Some dogs are born not to be just affectionate and loyal companions but to execute missions that can range from tracking scents to herding livestock. Some of these are driven by their instincts, while others are from the energy, and they thrive on challenges and love being put in such situations where they have to push their boundaries.
Each of these breeds offers loyalty along with a purpose with which they are born. This article explores the topmost driven dogs in the canine world, perfect for active owners who love passionate dogs.
Driven Dog Breeds
1. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are independent and sweet dogs with a captivating personality. These medium-sized dogs are quite popular for their cat-like nature, because they often opt to listen to their owners only when they want to; therefore, it’s not wrong to call them one of the most moody breeds.
Hill’s Pet notes that they have a natural drive for hunting, including lure coursing. As soon as they detect any movement in their surroundings, their strong drive for hunting comes into play, and the chase starts. They are highly energetic and driven dogs, due to which they can run as fast as 40 mph and can jump high enough to cross the fence and run away.
2. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are quite popular among sports enthusiasts due to their love for activity and exercise. They even have the honour of having won one of the most popular sports competitions, “Westminster Kennel Club’s Sporting Group”. In the United States, this breed ranks among the top 100 most popular breeds of dog.
Their distinct feature is their high endurance, which is marked by their high need for vigorous physical activity daily. So, they are most suitable for pet owners who themselves are athletic or at least lead an active lifestyle; otherwise, their drive can even turn your world upside down due to their restless behaviour. Therefore, providing them with daily tasks and keeping them engaged is necessary for their owners.
3. Beagle
AKC states that Beagles are friendly as well as curious in nature. They stand as high as 3 to 15 inches and weigh around 20 to 30 pounds. They are generally good with children as well as with other dogs. They are suitable for you if you are looking for a loyal and funny companion with an affectionate nature. Their expressions and faces are just as adorable and cute as their easy-going nature.
Beagles are well known for their scent following and tracking drive. They have a very strong history as scent-driven hunters; therefore, they are often referred to as scent hounds.
The moment they detect an interesting and unusual scent, they’ll bark very loudly, so hiring a dog trainer and providing training such as leash control is necessary to control them when they want to track a scent, and you are running late.
4. English Pointer
English Pointers are muscular dogs, quite popular for their graceful posture. AKC adds that they are a perfect combination of smartness along with high energy, due to which they are always on the go for running and other playing activities. They are extremely loyal with an incredible alertness, due to which they make great watchdogs.
All of these qualities contribute to their driven and determined nature. In addition to all these qualities, they also have a strong drive as hunters. Hunters used to prefer these dogs for hunting because they proved to be highly helpful due to their abilities to track as well as point.
If you also want a hard-working dog with high endurance and speed, along with extraordinary scent-tracking abilities, these hunting dogs are perfect for you because they offer more than just these qualities.
5. Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bull Terriers originated in the United States and are great guard dogs, but they are often misunderstood as aggressive dogs; however, it’s not true. They love their owner, but this stigma may have come from their cautious attitude around other dogs. These dogs are prey hunters because they are attracted to other animals, including cats, but smaller in size to make them their prey.
They particularly require supervision while they are around other dogs because they have a history of dog fighting. Additionally, along with their history, their very high prey drive makes socialization further difficult for them.
Proper socialization and training are essential for them to remove the unwanted behavior that can make them unruly with poor manners, though they are great family dogs.
6. Border Collie
Border Collies are filled with energy and well known for their agile body. Sheepdogs belonging to the British Isles are the ancestors of this breed. Due to their agility, they make great companions for active families, and they are driven by their strong instincts.
They are not only incredibly driven but also hard-working and loyal dogs. After they are satisfied with the tasks assigned to them, they will come up to cuddle with you. These herding dogs are particularly suitable for large homes or farms with high-fenced yards to retain them at home rather than facilitating their escape.
7. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are small dogs with sporting spirit and a silky, long coat. Usually, they are referred to as Cocker Spaniel in the United States, but outside the country, they are known as American Cocker Spaniel. Otherwise, many people can confuse them with the English Cocker Spaniel, which is a completely different breed.
They were bred to be hunters, but are gentle companions. They have average levels of energy, and their drive mostly comes from their desire to enjoy challenges, which pushes them to push their boundaries in performing tasks.
If you are considering dog ownership or you are the owner of a Cocker Spaniel, you should know it’s relatively easy to motivate them using food rewards and praising them.
8. Alaskan Malamute
It is a sled dog which originated from Alaska; therefore takes its name from there. Alaskan Malamutes have a broad head and a compact body with a coat that usually comes in shades of grey, black, and even white. Their strength is their power, due to which they are not a suitable option for kids.
The combination of independence, determination, and strength makes them unique from others; it’s where their drive comes from. They are sweet with family but remain aggressive towards other dogs, so training, including dog sports, is essential for them.
Although they can be good alert dogs and make excellent family dogs but they cannot be the best choice to be a protection dog.
9. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are also known as “blue heelers.” These dogs were developed in Australia and are exceptionally loyal to their pet parent. This intelligent breed was originally bred to work as herders on farms, but over time, they have developed an innate desire to form deep bonds with their owners and hate being left alone or separated from their owners, due to which they are also referred to as “shadow dogs.”
They have an incredibly great work drive and love to control and move the livestock. They are also great runners with a tenacious and intelligent mindset. Their dog owners need to take part in the activities with them to keep them fit. They love retrieving games and are also great hunters; they love chasing as well as moving livestock.
Conclusion
Driven dogs have a heart of gold and offer more than just affection; they are born with a mission in their hearts. Most dogs in this list are energetic, as well as smart, but they love to be physically engaged on another level.
If you are looking for a dog with a purpose in life, other than a German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd, these dogs are the best option for you. Explore these breeds to find out among all these which one suits your nature and makes the best companion for you.
