Pups having a high prey drive can’t contain their excitement at the sight of even a small critter. A dog’s prey drive is largely dependent on its breed and genetics. Such instincts are innate and very hard to suppress.
When their instinctual needs are not met, they may become destructive and may exhibit behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or lunging. Structured training and enrichment can help overcome such behaviors.
Dogs having a high prey drive tend to track scents around them, stalk and approach their target, and then kill it. However, domestic dogs are well-trained and properly socialized, so they do not ‘kill.’ Usually, dog breeds with hunting or herding backgrounds have a strong prey drive.
Have a look at these 7 dog breeds with high prey drive.
Dog Breeds with High Prey Drive – A Complete Guide
1. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are loyal and intelligent dogs who were originally bred as gun dogs. Due to their rich history as hunters, they have an instinct to chase fast-moving objects like birds, squirrels, cats, and even small children.
However, if they are raised among smaller dogs and cats, they will view them as family and not as prey. Their beautiful red or mahogany coats require moderate grooming, but they need lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Irish Setters do not do well in apartments as they need a lot of space to move around. These rambunctious redheads are big kids at heart, as per the American Kennel Club. They have an eager-to-please nature and respond best to patient and positive training.
Having a sensitive nature, Irish Setters make natural assistance and therapy dogs. They excel in various canine sports like agility, dock diving, tracking, and flyball.
2. Border Collie
Originally bred as herding dogs, Border Collies are the smartest dogs in the world. These sensitive dogs have a high prey drive due to their natural herding instincts. Their high intelligence, easy trainability, and athleticism make them an ideal breed for a variety of dog sports.
Border Collies are highly energetic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. These loving dogs form strong bonds with their humans and make wonderful family pets. However, they may try to herd small animals or children at home.
This behavior can be overcome with proper training and socialization. Allowing them to learn with other dogs can be a great way help them release their energy. Border Collies thrive on having a job to do and excel in many canine sports, including tracking, agility, rally, and obedience.
Border Collies exhibit an affectionate nature towards their owners, but tend to be reserved around strangers.
3. Greyhound
Greyhounds are gentle and loving dogs with a sweet temperament. Their high prey drive is attributed to their hunting history. Their historical background is also strongly reflected in their high speed and excellent sense of sight.
They never miss a chance to chase a tennis ball or a coursing lure. Greyhounds need regular exercise for mental and physical stimulation. They should only be allowed to run off-leash in a fenced area, because they may not be able to resist their urge to run after a perceived prey.
Their independent personality might make training a bit difficult. However, they have a sensitive personality, so make sure to use gentle training methods for these dogs. Greyhounds are very affectionate to their families, but do not like strangers.
Once exercised properly, Greyhounds are happy to lounge around the house all day. Their short and smooth coat needs minimal grooming to stay in top-notch condition.
4. Bluetick Coonhound
Hailing from the United States, Bluetick Coonhounds are tall and lanky tracking dogs. They are sweet and affectionate charmers at home, but relentless and bold hunters on the trail. These sleek and well-muscled canines are very high prey drive dogs.
They can stubbornly follow one scent for hours, explains WebMD. They love to bay and bark while on the run. Once exercised properly, Bluetick Coonhounds can spend their entire day lounging. However, they tend to chase every moving object around them.
These intelligent dogs were bred to work and crave attention from their humans. They can become highly destructive if they are not given a job to do. Their strong prey instinct makes them unsuitable for homes with smaller animals.
Bluetick Coonhounds make loving family pets, but are not well-suited for everyone. Their fans firmly believe that they are some of the best companions around.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are recognized by a ridge of hair on their back that grows in a direction opposite to the rest of the fur. They were originally bred to hunt lions in Africa and are still known for their stamina and endurance.
Ridgebacks are high prey drive dogs, and they may not be an ideal choice for families with small pets like cats, explains PetMD. These strong and athletic dogs need moderate daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit.
These alert dogs have a strong-willed personality, and they should always be kept inside a securely fenced area when off-leash. Ridgebacks are loyal and devoted companions who like staying indoors with their human family.
Their coat may vary in color from brown to red and needs minimal grooming to look clean and tidy. They love being a part of a pack and get on well with cats and dogs who are raised with them.
6. Weimaraner
Often known as ‘gray ghosts,’ Weimaraners have a sleek and velvety blue or gray coat. These fearless and obedient dogs were created hunt bears and other big game. They can perform as pointers as well as retrievers. That is why they are very high prey drive dogs.
Weimaraners love their humans and prefer spending time with them indoors. However, they need an ample amount of exercise every day to stay physically and mentally fit. A bored Weimaraner can become destructive or bark excessively.
Weimaraners are great with children and can be groomed very easily. Their high trainability and loving nature make them ideal family pets. They learn quickly, and that includes both good and bad behaviors.
7. Basenji
Often known as ‘the barkless dog,’ Basenjis are smart dogs with an independent personality. They were originally bred as all-purpose hunting dogs, due to which they have a high prey drive. Basenjis are small yet energetic dogs who enjoy daily walks and playtime.
Training needs to be fun, as they get bored easily, which can lead to disobedience. Having a keen sense of smell and a devoted personality, Basenjis need lots of regular exercise to keep themselves from getting bored.
Never let your Basenji run loose, as it may not be able to resist its urge to run off on a chase. Basenjis excel at various canine sports like agility, obedience, tracking, and lure coursing. Interestingly, they are quite fastidious and love to groom themselves with their paws, just like cats.
Conclusion
Dogs belonging to herding and hunting groups usually have a high prey drive and a strong instinct to chase. Such breeds are usually very active and athletic. They are very intelligent and have high energy levels.
Dog breeds with high prey drive usually have an independent streak. However, their brainpower, combined with an eager-to-please nature make them easy to train. They are better suited for experienced owners and are not a good match for homes with smaller pets or children.
