Throughout history, humans have selectively bred dogs for a variety of purposes, from companionship to work. Among these, certain breeds were specifically developed for the chase, honing their instincts to pursue and capture game.
These dogs possess remarkable speed, endurance, and keen senses, making them indispensable partners in hunting.
Breeds bred for the chase often exhibit a high prey drive and unwavering focus. Their physical attributes, such as lean bodies, strong legs, and sharp eyesight or scenting ability, are all tailored to track, pursue, and corner their quarry efficiently.
Today, many of these breeds are celebrated not just for hunting but also for agility, tracking, and even search-and-rescue work. Their energy, intelligence, and dedication make them loving family pets and enduring symbols of human-animal cooperation.
Dog Breeds Bred For The Chase
1. Afghan Hound
Elegance on Four Legs
The Afghan Hound is a vision of grace, combining aristocratic poise with a playful streak. Beneath its long, silky coat lies a muscular, agile hunter built for stamina. Originating in Afghanistan’s rugged mountains, this breed relied on speed and keen eyesight to pursue game across challenging terrain.
A Legacy of Speed and Status
Regarded as one of the oldest purebred dogs, Afghan Hounds have served as hunting partners and symbols of nobility for centuries. Introduced to Europe in the late 1800s and later to America, they gained fame both in the show ring and as elite companions, as per WebMD.
Grooming, Energy, and Hunting Spirit
The Afghan’s flowing coat demands daily attention, with regular brushing and professional grooming to maintain its elegance. Highly athletic, they need at least an hour of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Activities like running, lure coursing, or chasing games tap into their natural prey drive.
Masterful Chasers: Afghan Hound Traits
Exceptional eyesight for spotting distant prey.
Lightning-fast acceleration and top speed.
Endurance for long hunts across rough terrain.
Independent thinking for tactical pursuit.
Strong prey drive, especially for small dogs.
2. Greyhound
Sleek Speedsters with a Noble Past
Greyhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds, tracing back over 8,000 years to ancient Egyptian artifacts. These dogs are built for speed, with narrow heads, deep chests, long, muscular hindquarters, and a slim, tapering tail.
Capable of sprinting up to 45 miles per hour, Greyhounds were bred to chase hares, deer, foxes, and other small game.
Grooming and Care: Minimal Fuss, Maximum Comfort
Despite their athletic build, Greyhounds have short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including white, fawn, red, gray, and brindle, as per the AKC. Regular dental care is also important, as Greyhounds are prone to plaque accumulation.
Exercise & Personality: Short Bursts, Long Lounges
Greyhounds are sprinters, not marathon runners—they need just a few minutes of high-speed running each day, supplemented by leash walks. Despite their racing background, Greyhounds are surprisingly calm and gentle, often spending the majority of the day napping.
Chasing Instincts: Built for the Pursuit
Incredible eyesight designed to spot movement from a distance
Can reach top speeds of 40–45 mph in short bursts
Highly driven by prey, naturally chasing small animals
Enjoy games involving running, but may not retrieve objects
Excel in coursing, agility, and other chase-oriented dog sports
3. Border Collie
Herding Heritage and Agile Minds
Border Collies are legendary for their intelligence and athleticism, originally bred along the border of England and Scotland to herd sheep. These medium-sized dogs are alert, agile, and highly driven, excelling at both work and play.
Coat Care and Grooming: Practical Maintenance
Border Collies have either a smooth or rough medium-length double coat, with a coarse outer layer and soft undercoat. Their grooming needs are moderate: regular brushing a few times a week keeps the coat tangle-free and healthy, while baths are needed only occasionally.
Energy and Exercise: Endless Enthusiasm
These dogs are high-octane athletes who require at least two hours of exercise daily, preferably spread across walks, off-leash play, and mentally stimulating activities. Border Collies thrive on puzzle games, agility courses, Frisbee, and herding exercises that challenge both mind and body.
Chasing & Herding Instincts
Exceptional agility and quick reflexes for herding and chasing
High prey drive, naturally drawn to moving targets
Excel in agility, Frisbee, and other chase-based dog sports
Require secure areas for off-leash running and play
Mental stimulation enhances their focus and reduces excessive barking
4. German Shepherd
Noble Guardians with a Rich Heritage
German Shepherds are large, agile dogs known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. They descend from German herding dogs refined in the late 19th century by Captain Max von Stephanitz.
Originally bred for herding sheep, their speed, stamina, and strong instincts made them ideal for police and military work.
Coat and Care: Maintaining Strength and Shine
German Shepherds have a dense double coat with a soft undercoat and a rough, straight outer coat. They shed heavily, so brushing several times a week is essential to keep the coat healthy. Regular grooming also helps pet owners monitor for skin issues or joint concerns common in this large breed.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation: Built for Action
German Shepherds are highly energetic and need at least one to two hours of daily exercise to stay balanced. These police dogs thrive on running, hiking, and mentally challenging games that engage their herding instincts. Without sufficient activity, they may develop destructive habits or restlessness.
