The canine world is home to a wide variety of dog breeds, each with unique characteristics and instincts. Some dogs are naturally born with a high prey drive, making them fast, alert, and highly focused hunters.
These sharp instincts allow them to excel at tracking, chasing, and capturing prey, skills that have long been valued by humans for hunting and working purposes. However, without proper guidance, a high prey drive can be challenging to manage.
In this guide, we’ve gathered 7 intelligent dog breeds with strong prey drive traits. These working dogs require early training, consistent socialization, and mental stimulation to remain obedient and well-behaved. When trained correctly, they can channel their natural hunting instincts into productive activities while still being loyal and dependable companions.
Whether originally bred for pest control, hunting game animals like rabbits and birds, or pursuing small animals such as squirrels, these dogs are highly capable and driven hunters. Read on to discover which breeds made the list, what types of prey they were bred to hunt, and how they can be raised to become balanced, well-behaved family dogs.
Amazing Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive Traits
1. Greyhounds
With a streamlined muscular body and fantastic speed, Greyhounds are known to be one of the oldest dog breeds, who go back 8,000 years. These dogs have a gentle and sweet disposition, which was necessary during hunting, so they get along well with other breeds. Greyhounds have a high prey drive, which is why they are not well-suited to be around small pets in the house, especially rabbits.
According to Hill’s Pet, Greyhounds are tolerant of children, but only those who know how to behave around dogs. If things get rough, these pups walk away rather than snapping or growling. They like to spend their time sleeping rather than going out for exercise. Despite being a hunting breed, these dogs have low endurance and do not need a lot of exercise.
Greyhounds have an instinct to chase; however, they can still live with other pets in the house if they are provided early socialization and consistent training. As long as they get enough space to run around, they are happy to be couch potatoes.
2. Border Collie
High-energy working dogs that were bred to herd livestock in Great Britain. You may still find them in fields, but they make popular pets now. These pups have a spunky personality and love to be with active families. Border collies are one of the smartest dog breeds and have high energy needs, which is why pet parents must take time out for daily activities.
If these pets are not provided enough mental stimulation and exercise, they may tend to show unwanted behaviors like digging or chewing furniture. Because of their high prey drive, they may try to herd other dogs or even small children in the house, but this behavior can be corrected with strong leadership and positive reinforcement methods.
Border collies can be reserved around strangers, which is why early socialization is recommended so they grow up to be well-behaved adult dogs. Collies tend to get bored very easily and can start excessive barking, so make sure to plan a good exercise schedule for them to keep them busy.
3. Basenji
Members of the hound group, one of the oldest and strangest dog breeds, the Basenji, are known to be barkless dogs who originate from Africa. According to WebMD, these dogs are not suited for every household, but those who own these pups are fully devoted to them.
Basenjis are intelligent and independent dogs. They are moderately affectionate with their family members and children around them. These dogs are alert and poised hunters who can take care of themselves. Basenji prove to be good family dogs with the right family and are loyal towards them.
These puppies are full of energy and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation every day to feel happy and satisfied. You must plan fun-filled activities for them so that they don’t get bored and temperamental. Training them as puppies is essential to ensure they stay obedient and well-behaved.
4. Russel Terrier
Small in stature, clever, and alert, Russel Terriers were bred for hunting fox. They have a lively and fearless temperament. These terriers have an excellent nose that tracks and leads the way while their loud bark alerts their human companions about nearby prey.
Though Russel Terriers are bred to be working dogs, they also prove to be great small dogs for the right household. These high prey drive dogs have a lot of energy and require at least 90 minutes of exercise every day. They are affectionate, playful, and get along well with children who know how to behave around dogs.
Because of their high prey drive, these canines should be on a leash or within a secured fenced yard so they do not run off to chase small animals. They also don’t get along well with cats, as they consider them their prey. Proper socialization is the key to ensuring these high prey dogs grow up to be well-behaved and obedient canines.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Known to be an “all-around renaissance hound,” Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large, solid colored, active dogs. They are powerful, agile, and enjoy spending time with their pet parents on the couch at the end of the day. Though gentle dogs, these pups do well with experienced owners who can keep their stubborn behavior in check.
They are quite friendly and confident at home, but are wary of strangers and other animals in the vicinity. They are called the African lion dogs and were bred to protect the farms and hunt African game animals.
According to Purina, these canines have a strong prey drive, which is why they should be in a protected space and on a leash when outside. Their strong hunting instincts can be bad for other animals, such as cats and dogs. Plenty of exercise, early socialization, and mental stimulation are recommended to ensure they stay well-behaved canines.
6. Beagle
Popular family pets and ideal for first-time owners, Beagles are loving and sociable dogs who enjoy being involved with what the family is doing. These canines were originally bred to be scent hounds, but as long as they are getting their needs fulfilled, they like nothing more than being fun and great family dogs.
Beagles thrive in active households and in human companionship. They always need someone to be around them. Leaving them alone for a long time is not a very wise decision. Their strong hunting instincts do not make them well-suited for a home with small animals.
Their size and affectionate personality make them a fun pet to play with and can be taken along anywhere. They are high-energy dogs who need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If their energy needs aren’t met, they may tend to show unwanted behaviors.
7. Irish Setter
A sporting dog breed known for its elegant build, graceful gait, and mahogany coat, Irish Setters are good-tempered and intelligent canines who are excellent in the field. These dog breeds were trained to track game birds with their great sense of smell and freeze while pointing towards them.
Irish Setters are a large breed with athletic energy that were built to run back and forth on the field in search of game birds, which is why they require a lot of physical stimulation to feel happy and satisfied. Two hours of regular exercise per day is enough. If they aren’t exercised properly, they tend to get mischievous.
This dog loves hanging out with their family and prefers a fun play time with children. They are friendly with strangers and also get along well with other dogs, cats, and small animals. These pups are great companions for both adults and children, and act according to the age group they are hanging out with.
Conclusion
These high prey drive dog breeds are the best of their kind. They are not only excellent on the field, helping their hunting owners track down prey, but also prove to be great family pets. These hunting dogs stay well-behaved, happy, and adjust to any living situation as long as their energy needs are being met.
Because of their high prey drive, it is recommended to keep them on a leash or in a fenced area to prevent them from running after prey. These pups are ideal for owners who are active and can train them using positive reinforcement methods to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved adults who get along well with everyone.
