If you’ve ever walked into your backyard to find a large hole where your flowers used to be, you are not alone. Certain breeds just love digging. They dig because it feels natural. It’s how they stay busy. It’s how they search for prey, cool down, or just have fun with their favorite toy.
In this blog, we will take a look at the top 9 breeds that are truly bred to dig. We will also explain why they dig and how you can help them enjoy this natural habit in healthy ways.
Dog Breeds That Love Digging
1. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog breed from England. It stands around 10 to 12 inches tall and weighs around 9 to 15 pounds. This tiny pup was originally bred to hunt foxes and other small animals. That’s why it has sharp instincts and tons of energy.
These terriers are full of life. One thing they really love? Digging. This breed is known for its digging skills. It can tear up your yard in minutes. This is especially true if it smells something underground. Their prey drive is so strong that they will keep digging until they think they’ve found what they were looking for.
These pooches need lots of attention and exercise to stay calm. Without that, they will find their own fun, like making a large hole in your lawn.
2. Dachshund
The Dachshund is a hound and terrier breed developed in Germany. Britannica states that their name means “badger dog” in German. They were originally bred to hunt rabbits, badgers, and other critters that hide underground. They can easily slip into tunnels with their long bodies and short legs.
Dachshunds are well known for their strong digging habit. They can dig a large hole in no time. It’s part of their instinct. If they get bored, they might start digging just to stay busy. They are also a bit stubborn, so training can take patience.
The best thing to do? Give them a safe digging spot. Let them use their strong paws in the right place. That way, your backyard stays safe and your pup stays happy.
3. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a strong and active northern breed. It originated in Siberia and was originally bred by the Chukchi people over 4000 years ago. These dogs helped pull sleds, hunt, and keep families warm in the snow.
Siberian Huskies are known for their love of digging. If a Husky feels bored or has too much energy, they might dig a large hole just for fun! They’ll dig to find cool ground or chase after a critter. These are smart dogs and love a challenge. That’s why it is important to give them enough exercise and other activities to stay busy.
To stop unwanted digging, give your Husky toys, space to run, and a safe digging spot in your yard. That way, their digging skills stay under control and your lawn stays safe.
4. Beagle
The Beagle has been around since 55 B.C, but the modern Beagle began to take shape in the 1500s. These dogs were bred to hunt in packs and were often used to track rabbits, hares, and other small prey.
PDSA states that the Beagles have one of the best-smelling senses. They are often used in airports and even to detect bedbugs. This means they follow smells wherever they go, even in the dirt. If they catch a scent in your garden, they will start digging fast and won’t stop until they find what they are after. It’s a natural instinctual behavior that comes from their hunting past.
These dogs also dig for fun. Some might dig in the yard to chase rodents, while others may scratch at your bed to make a cozy spot. If you have one, give them plenty of sniff time and maybe a safe digging spot where they can use their paws.
5. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a small but tough dog breed from the border of England and Scotland. It was originally bred to help farmers and hunters hunt foxes that threatened livestock. They were literally livestock guardians!
That strong instinct is still in them today. Border Terriers are full of energy and love staying busy. If they sense a critter underground, they will start digging right away, and they won’t stop until they are satisfied.
Their sharp nose and strong prey drive make them great hunters, but it also means they can turn your yard into a digging zone. To keep them occupied, give them agility training, brain games, and a safe digging spot. It helps them burn energy without ruining your garden.
6. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, or “Westie”, is a small dog breed from the West Highlands of Scotland. These little terriers were originally bred to control rats and other vermin that ruined crops and carried disease.
Westies are bold and full of energy. They love digging like many terriers. It’s part of their hunting instinct. If they smell something under the ground, they will start digging right away. Even if there’s nothing there, they will just dig for fun.
These dogs can be a little stubborn, too. Once a Westie wants to dig, it’s hard to stop them. They’ll dig in soft dirt, chase after critters, or look for a cool spot to rest. If you have one in your home, it’s best to give them their own digging spot in the yard.
7. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large northern breed from Alaska. The American Kennel Club says that Mals have powerful shoulders, a deep chest, and heavy bone, which all suggest their origin as an arctic sled dog.
Just like the Siberian Husky, they are known for their deep digging habits. They used to dig snow dens to stay warm in cold places. In the summer, they dug to find a cool spot. That natural instinct is still strong today.
If a Malamute gets bored, it will dig out of habit. They need daily exercise, fun activities, and space to play. That’s the best way to keep their digging under control and your lawn safe.
8. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed from Germany. It was bred in the 1500s when farmers made the larger Standard Schanauzer smaller to help with catching rats and other vermin.
Miniature Schnauzers have strong digging skills. Their job in the past was to dig into burrows and find hidden critters. That same instinct is still with them today. If they smell something underground, they’ll start digging fast and keep going until they think they’ve found something.
If you own one, be ready for digging in your yard or even inside your home. To manage this habit, give them exercise, toys, and safe places to explore. That helps your pup stay happy.
9. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest dog breeds. Hill’s Pet states that they may have existed as long ago as the 16th century and helped control vermin on the Isle of Skye.
Cairn Terriers have a strong prey drive and sharp instincts. If they sense something under the ground, they will start digging immediately. These dogs also love to make tunnels and burrow in the dirt.
Even if there’s no critter around, a Cairn Terrier might dig just for fun. The best way to handle this? Give them a safe digging spot, fun toys, and daily exercise. It keeps your pup happy and your garden neat and clean.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds were simply bred to chase prey and dig holes. It’s not bad behavior. It’s just part of who they are. Whether your pup is hunting for prey, making a cool spot, or playing with a favourite toy, digging comes from their natural instinct. Instead of stopping it, guide it.
Give them a safe area to dig, keep them active, and spend time playing with them. A busy and happy dog will be less likely to wreck your yard. Just remember: these pooches love you and just want to stay busy. Let them dig, but in the right place.
