Prey drive in dogs is their natural desire to track, chase, and catch moving animals and objects. These traits once enabled them to excel as hunters, herders, or working dogs. It is important for the survival of any large wild carnivore.
For instance, wolves, the ancestors of domestic dogs, were born as predators. They rely on tracking, capturing, and killing prey in order to eat. Their strong prey drive results in positive traits like focus, intelligence, and athleticism.
On the other hand, it also presents some challenges for its owners. Dogs with high prey drive are loyal to their owners and have an eager-to-please nature. But their natural instincts and independent streak can make training a bit challenging.
Have a look at these 7 dog breeds born to track.
Dog Breeds Born to Track – High Prey Drive Explained
1. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are large and muscular dogs that were originally bred as nocturnal hunters. They used their exceptional sense of smell to track and hunt raccoons in rugged terrains. Having an excessively high prey drive, they instinctively chase running animals.
Their baying, bawling, and chopping sound is like the ‘music of the night’ to hunters, explains the American Kennel Club. Bluetick Coonhounds are active and athletic dogs, full of energy. They need lots of exercise every day for mental and physical enrichment.
These scent hounds also excel at a variety of canine sports, including agility and tracking. Like all dog breeds, Blueticks also require proper training and socialization starting from an early age to turn into well-mannered and loyal family dogs.
Neglect or boredom of dogs can develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing. They are not recommended as pets for first-time dog owners.
2. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are hardworking, eager to please, and intelligent dogs. These high prey drive dogs were bred to hunt independently. Using their strong noses, they track quarry for long distances. Walkers are runners, capable of covering a lot of ground in a hurry.
Their strong legs and powerful hindquarters enable them to cover maximum ground with minimum effort. After tracking the prey successfully, Treeing Walker Coonhounds use their howling bark to corner the quarry and inform their human companion.
PetMD describes them as active and playful hunting dogs who need at least moderate exercise every day to stay healthy and content. Treeing Walker Coonhounds enjoy activities like hiking and agility. They have a social personality.
Once exercised properly, they enjoy snuggling up with their favorite human. Walkers are smart, but have an independent streak as well, which can make training a bit challenging.
3. Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds are medium to large American hound dogs. Their muscular bodies, loud baying, and excellent sense of smell make them perfect hunting companions. Redbone Coonhounds are capable of tracking a scent trail several days old.
Being scent hounds, they sniff everything with great concentration and intensity. Thanks to their exceptional strength and incredible stamina, they are capable of working on all kinds of punishing terrains. With proper training and socialization, Redbone Coonhounds make devoted family dogs.
However, these prey-driven dogs are not suitable for multi-pet homes, as they may end up chasing cats or other pets in the house. These athletic and energetic dogs require plenty of exercise every day for mental and physical stimulation.
Redbond Coonhounds make ideal pets for active owners who enjoy activities like hiking, running, or biking.
4. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are high-energy working dogs with exceptional endurance. These intelligent dogs are known for their exceptional hunting style. GSPs track the game using their keen sense of smell and point and stay in its direction until the hunter arrives.
Thanks to their strong nose and intense focus, GSPs are frequently employed as search-and-rescue dogs. These active dogs require lots of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. At least two hours of daily activity would provide them with adequate enrichment.
With consistent training and early socialization, these athletic gundogs make excellent family companions. Orvis explains that they make reasonably good guard dogs. They are incredibly loyal to their humans and possess strong protective instincts.
Being one of the hunting breeds, GSPs have a strong prey drive. Homes with smaller animals, especially birds, may not be a good fit for them.
5. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are friendly, obedient, and fearless dogs. They were originally bred to assist hunters in tracking and capturing deer, bears, and wolves. Also known as ‘Weims’ or ‘Gray Ghosts,’ these versatile dogs thrive in the hunting field as well as cherished family members.
Their strong prey drive stems from their rich history as hunting dogs. Weimaraners are quite athletic and high-energy dogs. They are also very intelligent, so regular exercise and mental enrichment are musts. Proper training is also needed to turn them into well-behaved family companions.
Weimaraners have been known to open doors, unlatch gates, turn faucets on, and more. Potential pet parents should be a step ahead in understanding their Weimaraner’s next move.
Weimaraners are incredibly loyal dogs who form strong bonds with their owners. They can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Weims respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
6. American Foxhound
Closely related to English Foxhounds, American Foxhounds are easy-going, good-natured, and low-maintenance dogs. They were originally bred as perfect hunting dogs who could track foxes using their keen sense of smell.
These high prey drive dogs are known for their energetic personalities and incredible stamina. These traits enable them to navigate rugged terrains while following scent trails. American Foxhounds are ideal for dog owners who enjoy running or walking with a hound daily.
American Foxhounds are moderately vigilant and adaptable to different environments. They are intelligent and easygoing dogs who make excellent family dogs. However, American Foxhounds tend to have an independent streak. It makes them better suited for experienced handlers.
7. Plott Hound
Plott Hounds are extremely prey-driven dogs that should always be walked on leash. These alert, intelligent, and loyal dogs make excellent hunting companions. Plott Hounds were bred as scent hounds and have a natural instinct to stalk, capture, and prey.
Their medium-length ears and strong noses add to their tracking skills. Their well-muscled bodies and powerful legs also enable them to navigate through rugged terrains while on the hunt. Plott Hounds are relentless athletes. They require plenty of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
Plott Hounds are focused and determined dogs. Their hunting instincts must be satisfied to keep them in a good mood. Well-trained and properly socialized dogs have a friendly nature. They form strong bonds with their humans.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds are known for their strong prey and herding instincts. These dogs are usually bred as hunting dogs and have a natural desire to track and chase small animals. They make excellent hunting companions and are incredibly loyal to their owners.
These canines are usually incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their people. They are very intelligent and tend to obey commands. Considering their intense drive, these dogs should always be trained properly and kept on leash.
