There are dogs with high and low prey drives, but none of them is good or bad. Choosing the right breed according to your task and lifestyle makes the difference.
Dogs with high prey drives are not disobedient or flawed, but it’s their natural survival instinct to track, chase, and catch moving animals.
These dogs were bred to do exactly that, though the way that drive manifests varies significantly depending on their working history. These high prey drive dogs are perfect for hunting and other competitive sports if you channel their energy the right way.
Therefore, we have shared the best seven high prey drive breeds in this guide along with the ways to manage their drives.
These dogs are not ideal for first-time owners due to their independent and stubborn nature. We will also learn about the type of owners they need, their training, grooming, exercise, and temperament, and more.
Best Dog Breeds – Understanding Prey Drive Levels
1. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are affectionate, friendly, and fiercely determined dogs with high prey drive and a laid-back demeanor. They are relentless, single-minded, and exceptional tracking dogs that were originally bred to track and tree raccoons, opossums, and other large game animals in rugged terrain.
These large Hounds can track scent trails over miles, and owners can also channel their energy to other tasks. These include competitive tracking trials, mentrailing, and nosework games. Blueticks are highly intelligent but can get easily distracted. They require positive reinforcement training methods to train.
These hunting dogs have high energy levels. They demand plenty of intense exercise for mental stimulation. These Coonhounds also have a short average shedding coat that requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep the coat clean.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are dignified, loyal, and even-tempered guardians with strong instincts and drives. They possess an independent and discerning mind. RRBs are naturally aloof with strangers and have a confident demeanor. They were bred for hunting big game like lions for their agility and endurance.
These large working dogs have extremely high prey drive, so they spot, chase, and capture fast-moving things. They are perfect for tracking, lure coursing, tracking trails, and rigorous obedience. RRBs are highly intelligent but possess a stubborn nature, so strong recall training is important to manage them.
These Hounds have high stamina and require around 60-90 minutes of exercise for mental stimulation. They are generally best for experienced and active owners who can meet their energy needs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a short, glossy coat with a backward-growing ridge, as the AKC shared.
3. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are also known as ‘Gray Ghosts’ due to their striking coat colors. They are affectionate, high-energy dogs but famous for their athletic frame, agility, and durability. Weimaraners were bred as elite all-purpose hunting dogs for wild boar, deer, wolves, and small game like rabbits.
These large dogs have high prey drive and strong instincts to track, sport, chase, and flush animals. You can channel their drive into dock diving, agility, competitive scent games, and obedience trails. Weimaraners have immense stamina, strength, courage, and predatory aggression.
These long-legged breeds require very active and experienced owners who can meet their energy levels and manage the dog’s behavior. In addition, their short coat sheds low to moderately and requires quick weekly brushing to remove dead hair, along with regular ear cleaning to prevent moisture buildup.
4. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are famously affectionate, high-spirited, and outgoing dogs known for their joyful and clownish personality. These working dogs were bred as elite gundogs to locate upland game birds, set (crouch low) to indicate their location, and later retrieve downed game.
Their instinctual behavior, incredible speed, endurance, fearless nature, and keen sense make them perfect for many other tasks. You can channel the high drive of Irish Setters into agility, competitive obedience, and advanced tracking sports. They are highly intelligent and eager to please dogs.
However, they have a sensitive nature. These Setters respond well to patient and fun training sessions. These energetic dogs also require long training lines, secure fencing, and structured recall games to manage their urge to chase wildlife.
5. Border Collie
Border Collies are the smartest dog breed with an intently loyal, work-oriented, and alert nature. They possess a sensitive and hyper-vigilant nature, which makes them perfect watchdogs, though they were bred to herd and manage sheep over vast, challenging hills and moorlands.
They were built for incredible stamina, speed, and agility, as per Pedigree. Border Collies have high prey drive, though their ‘kill’ phase has been selectively bred out, but they still have that eye. You can channel into agility, flyball, puzzle training, and dog competitions.
These Collies require structured impulse control training. They usually do best with experienced owners who can meet their hyperactive energy levels. Border Collies require around 2 hours of exercise daily. These working dogs have rough (medium-length) and short smooth coat types.
6. Greyhound
Greyhounds are gentle, quiet, noble, and surprisingly affectionate companion dogs. They are also known as 45 mph couch potatoes indoors and spend most of their time lounging once their energy needs are met. These dogs were bred to hunt swift game such as hares and gazelles with their sprinting speed.
These sighthounds have strong drive and instinctual responses. They start chasing anything that moves swiftly, and you can successfully channel this drive into straight racing, FastCAT (sprint racing), and agility trails so they can stretch their long legs. Greyhounds are intelligent but also independent and strong-willed.
They require proper training and early socialization from calm and patient handlers. These Hounds require a couple of good walks and the chance to stretch their legs in a secure space. They have a very low-maintenance short coat that does not shed much and requires weekly brushing.
7. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are outgoing, energetic, mischievous, and independent dogs with a playful, friendly, and free-spirited demeanor. They are famously affectionate and gentle with people but make terrible guard dogs because they love everyone. They are also known for their talkative nature, as PetMD shared.
They were bred to pull heavy loads across vast distances. Their original purpose required endurance, energy, and the ability to make independent survival decisions, including hunting and feeding themselves when food supplies run low. So Huskies have high drive, and they view small animals as potential prey.
These medium-sized dogs are notoriously stubborn and require experienced pet owners. They also have extremely high exercise needs; otherwise, they may find an escape route, dig craters, and cause other frustrations. Their thick coat sheds heavily throughout the year and requires regular brushing.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned seven dog breeds have strong prey drive due to their hunting, herding, or other backgrounds. You can channel their drive to get your work done if you are a hunter, farm owner, or adventurer.
These dog breeds differ in their training, exercise, and temperament, so make sure to read the details, especially about managing them.
