MD: Discover the dog breeds with naturally high prey drive. Learn which dogs are born to chase, hunt, and stay laser-focused on movement. Read more.
Some dogs see the world differently.
Where most people see a quiet yard, these dogs see movement.
Where you see a harmless squirrel, these dogs see the mission.
And you see a calm walk around the block, they see an opportunity to chase.
That’s prey drive. It’s not aggression or “bad behavior”. It is an instinct that’s been shaped by generations of selective breeding.
Certain dog breeds with naturally high prey drive were made to notice motion, lock in, and go. No matter if that means hunting small animals, herding livestock, or tracking prey across miles of land, this instinct is deeply wired into their brains.
And that’s what makes them incredible… and a lot to handle if you are not prepared.
We will talk about dog breeds with naturally high prey drive. What does that mean in day-to-day life? And what pet parents should expect when living with one of these dogs.
Fun Fact!
Did you know?
Prey drive in domestic dogs comes straight from their wolf ancestors. Yep! Even though your pup sleeps on the couch and eat good food. The part of their brain responsible for spotting prey, chasing and hunting still lights up the same way it did thousands of years ago. Some breeds just kept that instinct a lot stronger than others.
Top 9 Dog Breeds With Naturally High Prey Drive
1. Australian Cattle Dog
Focused. Intense. Always watching.
Australian Cattle Dogs don’t casually notice things. They look at them. This breed was originally bred as a herding breed to herd stubborn cattle over long distances, by nipping at heels and reacting instantly to movements, as per PetMD.
It means their prey drive shows up as:
Chasing fast-moving objects
Fixating on bikes, joggers, or small animals
A strong desire to control motion in their environment
These herding dogs are extremely intelligent and highly alert. They are not the type to lounge around all day. Without proper outlets, their high prey drive can turn into chasing cars, herding kids, and obsessing over squirrels in the yard.
With early training, mental stimulation, and securely fenced areas, Australian Cattle Dogs thrive. But they are not for passive owners. This breed needs structure, purpose, and a job. Or they will invent one themselves.
And you won’t like their innovation.
2. Border Collie
The stare says everything.
Border Collies are famous for their “eye, a famous and focused, almost hypnotic gaze they use to control sheep. Because these are herding dogs. The same trait translates into one of the strong prey drives you will see in dogs.
Movement triggers them instantly.
As per the American Kennel Club, this is a highly trainable and highly intelligent breed. Border Collies don’t do only the chasing. They analyze first, then react.
This dog’s prey drive often shows up through stalking behavior, sudden bursts of speed, and intense focus on birds, cats, or other animals.
They are incredibly highly trainable, and when trained properly, they are gold. But they also need constant engagement. Long walks alone will not cut it. They need problem-solving, training sessions, and work that challenges their brain.
Without enough stimulation, their prey drive can turn into obsessive behavior fast.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Small body. Big hunt energy.
Jack Russell Terriers were bred to flush foxes from underground dens. That alone should tell you everything you need to know. “Inquisitive, playful, and bold, a combination as mentioned by Britannica, is what defines this breed’s personality.
These dogs live to chase. Balls, squirrels, birds, cats, shadows. Nothing is OFF limits.
Their high prey drive is explosive and restless. Mostly when they spot prey.
Jack Russell Terriers are fearless and incredibly fast. Because of their size, many people underestimate them. Big mistake.
These small dogs need early socialization, consistent training, and careful management around small pets. A Jack Russell without an outlet will absolutely create chaos. Though if they have the right structure, they are fun, clever, and endlessly entertaining.
4. Weimaraner
Graceful. Athletic. Locked in.
The famous “Gray Ghost.
Weimaraners were bred to hunt large game, and that heritage shows up in their behavior today. This is a German breed, and it’s been valued a lot due to the immense courage it has.
These dogs have a strong prey drive paired with incredible stamina. Once they catch a scent or notice movement, they are all in. Weimaraners tend to chase deer, rabbits, and anything that drifts across their path.
And they have the sleek looks to justify this drive.
These hunting dogs are affectionate with family members but need serious training and control. Leash manners are important because when they decide to chase, they pull hard and fast.
This breed does best with active owners who enjoy long walks, structured exercise, and ongoing training. Without that, their prey drive can easily become overwhelming.
