Have you ever noticed how some dogs seem to have an unstoppable urge to chase anything that moves?
This instinct, known as a prey drive, is natural for certain breeds and can make them both exciting companions and a challenge for pet owners. From a squirrel darting across the yard to a bird taking flight, these dogs are wired to react and pursue, often before we even realize it.
Understanding which dogs have a high prey drive is essential, especially for families with other pets or those living in busy neighborhoods. Without early training and proper socialization, this instinct can lead to chasing cats, small animals, or even other dogs, turning casual walks into stressful experiences.
Yet, when channeled correctly, a strong prey drive becomes an advantage. It provides both mental and physical stimulation and can transform certain breeds into skilled working dogs, hunting companions, or even excellent guard dogs.
For pet owners, managing this instinct strengthens the bond between human and animal while keeping everyone safe.
Dog Breeds Ready to Chase – High Prey Drive List
1. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are high-strung working dogs with a natural instinct to herd and pursue.
Without proper mental and physical stimulation, they can become bored and even destructive, making them a handful for unprepared owners.
High Energy & Prey Drive
These dogs were originally bred to herd cattle, nipping at heels to guide the herd. That instinct doesn’t disappear in a household setting.
They may attempt to herd small children or chase small pets, so families must be cautious and proactive in managing their prey drive.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
Australian Cattle Dogs thrive on activity and challenges. Daily running, hiking, agility training, or interactive games are essential to keep them happy and healthy.
With consistent engagement, their strong instincts can be channeled positively, making them loyal, intelligent, and highly trainable companions.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are high-energy working dogs with a sharp mind and an unstoppable drive to herd.
Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, their intelligence and energy can turn into mischief, making them a handful for unprepared owners.
High Energy & Prey Drive
Border Collies were bred to herd livestock, and their instincts remain strong even in a family setting.
They excel at fast movements, agility games, and problem-solving activities.
If not given a job or task, these clever dogs may chew furniture or dig in the yard to burn off excess energy, as per PetMD.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
These dogs thrive on at least one to two hours of daily physical activity and engaging games.
From Frisbee and hiking to agility competitions, they need challenges that stimulate their mind and body.
With early socialization and consistent training, a Border Collie becomes a loyal, intelligent, and loving companion for active families.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are high-energy hunting dogs with a natural instinct to pursue anything that moves.
The breed can be initially difficult to train, especially because their strong prey drive makes them easily bored.
High Energy & Prey Drive
As per Britannica, originally bred for fox hunting in England, Jack Russells have an intense drive to chase, dig, and explore.
Their compact, agile bodies allow them to pursue and catch prey like small animals with speed and determination.
Even in a family home, they may try to chase other pets or small animals if not carefully supervised.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
These terriers thrive on several hours of daily activity, including long walks, agility courses, and interactive games.
By incorporating fun elements and treats, trainers can keep them engaged, turning their very high prey drive into eager and adept learning.
With consistent training and early socialization, Jack Russells become loyal, intelligent, and highly entertaining companions, while their strong prey drive is safely channeled, even though they may sometimes be noisy watchdogs.
4. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are sleek, intelligent, and athletic dogs with a natural instinct to chase and explore.
Without enough physical and mental stimulation, their high prey drive can make them restless and sometimes challenging for inexperienced owners.
High Energy & Prey Drive
Originally bred in Germany for hunting, Weimaraners possess an intense drive to pursue game.
Their streamlined bodies and strong legs make them exceptional runners and trackers.
As per AKC, even in a home setting, they may instinctively chase small prey like small animals, squirrels, or birds, requiring careful management to ensure safety.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
These high prey drive dogs thrive on daily vigorous exercise, such as running, hiking, or fetch, combined with mental challenges like agility or obedience training.
Early socialization and consistent, creative training help channel their instincts positively.
When engaged properly, they become loyal, affectionate, and intelligent companions, transforming their strong prey drive into productive energy and endless fun for active families.
5. American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers are athletic, strong, and intelligent dogs with a natural prey drive.
Without proper outlets, their energy can become mischievous, making early training and engagement essential for a happy household.
High Energy & Prey Drive
Originally bred as farm dogs in America, AmStaffs have retained their hunting and chasing instincts.
As per Hill’s Pet, their muscular build and nimble movements make them excellent pursuers of fast-moving animals.
Even in a family home, these instincts mean supervision is necessary around small pets and other dogs.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
This breed thrives on vigorous daily workouts, long runs, and interactive games like fetch or agility.
Mental challenges, such as obedience training or problem-solving activities, help channel their energy positively.
With consistent engagement, American Staffordshire Terriers grow into loyal, playful, and affectionate companions, whose chasing instincts become an exciting trait rather than a challenge.
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are athletic hounds with a natural instinct to pursue fast‑moving animals.
Their strong prey drive is rooted in centuries of hunting and tracking big game in Southern Africa, so active owners must understand this innate instinct before bringing one home.
High Energy & Prey Drive
Originally bred to track and hold large game, Ridgebacks still possess a vigorous prey drive that makes them likely to chase cats, squirrels, and other small animals.
Their alert, curious nature and powerful body mean they can cover ground quickly when their instincts kick in.
Without a proper outlet, this chase instinct can turn into persistent roaming or pursuit behaviors around your yard.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
Rhodesian Ridgebacks need daily vigorous exercise, such as long runs, hikes, or scent and tracking games, to keep their energy and prey‑focused instincts in check.
Early socialization and consistent positive training help them understand boundaries and reduce unwanted chasing behavior.
With the right engagement, Ridgebacks become loyal and courageous companions whose natural drive becomes a strength rather than a challenge.
7. Greyhound
Greyhounds are the ultimate sprinters, bred as sighthounds in Europe to spot and chase game.
As per Omlet, their slim, flexible bodies and long legs make them capable of reaching incredible speeds, turning their natural prey drive into breathtaking motion.
High Energy & Prey Drive
Originally developed for coursing game, Greyhounds retain a strong instinct to chase small animals like rabbits when outdoors.
While calm and relaxed at home, their sighthound nature emerges in open spaces, making supervision important.
Their prey drive means recall can be challenging if a fast-moving target catches their attention.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
Greyhounds thrive on short bursts of vigorous exercise, such as sprints in enclosed areas, along with mental stimulation to keep them engaged. At home, they are quiet, affectionate, and love lounging in soft, warm spots.
With consistent training and safe outlets for their chasing instinct, Greyhounds become graceful, loyal, and entertaining companions for active and patient owners.
Conclusion
Dogs with a high prey drive are fascinating, energetic, and intelligent companions.
From the herding instincts of Australian Cattle Dogs and Border Collies to the hunting prowess of Jack Russells, Weimaraners, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and the sighthound speed of Greyhounds, each breed brings unique energy and enthusiasm to a household.
Understanding their natural instincts helps owners provide the right outlets, including daily exercise, mental challenges, and consistent training.
While these dogs are full of life and excitement, they also require responsible ownership. Proper socialization, safe spaces, and engaging activities ensure that their chasing instincts are channeled positively.
When managed well, high-prey-drive dogs become loyal, playful, and highly entertaining members of the family, capable of forming deep bonds while safely expressing their natural behaviors.
Whether you are an active family, a dedicated trainer, or a lover of energetic companions, embracing a dog’s prey drive can transform their instinctive energy into a source of joy and fulfillment.
