Rat hunting - All
Rat hunter Dogs. Ratters.
During the First World War, terriers were especially appreciated - ideal rat hunters (ratters), which infested the trenches.
A terrier is a dog of any one of many breeds or landraces of the terrier type, which are typically small, wiry, game, and fearless. An ideal mix of skills for a ratter dog.
Nowadays, it is believed that cats are the most suitable animal for fighting rats. Dogs, in turn, are able to challenge this misconception. There are a sufficient number of breeds in the world that were bred specifically for hunting rats (ratters).
A ratter is any dog used to capture and kill rats and other similar parasites. In many countries, there are specialized breeds of rat catchers. A typical ratter is small or medium-sized, with short and smooth hair, but dogs of a wide variety of breeds can be used. The use of rat-catcher dogs is widely considered the most environmentally friendly, humane and effective method of killing rodents. A typical ratter dog is small or medidogs are considered more effective than domestic cats.
Among the many breeds used for hunting rats, there are lot of Terriers, various Pinscher and Schnauzer, as well as the Spanish Ratonero breeds. Rat catchers (ratters) also use cross-breed dogs to catch rats, including bloodhounds and pointers.
Airedale Terrier * Bedlington Terrier * Border Terrier * Brazilian Terrier * Cairn Terrier * Chilean Fox Terrier * Irish Terrier * Jack Russell Terrier * Jadgterrier * Lakeland Terrier * Manchester Terrier * Miniature Fox Terrier * Mountain Feist * Norfolk Terrier * Norwich Terrier * Parsons Russell Terrier * Patterdale Terrier * Plummer Terrier * Pražský Krysařík * Rat Terrier * Teddy Roosevelt Terrier * Tenterfield Terrier * West Highland White Terrier * Yorkshire Terrier – all these dog breeds are excellent rat catchers or ratters (rat hunters).
Photo: A proud ratter dog poses with part of its prey on the French front line in May 1916.
Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition ADIHEX 2025 – Middle East’s Leading Hunting, Equestrian & Heritage Exhibition from 30 August to 7 September 2025
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) returns to the Abu Dhabi
National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 30 August to 7 September 2025, co-presented by the Emirates Falconers Club and Informa Markets.
Known as the largest comprehensive outdoor exhibition in the Middle East and Africa, ADIHEX spans 11 dedicated sectors—including hunting, falconry, equestrianism, fishing, camping, heritage crafts, and the bustling Outdoor Leisure Vehicle & Equipment zone—offering a complete showcase of tradition, innovation, and environment-focused outdoor lifestyle.
ADIHEX functions as both a vibrant cultural platform and a strategic business venue:
Enhances Abu Dhabi’s position as a global heritage tourism destination
Offers brands access to 174,000+ regional & global buyers (2024: 99% of visitors rated it essential; 98% confirmed business intent within 12 months)
Encourages sustainable hunting, environmental stewardship, and heritage preservation across sectors
ADIHEX 2025 Abu Dhabi History
Founded in 2003 by the Emirates Falconers Club under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADIHEX was originally a weeklong cultural celebration. It has since evolved into a global exhibition: ADIHEX 2024 welcomed a record 347,481 visitors—a 205% increase—alongside 1,742 exhibitors from 65 countries, symbolizing its massive regional impact. Organized by Capital Events, ADNEC Group’s event arm, in partnership with the EFC and Informa Markets, it blends heritage with modern outdoor business development.
Highlights from 2024
347,481 attendees (+205%), 1,742 brands from 65+ countries
Falcon auction expansion with online bidding; mandatory ADIHEX Falcon Badge for championship qualifications
A Guinness World Record falcon burqa measuring 1.95 m diameter
Event Specifics
Name: Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX)
Organizers: Emirates Falconers Club, Informa Markets, Capital Events (ADNEC Group)
Nation/City: United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Venue: ADNEC spans 153,000 m² of indoor/outdoor space, with 11 halls, a 6,000-seat conference centre, marina facilities, and infrastructure ideal for equestrian and outdoor vehicle exhibitions.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street
Dates: 30 Aug – 7 Sept 2025
Opening Hours: Approximately 11:00–22:00 daily
Exhibitors & Visitors: Over 1,700 brands from 65+ countries; ~174,000+ projected visitors in 2025
ADIHEX Sectors:
1. Falconry & Heritage
Live falcon beauty contests and auctions—2024 sold 325 falcons worth AED 5.4 million
Daily live falcon auctions, including first-ever online bidding
2. Equestrian & Camel Shows
Horse and camel beauty contests and auctions (2024’s camel auction saw 15 racing camels sold, raising AED 2.5 million)
3. Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Gear
State-of-the-art equestrian, camping, hunting, fishing, marine, and outdoor vehicle & equipment showcases
4. Cultural & Conservation Focus
Knowledge Platform featuring sustainability talks, heritage crafts, wildlife conservation, and UAE environmental stewardship
5. Live Demonstrations & Competitions
Competitions in falcon dressage, dog agility, shooting, archery, plus interactive workshops on wildlife, desert survival, and equine care.
From 30 August to 7 September 2025, ADIHEX 2025 will again transform ADNEC Abu Dhabi into a global hub for falconry, equestrianism, hunting innovation, and heritage conservation. With record-breaking attendance, expanded sectors, and immersive programs, it stands as the most influential event of its kind in the MENA region.
Website: adihex.com
https://uh.app/organizations/adihex
