . . well, me to not have ever seen one in the wild ~crosses fingers~
Much appreciated Wesman! Many folks feel the same way as you about snakes. I feel that way about cities! LOL!
Randy
We live in the woods in Arkansas and kill 2-3 copperheads every summer. I'm talking about around our house, we don't go looking for them! I've read that copperheads are scared of humans and try to avoid them. From my experience, that is so wrong. They'll come in your house and live with you if you let them. lol In fact my wife got bit by one, trying to get in our front door. The snake came on it. One came in my big shop door while there was very loud noises and commotion going on just 5-10 feet away. I have finally had enough of them, and am now looking for a Jack Russell Terrier. Thank you so much for your info. It will help me make a wiser choice. But I have to admit, I think they're adorable dogs and more than anything, I'm looking forward to a good and caring relationship with one of the little guys, for our whole family!
Thanks for your input on copperheads, Larry. I haven't seen one of these snakes around here in many years, but I know some areas have plenty of them.
If you get a good Jack Russell-be sure and check out the parents of the dog first to make sure they aren't too hyper active-you will find them to be very lovable, intelligent, and courageous members of the family.
My Ally is famous around here for being all of the above and then some. Good luck finding your own "Ally" and thanks for your time and comments.
Randy Godwin
Hi there :) Found this page after googling ''Dogs that kill snakes'' We live in Central Queensland, Australia, and my son discovered a juvenile Eastern Brown snake IN HIS BEDROOM today!! Scared the you know what out of the poor kid, now considering getting a Jack Russell :) Thanks for the info!
Hi Katie, sounds as if you do indeed need a good snake dog to keep guard on your home. Not only will a good Jack keep the snakes out, but will become a beloved member of your family.
Thanks for reading and for your interesting snake experience.
Randy
I am from Delaware buying a home in South Caroline with the hopes of moving there. I am scared to death of snakes and wants to do some gardening, my husband does not care too much for dogs but I will definately be getting one of those Russells when we move as my gardening and outdoor partner. Thanks for the information you offered.
Thanks for reading my article and commenting, Dawney! Good luck on finding a good snake dog too. I think you will happy with a Jack Russell. They are very intelligent and loving animals which usually become members of the family, as well as, good protection against snakes.
Randy
I live in the city, but yesterday I took my 3 dogs (a shepherd mix, a min-pin, and a pit bull) on a hike in the nearby hills. People do it all the time, and all that I spoke with said they never encountered rattlesnake. Well, WE did, a large one, and my pit bull immediately ran to it and would not leave it alone. I thought for sure he would be bitten. I herded the other dogs back down the trail, expecting a bitten pit bull to eventually followl - to my surprise, the pit bull came running back down within a couple of minutes, all excited and energized, and he had NOT been bitten! I was flalbbergasted. I did not know a dog could get that close to a snake and not get bit.
Most dogs instinctively know how to avoid getting snake bit, Sanchot, but still you are lucky your pit bull didn't get struck since he was not used to snakes. The bigger the dog the more likely he will get bit in most cases.
Thanks for relating your experience and for stopping by!
Randy SSSSS
My Mom and Dad lived in Arkansas and Texas and had problems with snakes in their yard. No one wants to kill a snake but you don't want them to kill you or your kids.
They had two dogs at different times one a terrier of some kind and the other a white poodle they were the best snake dogs. They would jump on those snakes like Rikki Tikki Tavi the mongoose and kill them. Never once were they bitten.
I have ran into a rattler and never want to do that again.
By the way I agree with you on the "Elite" it just sounds like their so superior to other hubbers.
"SHARE"
Well, I've just been banned for 4 weeks, apparently because of my stand on the "Elite" controversy, so I won't be posting on that thread for awhile. LOL!
Thanks so much for your input on this hub as many don't see venomous snakes as the real danger they are. In some parts of the country having a good snake dog is the norm, especially in areas where rattlesnakes have become overpopulated.
Thanks again for your time and experiences!
Randy SSSSS
Paul 2 years ago
You want a dog to kill native wildlife? A bit irresponsible, considering all venomous snakes simply want to be left alone, and an aggressive dog makes matters worse by aggrivating and attacking them.