You’ll either find these dogs lying in the mud wasting time, chasing squirrels in their dreams, or immersed in their natural hunting instincts and always viewing their surroundings with the eyes of a seasoned hunter.
Often ignoring your commanding voice and forgetting the world around them to focus on the garden bursting with life, which reminds them of the untouched and unaltered wilderness where their ancestors ran wild and free.
Meet the rabbit killers, cat assassins, and ferret stalkers. Born with an uncontrollable desire to prey on small creatures. These dogs love following in the footsteps of their direct ancestors. Meet the hidden wolves in glamorous sheep’s clothing.
Dog Breeds That Demonstrate Incredible Prey Drive
1. Greyhound
The Greyhound has been the companion of Egyptian nobles and Greek gods. Revered for its hunting ability, the Greyhound has been gracing this planet since 2900 B.C. Depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and art, these elegant sighthounds are not just any other breed of dog.
Tall, graceful, and affable pups with incredible speed, the Greyhound’s heart is not only literally bigger, but it outperforms a thoroughbred racehorse. Deer, rabbits, and foxes don’t stand a chance against a fleet of these pups that stand as the world’s third-fastest animal.
Susceptible to winter chills and summer heat and sunburn, these dogs have a short coat that doesn’t protect them from harsh weather. You cannot take this ancient pup outdoors without a harness or leash because they naturally bound off and start chasing small animals. A force to be reckoned with on the racetrack but a huge couch potato at home.
Yes. You’d be shocked to know this, but if you are looking for a really loving and calm couch potato, then you should totally consider adopting this sweet long-legged floof. These pups love hanging out with the family; Greyhounds are also the most devoted pooches out there.
Peritas hurled himself at a huge war elephant, wounding it and making its rider lose control, just to protect its owner, Alexander the Great, helping him escape a precarious situation. Alexander ordered a state funeral for his faithful Fido and named a city after his brave Greyhound in gratitude.
2. Afghan Hound
This breathtakingly beautiful, supermodel of the dog world hails straight from the rough mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. Yes, this canine with glamorous locks is an ancient breed that has existed in the Afghan region for thousands of years. It is considered one of the basal breeds that has direct genetic links with wolves and from which all modern breeds have developed.
Born with the unparalleled capability to gallop at great speed and endure the region’s harsh and unforgiving climate. This hound, known as the Tazi by Afghans, was originally developed for hunting large game like gazelles and leopards and small game like hares, jackals, and rabbits; these Afghan Hounds are skilled at tracking and pursuit.
These dogs can have 270-degree viewpoint, compared to the normal 180-degree vision span of common dogs that makes them chase prey without losing sight of it. A double-edged sword with the looks of a glamorous model and the strength of a performance athlete.
Their beautiful and silky long coat is also functional because it protects them from the blistering heat of the desert, or the icy chills of the snow-covered Hindu Kush mountain range.
3. Saluki
Majestic, independent, and cat-like in demeanor, this royal dog of Egypt is yet another of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs. Held in high regard and mummified like the Pharaohs themselves, these Salukis have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and Sumerian Empire sites between 6000-7000 B.C.
Famous for their strength and endurance, the Saluki was used by the Arabs for tracking gazelles, while the English use this iconic beauty for hunting hares. Another sighthound with high energy levels, grace, and sass, Salukis rule the show rings and lure coursing events with their signature slender frames, feathered coats, and flowing locks on their ears; these dogs have a powerful aura.
Modern Dog Magazine notes that Arab nomads used to keep these hounds beside them in their tents. These pups prefer calm home environments. They are intelligent, independent-minded, and gentle dogs that are pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
But quite turbocharged in the energy department, hence you’ll need to invest a lot of time to get their physical and mental stimulation needs met.
These Salukis stay quiet indoors; they don’t bark without a reason and stay focused on the desert terrain when chasing fast-moving animals and running them down to kill or retrieve them. Affectionate towards their pack but reserved with strangers. This pup is protective and aids its owners in overcoming dangerous situations.
4. Pharaoh Hound
This pup is literally called the Kalb Tel Fenek, or Rabbit Dog. Sleek, sporty, and backed up with wit, this scent and sighthound is not directly related to Egypt but rather to the Island of Malta. Yes, this Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta and also one of the oldest domesticated breeds, dating back to 4000 BCE.
This medium-sized, lean, and muscular dog is covered in a short, glossy coat of tan or reddish-brown. Blessed with striking amber eyes and large erect ears, it is also built for speed and agility. But their best trait happens to be the pink blush that covers their ears and cheeks when they are excited or happy.
