Your dog might be a “baby” to you, but it’s still from a family of animals with a history as predators. When it gets all alert at the sight or smell of a smaller animal and tries to run after it, it means your pup is actually a high-prey-drive dog.
If you’re wondering what this prey drive actually is, it’s a behavior dogs exhibit by chasing, biting, grabbing, and stalking their prey, according to Hill’s Pet.
Dog breeds are not the same when it comes to the level of prey drive they might have, and some individual dogs might have more of a tendency to exhibit this behavior, depending on the training and upbringing.
Many dog breeds were originally bred to hunt and retrieve game, which is why they still try catching prey at times. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your doggo is aggressive; aggression can stem from stimuli like fear, anger, and anxiety, etc.
Wondering how likely it is that your doggo will take a dash after some small creature outdoors? This review will guide you through 7 breeds with a sharp prey drive.
Dog Breeds Known for Their High Prey Drive
1. Greyhound
Greyhound is a sleek and agile breed famous for its ‘inverted S’ body and impressive running speed. This breed’s many traits point to its ability to grab its prey; it’s not only quick-footed, as a sighthound, but it can also spot and track its target fast.
Greyhounds are expected to have a high prey drive, but they’re also friendly dogs, which makes them completely worth it as pets. As these dogs were originally bred to hunt independently, training them takes starting early and being trained by an experienced doggo trainer. They are high-energy canines, which means they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation.
If you’re giving your Greyhound enough daily activity and enough space to stretch its legs, it will stay well-behaved indoors. They tend to be quite calm in temperament despite being somewhat aloof towards strangers, according to PetMD.
2. Saluki
Saluki is a gorgeous, lean dog breed with doe-eyes, a long snout, and hairy ears that make it stand out. This hound has a body built for chasing prey in the wild, but don’t let it dissuade you from adopting it if you are an experienced pet parent. Salukis are among the most loyal hound dogs, and despite their love for staying active, they enjoy cozying up indoors with their humans, according to WebMD.
Salukis are an ancient dog breed and have been called by names like the “Arabian Greyhound” and “Sloughis”. Images that look like Salukis have been seen depicted in ancient Iranian rock art and petroglyphs believed to be from around 8000 to 10000 B.C.
As hounds with sharp sight and agility, these doggos were used to hunt and can thrive in different types of climates. They need daily exercise; taking them on long walks on a leash and keeping them in a fenced yard will help keep them from chasing small animals.
Leave your Saluki under-stimulated and inactive at your own risk; these doggos have a tendency to become chewers or try to escape if they’re bored. Involving them with you in activities like hiking and dog sports like agility are great ways of burning off their excess energy.
3. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound is another quick-footed and independent hunting dog breed that can make a good pet for an experienced and active owner. This dog’s instinct to chase smaller animals can get triggered when it’s outdoors, so always keep them on a leash.
As fast runners with keen eyesight, Afghan Hounds have been used to track and hunt small game like rabbits. It’s only natural for these doggos to have retained these instincts, but this doesn’t mean they’re a lost cause. Like most dogs with a prey drive, they should be trained with consistency and exercised regularly.
These doggos tend to be reserved around strangers, and should be watched around children due to their prey drive. It’s better to keep them in a securely fenced area as they have a tendency to jump, though luckily, they’re not excessive barkers. If these pups have been given early socialization training, they can coexist well with other dogs at home.
4. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is one of the hunting dogs that make wonderful family dogs due to its obedient and friendly nature when it’s with its humans. This dog has a beautiful smooth coat that sheds a little but otherwise needs minimal grooming to stay healthy. Its athletic body is built for the pursuit of prey in the wild with agility and confidence.
Despite being a good family pet, the Weimaraner is a breed with a sharp prey drive, so be careful before adding it to a household with other dogs or smaller pets, like cats or birds. A well-socialized Weimaraner can live well with children, especially if it’s been trained as a puppy. Some supervision of their interaction with small kids is necessary, as they might accidentally knock a child.
These energetic dogs need to stay engaged in some mental or physical activity. As intelligent and enduring dogs, they make wonderful partners for camping, hunting, and hiking trips. As smart dogs, they learn to accomplish different tasks like opening doors and latches of gates. Make sure they don’t get too lonely or bored and plan an escape right under your nose.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African hunter breed known for its high stamina, athletic body, and a distinct ridge of hair across its back. Other than helping hunters, this breed has also left its mark as a fearless guard.
Ridgebacks are appropriate dogs for active owners who’d enjoy vigorous exercise and activities like trail running and jogging with their dogs. These dogs aren’t for the inexperienced owner, as these strong-willed and independent dogs need a patient and experienced hand to train them.
A well-trained Ridgeback can make a good family dog and coexist with children, but some monitoring is required. They bond strongly with their humans and have guarding instincts, which can make them wary of strangers.
If you have other pets at home who are smaller, like cats and rabbits, it’s better to be careful when adding a Rhodesian Ridgeback to the household due to this dog’s prey drive. Keeping these dogs in a fenced area and on leash when taking them on walks is important in controlling and managing their prey drive.
6. Pharaoh Hound
If you’re a fan of history and familiar with some Egyptian hieroglyphs, you might have seen some depictions of dogs. Pharaoh Hound is one of the ancient Egyptian breeds that might have been portrayed in those images. This dog has a sleek but regal appearance and is considered to have similarities with the Egyptian deity Anubis.
This dog has a striking appearance with its long legs, golden-red or chestnut colored smooth coat, long muzzle, and perky ears. It’s also been called “The blushing dog” due to its distinct ability to blush. This agile and enduring dog has been used as a sight hound in harsh terrains and has navigated nature independently in the pursuit of its prey.
Its background as a sharp-minded hunter might make you think it’ll be hard to manage, but you’ll be surprised at this dog’s friendly and sociable temperament. They make good family dogs, as long as they’re given a lot of physical and mental stimulation.
They’re very playful dogs and can make decent playmates for children. They love staying active with their humans, but also don’t mind some relaxed time inside the house. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere at home, this breed might not be for you, as they tend to be very vocal.
7. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a breed developed to be a fast runner and is one of the rare breeds. This is one of the most companionable dog breeds that gets along well with everyone at home, including children and other pets.
This breed is known for its pleading eyes and legs longer than its cousin breed, the English Foxhound. Since these doggos were bred for tracking and hunting, their prey drive needs early training to stay in control. To keep it well-behaved, the American Foxhound’s owner should give it enough daily exercise and play sessions to prevent boredom-driven destructive habits.
Their temperament can feel like a paradox; they are loving and easygoing, yet can also be stubborn dogs who need consistent training. If they are getting as much physical activity as they desire, American Foxhounds can make calm pets indoors as well. Other than hiking and long walks, they will enjoy participating in dog sports like tracking, rallying, and lure coursing.
Conclusion
These high prey drive dogs can feel intimidating as companions, but all these doggos need is an experienced owner and appropriate training and management.
If your doggo is reacting to other animals by chasing them or trying to pounce at them, you’ll need to rethink your strategies to manage their prey drive.
Leash training is always a great way of keeping your dog in check and keeping them from running after animals like squirrels and rabbits, etc.
