Prey drive in dogs refers to their innate desire to chase and catch prey. Some dog owners may find this trait undesirable, but it helped dogs survive. In the past, dogs used their prey drive to find and secure food.
Hunters have been taking advantage of high prey drive dogs for centuries. However, it can become problematic when it poses a risk to people, other animals, or dogs.
Proper training and early socialization can help control this behavior. Sporting breeds, herding breeds, and hounds usually have a high prey drive.
Note: Electric fences and shock collars are not a safe solution for high prey drive dogs. Instead you need to supervise your dog and reward calm and non-chasing behaviors.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds exhibiting a strong prey drive.
Dog Breeds Exhibiting a Strong Prey Drive
1. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are aloof and dignified aristocrats of sublime beauty. They were originally bred to hunt independently in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan. With an independent nature, Afghan Hounds need consistent training to build a strong bond with their family.
One of the high prey drive breeds, the Afghan Hound requires daily exercise, according to PetMD. These athletic canines need at least an hour of daily physical and mental stimulation. Afghan Hounds benefit from activities like a long walk or a jog.
The dogs’ prey drive may lead them to chase smaller animals like squirrels and rabbits. With proper training and socialization starting from an early age, Afghan Hounds can live well with other household pets.
2. Greyhound
Greyhounds are sweet-tempered, graceful, and lanky dogs that tend to be calm indoors. They were bred for their speed and sight-hunting abilities, so they are very energetic and have a very high prey drive. It makes them unsuitable for homes with cats or small animals.
While they are perfectly happy to lounge all day long, Greyhounds show astonishing energy when faced with potential prey. They like chasing games and lure coursing. Greyhounds should only be allowed off-leash in a securely fenced area, explains the AKC.
Greyhounds are affectionate with their family members, but they can be reserved towards strangers. They are independent dogs, sometimes showing a cat-like demeanor. Greyhounds are less vocal dogs, not considered consistent or frequent barkers.
3. Border Collie
Energetic, affectionate, and smart, Border Collies are medium-sized herding dogs. They are known for their high drive, strong work ethic, and athleticism. With boundless energy, Border Collies thrive on having a job to do.
Their exceptional endurance means they need plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Border Collies have retained their herding instincts to date. They can drive small pets and even kids by nipping at their heels.
However, this behavior can be controlled by employing positive management strategies. Border Collies are the brainiacs of the canine world. They can learn new tricks and commands in only a few repetitions. They also take part in and excel in canine sports like agility, obedience, tracking, and rally.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large and muscular dogs of noble character. One of the most recognizable and popular breeds in the world, these highly intelligent herders are known for their confidence and bravery. German Shepherds are unwaveringly loyal to their humans.
They can willingly sacrifice their lives in defense of their loved ones and make great guard dogs. German Shepherds are athletic dogs carrying bundles of energy. It means they need plenty of regular exercise to stay healthy and content.
GSDs have a strong drive. It is important to keep them on a leash or inside a fenced yard. Otherwise, they may end up chasing a squirrel, rabbit, or a cat. GSDs enjoy activities like hiking, agility, tracking, nose work, and dock diving.
5. Siberian Husky
Originally bred to pull sleds in the cold Arctic region, Siberian Huskies are playful and powerful dogs. They make an ideal fit for active owners who can keep up with their energy requirements and strong prey drive.
Huskies crave companionship and love nothing more than spending time with their humans. However, they can be a risk around small animals. A considerable amount of exercise is needed to have a happy and healthy Husky.
Due to their high drive, PetPlan recommends keeping them on leash during walks. Huskies love exploring gardens and can be expert escape artists. They can jump fences and dig holes, so any outdoor space should be safe and secure.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small and smart dogs with feisty personalities. Having lots of stamina and intelligence, they were primarily bred for fox hunting. Thanks to their rich background as hunting dogs, they have a very strong prey drive.
They may end up chasing cats, birds, or other animals, so supervision and training are key. Jack Russell Terriers love being a part of the action and form strong bonds with their family. JRTs can get along well with other dogs if socialized early.
Jack Russell Terriers have a fearless and curious nature. It means they have a tendency to wander off. That is why recall training is important. Despite being a part of the Terrier group (which is known for its independent nature), JRTs are prone to separation anxiety.
7. Airedale Terrier
Having the confidence of a lion and the cleverness of a fox, Airedale Terriers are softies at heart. Well-trained and properly socialized Airedale Terriers are friendly. However, they are known for having a high prey drive.
So don’t be surprised if your Airedale Terrier keeps the squirrel population in your backyard on high alert. You can channel their prey drive into games like scent work or structured games of fetch. Airedale Terriers may not be a good fit for cats, rabbits, and pocket pets.
Aim to provide at least an hour of daily exercise to your Airedale Terrier. These wonderful canines excel at a variety of dog sports like obedience, agility, and rally sports. Thanks to their charm and confidence, they make excellent therapy dogs.
8. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are friendly, fearless, and obedient dogs, hailing from Germany. These striking and athletic dogs can be instantly recognized by their soulful eyes, steel-gray coat, and floppy ears. Affectionately known as Weims, they are loyal to their humans and are the ultimate ‘Velcro dogs.’
Since they were bred as hunting dogs, Weimaraners have a very strong prey drive. They need plenty of daily exercise and lots of attention to avoid destructive behaviors. Weims may end up chasing small animals like cats and rodents.
Weimaraners are highly intelligent dogs and know when to use their brainpower. They have been known to open doors, unlatch gates, and turn on faucets. Weims learn the best with positive reinforcement techniques.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
Originally bred as hunting dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers are loved by hunters for their high energy levels and strong prey drive. They are better suited for active owners who can provide positive outlets for the dog’s exuberance and athleticism.
German Shorthaired Pointers are friendly, outgoing, and family-oriented dogs. Smaller animals, however, may trigger their chasing instincts. They are typically playful and loyal. Having a high drive means they require patient and consistent training.
Running, fetching, and agility games are a good way to exercise these dogs. German Shorthaired Pointers also excel at obedience training and dock diving. Once their exercise needs are fulfilled, they love to snuggle up with their family members.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as Blue Heelers, Red Heelers, or Queensland Heelers, Australian Cattle Dogs were originally bred for herding and driving cattle. These tenacious dogs are known for having high prey instincts. Thanks to their boundless energy and supple gait, they make great running partners.
Australian Cattle Dogs thrive on having a job to do. They need plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. ACDs excel at a variety of dog sports, including obedience and agility. Proper training and early socialization are a must for these dogs. Otherwise, they can harm small animals.
ACDs are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. These curious dogs possess natural protective instincts but tend to be wary of strangers.
Fun Fact: The famous cartoon character ‘Bluey’ and its dad ‘Bandit’ are Blue Heelers. Its mom and little sister ‘Bingo’ are Red Heelers.
Conclusion
Herding, hunting, and sporting breeds are known for having a high prey drive. High prey drive breeds like chasing small animals and every moving object around them. These canines are usually very energetic and thrive on having a job to do.
They need plenty of daily exercise to manage their prey drive and high energy levels. While their high prey drive benefits hunters, this trait may not be desired by some owners having multiple pets. With early training and proper socialization, they make great family pets.
