Have you ever caught your dog stalking birds in the yard or trying to chase squirrels? That behavior comes from a dog’s natural prey drive, a sequence of instinctive actions that runs from stalking to chasing, grabbing, and killing.
This predatory sequence is proof that our pooches have held on to their natural instincts even after domestication. Some breeds, such as hunting dogs and herding dogs, show a stronger prey drive than others.
Some pet parents value a high prey drive, while others find it undesirable. Since it’s instinctive, you can manage it with early socialization and regular exercise, but you can’t switch it off entirely.
Here are 7 dog breeds with a remarkably strong prey drive.
Dog Breeds Displaying Remarkable Prey Drive
1. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are medium- to large-sized dogs loved for their rich chestnut or mahogany-colored coat. Originally bred as bird hunting dogs, they are friendly with children and other pets. However, these beautiful and versatile pooches have a high prey drive.
So, you need to supervise them around kids and smaller animals. They are highly affectionate to their family members and open to meeting new people wherever they go. Like other hunting breeds, Irish Setters also need plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
These energetic dogs enjoy activities that challenge their minds and bodies. They also excel at a variety of canine sports like agility training, obedience, and tracking, explains the American Kennel Club.
Their substantial bodies and sinewy legs enable them to easily conquer rugged terrain in pursuit of prey. Irish Setters are happy and eager to please dogs. Consistent training and early socialization are key to managing their prey drive.
2. Border Collie
Known for their utmost intelligence and high prey drive, Border Collies were originally bred as herding dogs. Their boundless energy and athleticism mean they require plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit.
At least two hours of daily activity is needed to fulfill their energy requirements. Dog sports like obedience, rally, tracking, and agility are a good way to channel their excess energy.
Border Collies thrive on having a job to do. Over the years, these dogs have retained their natural herding instincts. That is why they may end up chasing kids and small animals and often nip at their heels. Border Collies are affectionate with their family members, but are reserved towards strangers.
Having an eager-to-please nature, Border Collies pick up on new commands quickly and are highly trainable.
Their thick double coat not only gives them a striking appearance, but also protects them from harsh elements. Brushing the coat two to three times a week keeps their coat clean and free of mats, mentions PetMD.
3. Greyhound
One of the fastest dog breeds in the world, Greyhounds are loved for their surprisingly calm and gentle nature. These large hounds were originally bred as hunting dogs. As a result, they have a very high prey drive.
So don’t be surprised if your Greyhound instinctively ends up chasing squirrels, cats, birds, and other small animals. To manage their prey drive, always keep the dogs on leash when outside or in a securely fenced area.
Greyhounds are rarely aggressive and get along nicely with strangers. They thrive in peaceful homes where they are treated with kindness and love. Greyhounds are not hyperactive or overly energetic dogs. While they are excellent athletes, they can also be couch potatoes most of the day.
Requiring moderate daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation, Greyhounds do very well in small apartments. These smart dogs can learn new commands easily. Early training and socialization are important to turn Greyhounds into well-mannered family dogs.
4. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are loyal and affectionate hunting dogs with a distinctive coat and keen sense of smell. Originally bred to chase raccoons, these dogs have a very high prey drive. They can get along nicely with other dogs.
However, they see other household pets as their quarry and may end up chasing them. Bluetick Coonhounds are very high-energy dogs. They thrive on daily exercise, but also enjoy the time spent on their owner’s feet.
Bluetick Coonhounds excel at a variety of dog sports including field trips, hunting trials, agility, and tracking. Early training and socialization are important to manage their strong prey drive and turn them into well-mannered family dogs.
Blueticks are not suitable as pets for first-time dog owners. Considering their strong chasing instincts, keep these dogs on leash or in a securely fenced area.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Originally bred for hunting large game, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be instantly recognized by a ridge of hair growing on their back in an opposite direction to the rest of the coat. These muscular, powerful, and strong dogs are also referred to as ‘African Lion Hounds.’
Their rich historical background as big game hunters has resulted in a very high prey drive. So, it is important to keep them in a securely fenced area when off-leash. Rhodesian Ridgebacks need moderate daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
They enjoy participating in dog sports like agility and tracking. Rhodesian Ridgebacks form strong bonds with their humans and are very protective of them. This, combined with their natural wariness towards strangers, enables them to serve as excellent guard dogs.
Their strength and independent personality make them better suited for experienced owners. As with all breeds, Ridgebacks need proper training and early socialization for their humans.
6. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are fearless, friendly, and obedient dogs that were developed in the 19th century as hunting dogs. They are valued by hunters for their exceptional tracking ability, speed, courage, and durability. Like other breeds on our list, Weims also have a very high prey drive.
Weimaraners love being outside and may not make ideal apartment dogs. They need regular exercise to channel their energy. Consistent training and early socialization are also important. Their prey drive can make it difficult for them to thrive in multi-pet homes.
Weims are incredibly loyal to their family members and get along nicely with kids. Their high energy levels mean they are better suited for experienced handlers.
Do You Know? Weimaraners are natural athletes with lean and sleek bodies, built for endurance. Purina mentions that they are often referred to as ‘Gray Ghosts’ due to their signature grey-silver coats.
7. Basenji
The famous barkless dogs, Basenjis, are alert, energetic, and intelligent canines. These fastidious dogs are known for having feline traits. For instance, they groom themselves like cats using their paws and like to perch on higher places to observe their surroundings.
Originally bred in Africa as hunting dogs, Basenjis have a very high prey drive. Their high energy levels, keen sense of smell, and sharp instincts add to their skills as hunting dogs. These quick and agile dogs thrive on physical and mental stimulation.
Basenjis are very active and inquisitive dogs who excel at canine sports like lure coursing, tracking, obedience, and agility competitions. Early socialization and puppy training classes are a must, like all other dog breeds.
Conclusion
Various herding or hunting dogs are known for their remarkable prey drive. These canines have a natural instinct to chase moving objects, smaller animals, and tiny household pets. It makes them unsuitable for multi-pet homes.
Their prey drive cannot be completely turned off. However, it can be managed through proper training and early socialization. Regular exercise and mental stimulation also help challenge their minds and bodies. Lastly, these canines thrive on love and affection like all other furry friends.
