A high prey drive in dogs basically means that these breeds tend to track, chase, catch, and pursue other animals more often than others from the canine world. These signs of prey drive have been developed and sharpened over generations to train dog breeds for herding and hunting.
If you’re an enthusiastic or seasonal hunter looking for pups with exceptional instincts to hunt animals, we have gathered 9 of the best dog breeds that will be the perfect match for you. Sometimes a high prey drive may be an issue, but with proper training, socialization, and physical and mental stimulation, their behavior can be controlled.
Read on to learn more about these prey-driven dogs, explore various traits that make them exceptional hunters, and ways you can fulfill their energy needs to keep them in control.
Dog Breeds Possessing a Significant Prey Drive
1. Greyhound
An ancient dog breed originally developed for hunting game animals, the Greyhound is known for its keen eyesight and great speed. They make wonderful pets for all types of individuals and homes as long as their needs are met properly.
Greyhounds are low maintenance, gentle, and love to cuddle with their owners at the end of the day. Being highly adaptable, they can adjust in various environments. They’re trainable and easy-going as long as they are handled with care and properly motivated, says Hill’s Pet.
Greyhounds are famous for their super speed and strong prey drive. They may be low-energy couch potatoes at home but are quite the opposite when outdoors. They have strong eyes and are highly responsive to movement, which makes walks a bit challenging in areas with squirrels and other small animals.
Leash control is important for pet parents to prevent any accidents.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are Anglo-Scottish canines that are usually kept as a sheep dog or as a companion for family members. They are a high-energy working dog breed and make an affectionate pet for active families.
Border Collies are workaholics but love to cuddle with their pet parents on the couch. Once these herding dogs are done with their tasks, they love nothing but to settle down on the couch beside their owners and relax. They are a high-prey-drive dog and have a lot of speed and agility.
They can control livestock, travel long distances, and also protect them from wolves.
Though they get along well with older individuals, these canines are not suitable for kids. They can chase anyone and anything, whether large or small animals. Border Collies don’t have any intention to hurt, but it’s their instincts to do so. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and obedience training are essential for these dogs.
3. German Shepherd
Large, agile, and muscular, German Shepherds are noble and intelligent, medium- to large-sized working dog breeds. They are obedient and loyal canines, which makes them popular pets for all people. They have an instinct to protect their loved ones and are truly devoted to them.
Being an active working dog breed, these canines require regular exercise along with solid training to help them be at their best behavior. Socialization and training as puppies are recommended for these canines so they grow up to be well-behaved and obedient canines that understand rules efficiently.
German Shepherds have high prey instincts. Now this has a pro and a con. Pro being a high prey drive helps them perform their tasks well and stay focused; on the other hand, it tends to make them chase, stalk, and capture anything and everything that is moving and small animals.
It’s in their genetics, but this behavior can be managed with mental stimulation.
4. Siberian Husky
Thickly coated compact sled dogs, Siberian Huskies are known for their endurance, friendly, and fastidious nature. They have a talkative personality and endless energy and thrive in active homes with experienced pet parents. Huskies are beautiful dogs that love people and have a zest for life.
They are loyal to their pet parents and form strong bonds with them. They love having fun and have the desire to stay by their owners’ side. These high prey drive dogs are a true threat for small animals. If Huskies get a chance, they will chase and kill small animals like lizards, birds, guinea pigs, squirrels, etc.
Because of their high prey drive, these canines can be difficult to take on a walk, especially off-leash. Siberian Huskies must be properly trained and provided adequate activity; otherwise, they may get bored. Boredom can turn into mischief quickly and can lead to unwanted behaviors.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
British Terriers of small size, Jack Russell Terriers are a bundle of energy, intelligence, and strong desire to work packed in a small body. These dogs remain the happiest when given a task to perform. These terriers are lively little dogs who love to run and chase small animals.
According to PDSA, Russell Terriers are little hunters at heart, and having small animals around them is not recommended if you own these babies. These canines must be socialized from a young age to ensure they get along with everyone.
They are active dogs and require regular physical activity every day to meet their energy needs and maintain good behavior. A minimum of one hour of exercise is essential, which can be divided into interactive play time and walks in securely fenced areas to prevent them from lunging and going after prey.
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great athletes with a lot of endurance and stamina. These canines were bred as hunting dogs to flush out and track large predators such as lions or wolves. They are muscular, powerful, and athletic, which is why active homes are suggested.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are highly intelligent and very active, which is why they require a person who can manage their hunting instincts and provide them with an outlet to fulfill energy needs. These canines require at least 45 minutes of exercise daily along with mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored.
These hunting dogs have guardian instincts and may act aloof around strangers. Because of their hunting history and strong ability to stalk, catch, and grab the prey with their mouth, they have exceptionally high prey drives. They might not be the best choice for a house with small animals, especially cats and even smaller kids.
7. Airedale Terrier
Known for being wartime heroes for their role in World War I, Airedale Terriers are the largest of the terrier breed and are also called the King of Terriers. They have a can-do attitude and are multi-talented, which makes them ideal for various roles and tasks.
These dogs are patient with kids and are truly devoted to their owners. They take their role as protectors very seriously and do not shy away from attacking when necessary. These terriers work hard but play harder, which makes them more suitable for older children as compared to small kids.
Being an exceptional hunting dog breed, these pups have strong instincts to chase smaller animals and lunge at them to catch them. Much suited for experienced owners as they can manage the prey drive in dogs much more efficiently. With early socialization, they may be tolerant of other dogs but not at all ideal to be around cats or small pets, says Orvis.
8. Afghan Hound
Easily distinguished by their thick, fine, and silky coat, Afghan Hounds were bred in the cold mountains of Afghanistan. They locally go by the name Sag-e-Tazi. They may look regal and elegant but have a silly streak which makes them the family clowns.
These high-prey-drive dogs are not just for show; they have exercise needs and need space to run freely and fast. Afghan Hounds are aloof around strangers but certainly get along well with their pet parents. They are great with children as well, but kids of all ages must be taught how to behave around these animals.
Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive, which makes them a little challenging to manage, especially off-leash when out for a walk. These highly intelligent dogs have an instinct to chase and hunt prey by sight and scent. They run and chase towards anything they think of as a possible prey, which is why they must not be around small pets, especially cats.
9. Saluki
Salukis, also known by the name Arabian or Persian Hounds, are exceptional hunting dogs that drive out prey by sight rather than scent. They are swift and agile pets that love to chase animals, but indoors, they make gentle and loyal pets. Salukis act aloof around strangers or tend to ignore them but are very close with their owners.
They make affectionate companions and always want to be around their owners. Salukis have an independent temperament, and they do best in homes without children. They prefer independent play and sprinting outdoors in the yard, so a big space is a must.
Being active high prey drive dogs, Salukis require at least 2 hours of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy, healthy, and focused. Their prey drive is so strong that it can make recall commands fail. Having a secure fenced area is a must so they don’t chase other dog breeds or small pets.
Conclusion
These dog breeds with significantly high prey drives are known for being highly intelligent, athletic, and having powerful instincts. These breeds were developed for various purposes like herding, hunting, tracking, etc., and stay happy when given a task to perform.
When indoors, they are calm, gentle, and well-behaved canines that love being around their owners and like spending time with them. When outdoors, they like to run around in the yard or go on long nature walks. These canines must never be left off-leash if not trained properly; otherwise, they may run off and chase whatever thing or animal they see moving.
Positive reinforcement training is recommended for these canines to manage their prey drive and prevent aggression, biting actions, or any other mishap.