Much more playful and affectionate than the other breeds on this list. These cute and hardy dogs are also extremely rare; hence, if you own one, then you will be the only pharaoh family in the entire city. These pups are very vocal and will likely dash after critters in an instant. Hence, you’ll need a 6-foot fence at least to keep these pooches from finding an escape route.
They make great rabbit hunters, due to their nose work, endurance, and agility. Furthermore, bred to think and act independently, these puppies will not be an easy feat to train because a passing squirrel or bunny can easily derail your training sesh.
5. Irish Setter
This Irish pal, adorned with a luxurious flame-colored coat, is the most recognizable and friendly companion for an active family. Meet the sweet-tempered yet rambunctious hunting companion that excels in a variety of different jobs.
Originally developed to be an aristocratic gun dog that would cover the wide, flat countryside of Emerald Island, this mixture of English Setter, Spaniel, Pointers, and Gordon Setters is an incredible assistant for upland bird hunters. It locates game birds using its keen sense of smell and then it sets on its belly, crouching lower to the ground to indicate to its master of its precious find.
Once the hunter takes the shot, this red Irish Setter also retrieves the prey for its owners. Fun-loving and always beaming with a contagious happy spirit. This dog is a hit with families who have older children that constantly want to play with this setter. They even make great cuddle bugs and will join you on the sofa when you feel gloomy and disarrayed, and are blessed with a gorgeous smile and a confident demeanour.
These Setters like to be involved in all family activities, will ask you for a lot of daily exercise, but they have a slightly lower prey drive than other pooches. Yes, they love to go to places and will probably not settle down until the age of 3 or 4; hence, until then you’ll have to bear the perky puppy energy in a sizeable adult dog.
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Jumping over fallen trees and obstacles is an effortless way; muscles rippling and its strawberry red coat glistening in the sun, this pup is the MVP in this dog race. Always running ten steps ahead of everyone and appearing out of sight in a jiffy, but then returning just to make sure its family is okay. Meet the Rhodesian Ridgeback, the rarest hunting dog hailing from the southern regions of Africa.
Originally developed by the Boer farmers of the region who needed a hunting dog that could withstand brutally hot weather conditions, bush terrain, and work for long periods even when water and food are in short supply.
Also called the African Lion Hound, this pup is the descendant of a wild African dog called Hottentots that were used by the Khoikhoi or indigenous Khoisan people that are native to the area.
Born with a signature ridge of hair on its back, this short-coated hunter can flush small game, track and corner a lion, and is even used as a property guardian. These Rhodesian Ridgebacks are amiable despite their rough and tough jobs; these pups are simple all-around hounds. These intimidating pups have a strong prey drive and a hunter’s athleticism.
But they also make incredible family pets because of their cuddly, sensitive, and gentle disposition towards their family. Find them a place where they can run off-leash and utilize their hunting talents, and they’ll be forever faithful and kind towards you.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Originally developed in England in the mid 1800s to assist hounds in fox hunting, these parson Jack Russell Terriers are small only in size but never in cleverness, alertness, or boldness. Compact pooches with a nearly inexhaustible energy supply. These Terriers are a generally healthy breed that is also used by farmers to exterminate vermin.
These playful, stubborn, and energetic barkers are a challenging cocktail of a canine with a high prey drive. Difficult to handle for children or unsteady adults, this wanderer bolts at the sight of small animals and felines (cats).
PetMD says these hooligans need to expend a lot of energy, or their pent-up stamina can turn them into anxious and overexcited lawn mowers, diggers, or boisterous barkers. Only manageable with persistent training and early socialization that turns them into entertaining and confident buggers.
You’ll have to enrol these parson Jack Russell Terriers in dog sport competitions featuring agility, flyball, hiking, or nose work.
They make wonderful pets for an active human family, with kids. But just for safety purposes, it would be a good idea to install some sturdy fences around your house to keep these expressive dogs reined in.
Conclusion
All these dog breeds portray different dog behaviors, origins, histories, and have unique ways of expressing their prey drive. Hence, if you are a new dog owner, you must observe and identify what type of activities your pup loves, what floats its boat, and then, after dissecting its nature and drive, you can research what type of activities would make your puppy the happiest pooch on this earth.
Individual dogs learn at different rates; they have different preferences when it comes to chasing small pets, and even a different intensity of prey drive. Some like to fetch things; others possess speed and love to run wild and free. Hence, understanding them completely before teaching and applying certain training techniques is mandatory.
You’ll also have to practice your recall commands with these wandering escape artists because these dogs get easily distracted when they stroll beside you in the woods.
Furthermore, many dogs have a strong prey drive, and some other sporting, working, and herding breeds you need to be careful about are the Whippets, Siberian Huskies, Beagles, Australian Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Border Collies.
