Prey drive is a dog’s natural desire to hunt, chase, and catch other animals. In the past, dogs used this trait to find their food. While many pet parents find it undesirable today, avid hunters greatly value the dogs’ prey drive.
Prey drive influences everything from a dog’s behavior during walks to its interaction with kids and other animals. With proper training and socialization, you can train them to control their instinctive behavior to some extent. However, you cannot completely ‘train it out.’
Regular exercise and engaging your dog in a variety of canine sports is a great way to manage their prey drive. Members of the herding, hunting, and sporting groups usually have a high prey drive.
Note: Prey drive is a sequence of events including track, chase, kill/ bite. Some dogs exhibit only a few parts of this sequence.
Here are excellent dog breeds possessing a high prey drive.
Excellent Dog Breeds Possessing a High Prey Drive
1. Greyhound
Greyhounds are large dogs from Egypt. They can be instantly recognized by their muscular legs, short coat, and streamlined bodies. Champion sprinters of the dog world, Greyhounds are known to be very high prey drive dogs.
They may not be suitable for homes with multiple pets, including cats. It is important to keep them in a securely fenced yard or on-leash when going out for walks.
Do You Know? Greyhounds are one of the fastest members of the dog world, Greyhounds can reach the speed of 45 miles per hour.
Greyhounds are not overly energetic or hyperactive. They are natural athletes who love to run and need moderate daily exercise to stay healthy and manage their prey drive. Once exercised properly, Greyhounds can be the ultimate couch potatoes.
Greyhounds are friendly, non-aggressive, and can be naturally wary of strangers, according to PetPlan. Known for their cat-like demeanor, these canines are independent.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are lively and energetic hunting companions from the Victorian era. Originally bred to control vermin, they are known to be high prey drive dogs. These fearless and curious canines make loyal companions.
That is why Jack Russell Terriers may not get along nicely with other animals such as cats and rodents. These intelligent dogs learn quickly, but can be independent or stubborn. Consistent positive reinforcement-based training methods work best for them.
Jack Russell Terriers are robust dogs who need a lot of exercise for their size. They also make good companions for long walks, hikes, and bike rides. JRTs also excel in dog sports like agility and flyball.
Despite being independent, Jack Russell Terriers are highly affectionate to their humans. They can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.
3. Borzoi
Borzois, also known as Russian Wolfhounds, are large and athletic dogs that were originally bred in Russia as hunting dogs. Thanks to their high prey drive, speed, and sharp instincts, they do extremely well in the field. Borzois are highly affectionate to their owners, but tend to be reserved towards strangers.
However, these high prey drive dogs are unsuitable for homes with smaller children and pets. Regal, athletic, and independent, Borzois need at least one hour of regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Having an aristocratic appearance, Borzois excel at a variety of canine sports like lure coursing, where they get to express their instincts and athleticism. With proper training and early socialization, you can turn them into well-mannered family pets.
Do You Know? Borzoi is considered a rare dog breed in many parts of the world. It ranks 101 on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds.
4. Plott Hound
Plott Hounds are medium to large dogs from the United States. Their muscular build and long legs provide them strength and stamina for long hunts. High prey drive is reflective of their rich history as man’s ultimate hunting companions.
However, it makes Plott Hounds unsuitable for multi-pet households. PetMD recommends always keeping them inside a fenced yard or on a leash when outside. Plott Hounds are intelligent and alert dogs who love having tasks to complete.
These dogs can have a stubborn streak, which means they require proper training and socialization starting from an early age. At least one to two hours of daily exercise are required for physical and mental stimulation. Activities like running, cycling, and long walks are a great way to expend their energy.
Additionally, they also benefit from dog sports like tracking and agility. Plott Hounds make great pets for owners who can keep up with their energy and exercise needs.
5. Pharaoh Hound
The famous ‘Blushing dogs of Malta,’ Pharaoh Hounds are known as ‘Kelb-tal-Fenek’ in their homeland. They were originally bred to hunt rabbits and have retained their hunting instincts and prey drive till today. Having a playful and active personality, they love to chase anything that is moving.
Despite having an independent nature, Pharaoh Hounds are quite sensitive and form deep bonds with their family. They are highly in tune with the emotions of their family members. The American Kennel Club describes Pharaoh Hounds as quick to learn and eager-to-please dogs.
However, their high prey drive may be a problem during training. Like all other breeds, they respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. Pharaoh Hounds make fun-loving companions for kids, but they can accidentally knock over small children if not supervised properly.
They get along nicely with cats when raised together. However, they are likely to chase other pets like birds and small mammals.
6. Beagle
Beagles are brave and athletic dogs who love to follow a scent, jump walls, and dig under fences while searching for their prey. These even-tempered and curious dogs are keen to be part of the action. Like all other hunting breeds, Beagles also have a high prey drive.
Beagles are scent-driven and independent dogs with strong tracking instincts. However, these sociable and mischievous fellows have an eager-to-please nature, which makes them easy to train. Fully grown Beagles need at least two hours of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Secure fencing and leash control play an important role in managing your Beagle’s prey drive. Beagles are known for their distinctive baying vocalizations. Proper training and socialization can help overcome this behavior to a great degree.
7. American Foxhound
Among America’s native breeds, American Foxhounds are renowned for their natural hunting abilities. They were originally bred to chase foxes for several hours and have a strikingly beautiful appearance. Their stamina, keen sense of smell, and exceptional endurance add to their hunting prowess.
American Foxhounds have a high prey drive and sharp instincts. They need solid one to two hours of regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. American Foxhounds make great companions on long walks or hikes.
They also excel at a variety of dog sports like tracking, coursing ability tests, agility, and other activities that are enjoyed by the dog and its owner. These canines are easygoing and amiable, but they can also be stubborn. Therefore, training may require patience and consistency.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are known for their high prey drive. High prey drive dogs have a natural desire to chase moving objects. It makes them less suitable for multi-pet households. Some of them, however, may adjust with other animals with proper training and early socialization.
From hunting breeds to herding breeds, high prey drive dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Lack of adequate exercise can result in destructive behaviors. Like all other dogs, these breeds are also very loyal to their humans.
