If your canine companion loves chasing squirrels or stalking birds, don’t be surprised. Dogs have an innate instinct to chase moving animals and even objects. This behavior is referred to as ‘prey drive.’ Some breeds have a naturally high prey drive compared to others.
High prey drive dogs usually belong to herding, hunting, or sporting groups. Remember, prey drive is not limited to dogs that are bred for it. Under the right circumstances, you may even notice a small Chihuahua chasing a squirrel.
These canines need regular exercise to channel their prey drive and high energy positively. You can prevent your dog from dashing after animals by keeping them in a securely fenced yard and on leash when outside.
Here are the top dog breeds with naturally high prey drive.
Top Dog Breeds with Naturally High Prey Drive
1. Greyhound
Sprinting champs of the dogdom, Greyhounds are large dogs with streamlined bodies, muscular legs, and a smooth coat. Capable of reaching the speed of 45 miles per hour, they hunt prey using their keen sense of sight.
Their history as hunting dogs is reflected in their high prey drive. Greyhounds are incredibly affectionate dogs. They get along nicely with their family members and do not like being left alone for extended periods.
As high-prey-drive dogs, Greyhounds should always be kept on a leash while going for walks. It prevents them from running after small animals. They are highly unsuitable for homes with other pets, including cats.
Do you Know? Greyhounds have long been an object of fascination for artists, poets, and kings, mentions the American Kennel Club.
Once their exercise needs are met and prey drive is satisfied, Greyhounds can happily spend their day lounging around the house.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Small but mighty, Jack Russell Terriers make lively and tenacious hunting companions. These feisty canines are not well suited for homes with little kids or small animals. However, their loyal and energetic personalities make them excellent family pets.
JRTs have a high prey drive, so you may struggle to hold them back from chasing wildlife during walks, according to PetPlan. You can consider channeling your dog’s prey drive into a game of fetch. It will help satisfy its innate desire to chase.
Jack Russell Terriers are fearless and curious dogs, tending to wander off. Therefore, recall training is important.
Despite having an independent streak, Jack Russell Terriers are prone to separation anxiety. They tend to be the happiest in homes where someone will be around for most of the day.
Caution: JRTs can be very vocal, particularly at other dogs. Early socialization is the key to avoiding such behaviors.
3. Siberian Husky
Resembling a wolf in appearance, Siberian Huskies were originally bred to pull heavy loads. Friendly, outgoing, and gentle, Huskies may not be a good match for a couch potato lifestyle. Their high energy demands active owners who can keep up with their exercise needs.
Having a strong pack instinct, Huskies get along well with other dogs. While they were not bred as hunting dogs, the punishing conditions of Siberia led them to be one of the high-prey-drive dog breeds. Even modern-day Huskies will view squirrels, rabbits, and cats as their prey.
Therefore, make sure you always keep your Siberian Husky on a leash when taking them for a walk. These active and athletic dogs thrive on having a job to do. Their speed, power, and endurance are enviable. Basic obedience training and early socialization are important to teach them good manners.
Do You Know? Huskies have a thick double coat that not only gives them a striking appearance, but also protects them from harsh weather.
4. Australian Cattle Dog
Known for their immense work drive, these highly intelligent herders thrive on having a job to do. Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Queensland Heelers, were originally bred to control and move livestock.
Their boundless energy, strength, and agility mean they require plenty of daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. Because of an inherent instinct to protect the herd, ACDs are high-prey-drive dogs. Early socialization is important to reduce or avoid such behaviors.
Keeping Australian Cattle Dogs in securely fenced areas can keep them from chasing wildlife or passing cars. The dogs’ prey drive can also be managed by playing fetch or engaging them in backyard games. ACDs make better pets for active households.
ACDs are intelligent dogs who learn basic commands quickly, but they also have a stubborn streak, according to Orvis. They respond best to positive and reward-based training.
5. Afghan Hound
Having the most eye-catching coat in the dog world, Afghan Hounds were primarily bred for hunting. They are so beautiful that even Mattel’s Barbie has an Afghan Hound as a pet. They are loyal to their humans, but have an aloof demeanor.
Afghan Hounds are high-energy dogs who can be very playful at times. They have a high prey drive and love to run and chase. So, it is important to always keep your Afghan Hound on a leash or in a securely fenced area.
Also, you need to strictly supervise their interaction with kids. Afghan Hounds can live well with other house pets when raised with them. Proper training and socialization are needed to turn Afghan Hounds into well-behaved and well-mannered family dogs.
Daily walks do not provide them with adequate stimulation. WebMD suggests at least 2 hours of daily exercise for physical and mental well-being.
6. Borzoi
Loyal, affectionate, and really dignified, Borzois are cherished for their aristocratic appearance and agreeable temperament. Also known as Russian Wolfhounds, they were originally bred as formidable wolf hunters.
Their speed of 35 to 40 miles per hour is a testament to their lineage from Greyhounds. Borzois are affectionate and loyal family pets, having an intelligent and eager-to-please personality. One of the main concerns when training Borzoi is their high prey drive.
They pick up on new commands quickly, but have an independent nature and may get distracted by moving objects or small animals. Consistency is the key to reinforcing commands. Borzois are generally quiet dogs, but they will alert their people to the presence of strangers or unusual noises.
7. Saluki
Salukis are aloof dogs with a very high prey drive. One of the oldest hunting dog breeds, they tend to be gentle and loving towards their family. However, these fast sprinters can take down gazelles, hares, and foxes when in the field.
Salukis require lots of socialization, not only as puppies, but as adults too. They do well around cats and other dogs when raised with them. But their prey drive becomes unstoppable around creatures like rabbits and other rodents.
Salukis are not as mischievous as terriers, but are curious. Carrying a quiet and understated confidence, they tend to think independently. Therefore, training can be a challenge. Always use positive reinforcement-based methods to teach your Saluki.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds, not necessarily hunting dogs, are known for their high prey drive. High prey drive in dogs means they tend to chase moving objects and small animals. It usually stems from their role in history.
If you have a high prey drive dog, make sure to keep them on leash or in a securely fenced yard. Also, try to channel their prey drive positively. You can engage your dog in games of fetch or interactive play sessions in the backyard.