Chasing & Herding Instincts
Exceptional agility and speed for chasing and herding
High prey drive, prone to pursue small pets if unsupervised
Excel in protection, police, and search-and-rescue work
Strong work ethic combined with intelligence and obedience
Require secure areas for safe off-leash activity and exercise
5. Saluki
Royal Hunters of Ancient Sands
Salukis are graceful, athletic sighthounds with long, slender legs and a streamlined, greyhound-like build. Prized in ancient Egypt, they were often mummified and depicted alongside pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, as per Purina.
Grooming and Care: Minimal Yet Mindful
Salukis have soft, smooth coats, sometimes with feathering on the ears, legs, and throat. Feathered varieties need brushing a couple of times a week to prevent mats, and long ears may require snoods during meals. They are naturally thin and can be picky eaters, so careful diet monitoring is essential.
Exercise & Lifestyle: Lounging Meets Lightning
Despite their calm, ethereal presence at home, Salukis live to chase. They require at least one vigorous run daily to stay healthy and happy, but they are content lounging the rest of the day. A soft bed and warm environment keep them comfortable, balancing their bursts of intense athleticism.
Chasing Prowess: Built for Speed
Exceptional endurance and speed for hunting prey over long distances
Strong sight-hunting instincts, tracking movement from afar
Expert at chasing hares, gazelles, and other fast game
Thrive in open spaces that allow uninterrupted sprints
Loyal yet independent hunters, prioritizing the chase over obedience
6. Whippet
Small but Lightning-Fast
Whippets are sleek, medium-sized sighthounds, often called the “Poor Man’s Racehorse” for their speed and affordability. Despite their athleticism, Whippets are gentle, amiable dogs who enjoy lounging for hours between bursts of intense running, as per PDSA.
Heritage of the Miners and Racers
The Whippet originated in Victorian England when coal miners bred small Greyhound-like dogs for rabbit hunting and racing. By the late 19th century, Whippets were brought to New England by textile workers and quickly gained popularity in America.
Grooming and Daily Life
Whippets have a short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain, with minimal shedding and low grooming needs. Regular exercise, especially in a fenced area, is essential to satisfy their energetic bursts.
While highly trainable, Whippets retain an independent streak during their sprinting sessions, reflecting their heritage as sight-driven hunters.
Chasing Instincts: Born to Run
Exceptional sprinting speed, up to 35 miles per hour
Strong prey drive, chasing rabbits and small game instinctively
Excel in lure coursing and racing events
Thrive with fenced yards or secure running areas
Independent hunters who balance speed with calm, gentle companionship
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Grooming and Appearance
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a striking sight with their signature ridge of hair running along their backs. Their coat, short and sleek, comes in shades ranging from pale wheaten to deep red, requiring minimal grooming to stay pristine.
Historical Roots and Legacy
This breed’s story begins in southern Africa, where Boer farmers crossed European dogs with the ridged Khoikhoi hounds. Bred to hunt lions and protect families, they earned the nickname “African Lion Hound.” By the 19th century, they were famed for their hunting prowess and loyalty, as per Britannica.
Exercise and Lifestyle Needs
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are athletic and energetic, thriving on daily exercise that includes running, hiking, or engaging in dog sports. Without adequate physical activity, their high prey drive can lead to mischief or boredom. While they enjoy indoor companionship, a secure fenced yard is essential.
Chasing Prowess: Quick as a Flash
Exceptional speed and endurance, capable of keeping pace with fast prey
High prey drive makes them instinctive trackers of small and large game
Skillful in stalking and baying lions without confrontation
An agile and muscular build allows for long-distance pursuits
Intuitive hunters who combine strategy with raw athleticism
Conclusion
Dog breeds bred for the chase are remarkable examples of high prey drive dogs, excelling at pursuing game, catching prey, and interacting with small animals. Hunting dogs and gun dogs alike thrive when given mental stimulation and proper training, making them suitable companions for active families.
Many of these hunting breeds, bird dogs, and scent hounds demonstrate a fearless nature and strong prey drive, allowing them to hunt foxes, deer, or even mountain lions.
Certain dogs, like fast-moving animals or high-energy large dogs, thrive in active environments, while other pets enjoy apartment living with proper exercise.
These great dogs are not only skilled in chasing small prey but also make excellent family pets and great guard dogs due to their protective nature.
Overall, early socialization and consistent training ensure that these beautiful dogs, whether floppy-eared terrier breeds or giant breeds, grow into good family dogs and fearless companions.