5. American Staffordshire Terrier
Powerful. Determined. Driven.
American Staffordshire Terriers are muscular working dogs with a deep-rooted drive to pursue and hold onto prey. And did you know their ancestors include Bulldogs and Mastiffs used in bullbaiting?
Yeah, that heritage!
Their prey drive does not always show up as non-stop chasing. Instead, it is intense focus, strength, and determination once engaged. These dogs may react strongly to small animals or unfamiliar dogs if not trained properly.
But… with early training and responsible ownership, they can be loving family dogs. However, their prey instincts mean supervision around pets is necessary.
These muscular dogs thrive when given clear boundaries, leadership, and physical outlets that allow them to burn off energy safely.
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Calm… until something moves.
This puppy… that’s licking your face right now, was originally bred to hunt, ‘drum rolls’, LIONS!! Can you believe?
Yep, their original purpose was to track lions. And the Rhodesian Ridgebacks seriously carry that hunting legacy.
They are the best hiking or hunting partners nowadays, as noted by the American Kennel Club.
Their prey drive is quiet but powerful. They are not frantic chasers, but once they decide something is prey. They move with purpose.
Ridgebacks often chase wildlife like deer or rabbits and can become fixated on moving animals in open spaces.
A tall and skinny dog, these are independent thinkers and may not respond instantly to commands when prey drive kicks in. This makes secure fencing, leash control, and consistent training extremely important.
They bond deeply with their families and do best in homes that understand their strong instincts.
7. Greyhound
Speed meets instinct.
Greyhounds are one of the oldest hunting breeds in the world. They were originally bred to hunt prey and chase it down at incredible speeds. For thousands of years, kings, poets, and royals have made them a thing of joy to behold.
Their prey drive is almost entirely visual. If it moves quickly, they are gone. Squirrels, cats, wild animals, anything that triggers those chase instincts becomes the focus. And then, this dog loves to run.
Yep, did we share that they are one of the fastest dog breeds? A 45-mph couch potato, they are called in modern times.
Despite being calm indoors, Greyhounds need careful handling outdoors. Leash walks are important. And off-leash time should only happen in securely fenced areas.
They are gentle, quiet, and affectionate dogs, but this dog’s prey drive is non-negotiable. It is simply part of who they are. Best dogs for tracking, hunting, and running.
8. Beagle
Nose first. Brain second.
Beagles were bred to hunt in packs. They sued to follow scent trails for miles. And their prey drive is scent-driven and incredibly persistent. They are one of the best tracking dogs with a mind-blowing sense of smell.
Once a Beagle picks up a smell, the rest of the world disappears. They will chase prey with total dedication, and they will ignore commands in the moment.
Are you ready for that?
Yeah! This breed needs patience, training, and realistic expectations. Recall can be a bit challenging for them. And leash walks are a must.
Beagles are friendly and social dogs. But their strong prey drive and instincts mean they will always be tempted by rabbits, squirrels, and birds.
9. Saluki
Elegant, stylish, and deadly-focused.
And, those long silky hair.
Salukis are ancient sighthounds bred to hunt fast prey across open terrain. And, sighthound means they use their eyesight to locate and then sprint after their prey.
Their prey drive is refined and intense. Salukis don’t bark much. They don’t posture. They simply see prey and move.
They are independent, sensitive, and not motivated by traditional obedience training alone. Managing their prey drive means you need understanding, patience, and safe environments for them.
This breed does best with experienced owners who respect their instincts rather than trying to suppress this ancient dog breed.
Conclusion
Prey drive is not a flaw.
It is a feature.
And different breeds have it differently.
These dog breeds with naturally high prey drive were made for a purpose. Hunting, herding, tracking, chasing.
The purpose is to understand what you are bringing into their life.
With the right training, management, and respect for their instincts, these dogs can become incredible companions and best friends. Without all of it, they can be overwhelming.
So, before you choose one of these breeds, ask yourself:
Can I manage high energy and focus? Do I have time for training? Am I prepared to work with instinct instead of against it?
If the answers are yes, these dogs will give you loyalty, intelligence, and a partnership unlike any other.
Because when you meet a dog that was born to chase, you don’t stop the instinct but guide it.
