Dogs exhibit an instinct to stalk, chase, and catch. Prey drive is a natural sequence of such instinctive behaviors: orienting, stalking, chasing, grabbing, and, in some cases, killing prey. However, domestic dogs do not usually kill.
Having wolves as their ancestors, all dog breeds possess some level of prey drive. Many dogs with high prey drive exhibit only parts of this sequence. For instance, herding breeds engage in an exaggerated version of stalking to move sheep along.
Dogs belonging to the Sporting group, Terrier group, and Hound group are high prey drive dogs. You can control this behavior to some extent with proper training and socialization, but you cannot overcome it completely.
Here are the 7 best dog breeds displaying a high prey drive.
Best Dog Breeds Displaying a High Prey Drive
1. Bluetick Coonhound
One of the best tracking dogs, the Bluetick Coonhounds were originally bred in the United States. These sweet and affectionate canines are relentless, bold, muscular, and powerful. This hunting breed can be easily recognized by its floppy ears and glossy coat, having a mottled black-and-blue pattern.
According to the American Kennel Club, Bluetick Coonhounds have tremendous prey drive. Neglected or underemployed Blueticks can develop behavioral problems like serenading neighbors with loud and mournful music.
Bluetick Coonhounds benefit from plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. However, they also like to spend some time snoozing at their owners’ feet. Their high endurance and strength also enable them to excel at a variety of dog sports like agility and tracking.
Early socialization and reward-based training help turn them into well-behaved canines. Being high prey drive dogs, they are highly unsuitable for multipet households.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are instantly recognizable by a ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat. They were bred specifically for hunting lions in Africa and are still high prey drive dogs. Their endurance, strength, and stamina are reflective of their rich history.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are powerful athletes, too much to handle for a first-time owner. These alert and strong-willed dogs need proper training and lots of socialization to turn into well-behaved pets. They need a moderate amount of exercise every day to stay fit.
Ridgebacks also love taking part in games that challenge their minds and bodies, such as tracking and agility. They should always be in a safely enclosed area when off-leash.
Fun Fact: These curious and athletic dogs love stealing food from countertops. To avoid these behaviors, proper training is a must.
These devoted companions need to live indoors with their human family. Rhodesian Ridgebacks may not be the best fit for homes with smaller pets like cats.
3. Weimaraner
Thanks to their history as hunting dogs, Weimaraners have a strong instinct to chase. Their high prey drive means they are likely to chase or injure small animals like cats, rodents, and small dogs. However, they may do well with other dogs if socialized well from an early age.
Without proper socialization, they can become dominant, destructive, and even aggressive. Weimaraners are friendly and social dogs with an alert and obedient disposition, explains Orvis. Howeverm their intelligence, combined with a bold and headstrong nature demand an experienced handler.
Due to their watchful nature, Weimaraners also have a long history of guarding homes. These athletic dogs have high energy levels. They need an ample amount of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
Weimaraners are dogs with high endurance. They make excellent hiking and running companions. Their stamina means they can keep going tirelessly for hours.
4. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are friendly and affectionate dogs who make ideal family dogs with proper training sessions. They were originally bred as rugged and bold hunting partners. Their high prey drive may cause them to chase smaller animals like cats.
Irish Setters are big and energetic dogs that can be easily recognized by their mahogany or chestnut colored coats. They need plenty of regular exercise every day for physical and mental enrichment. You can provide that in the form of long daily walks and play sessions.
Irish Setters need lots of space to move around, so they do not do well in apartments. Belonging to the Sporting group, the Irish Setter is an intelligent breed that can be trained easily. They also enjoy taking part in canine sports like agility, obedience, rally, and tracking.
These canines have a strong drive to work and please their owners. You can easily train your Irish Setter using fun-based, consistent training.
5. Border Collie
Border Collie is a medium-sized herding dog that outsmarts all other dog breeds. Their strong herding instincts and high prey drive urge them to chase and herd every moving object, and even small animals and children.
This behavior can be trained out of them by a strong leader. They are highly intelligent and highly trainable dogs who make agility superstars. PetMD mentions that Border Collies need at least two hours of exercise every day for physical and mental enrichment.
However, senior Collies need only half an hour of daily exercise if they start developing mobility issues such as arthritis. This working breed thrives on having a job to do and can work tirelessly for hours. Border Collies are loyal and affectionate to their humans.
It is generally a hardy and healthy breed, but can develop issues like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy.
6. Greyhound
Known for their speed, Greyhounds were originally bred for hunting. Apart from having excellent sight, they also have a high prey drive. Despite being high prey drive dogs, they do well with other dogs when socialized from an early age.
Greyhounds are gentle and sweet-natured sprinters. Once exercised properly, they are perfectly happy to lounge around the house all day. Greyhounds were bred to course independently, making decisions of their own.
They are not a good option for homes with smaller pets such as bunnies, hamsters, cats, or guinea pigs. Greyhounds are affectionate with their humans but can be aloof towards strangers. Keep your Greyhound on a leash when taking it out for walks.
Greyhounds have a sensitive personality, so they require gentle training. Remember, they are more interested in doing things ‘with’ you rather than ‘for’ you.
7. Basenji
Famous for their yodel-like sound and fastidious nature, Basenjis were initially bred as hunting dogs. Their rich hunting history means they have a high prey drive. That is why they never miss a chance to chase small animals, such as squirrels.
This ancient dog breed is very intelligent and thrives on physical challenges and mental enrichment. Basenjis need plenty of exercise, including play time and long walks. Their curious nature, strong sense of smell, and prey drive mean they should be kept on leash when outside.
Basenjis enjoy and excel at a variety of dog sports, including tracking, lure coursing, obedience, and agility competitions. They may have an independent streak, but can be trained using consistent, positive reinforcement-based training.
Conclusion
Several herding and hunting dog breeds possess high prey drive. They have an instinct to chase every moving object, small animals, and even children. That is why they are highly unsuitable for multi-pet households and homes with little kids.
Such canines are usually very energetic and athletic. They need plenty of regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit. Like all other breeds, these pooches also turn into well-behaved pets with proper training and socialization.
