In this article, we’ll explore what it means for a dog to have a “high prey drive” and highlight 12 dog breeds known for this trait. A dog’s prey drive is an instinct that makes them want to chase after small animals. This drive is a natural behavior for many dogs and is especially strong in breeds that were originally developed for hunting or chasing. Understanding prey drive can help you choose the right dog for your lifestyle and manage their behaviors more effectively.
What is High Prey Drive?
High prey drive refers to a dog’s strong instinct to chase and sometimes catch small animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, or even smaller pets. This drive comes from the dog’s ancestors, who needed to hunt for survival. While it’s a natural behavior, it can be managed with proper training and care.
Dogs with high prey drives are often from breeds that were originally used for hunting or were bred to chase game. Sighthounds, for example, are known for their keen eyesight and speed, making them excellent at spotting and chasing animals. Some terrier breeds also have high prey drives due to their history of hunting and pest control.
1. Greyhound
Origin: England
Lifespan: 10–13 years
Height: 27–30 inches
Greyhounds are famous for their incredible speed and agility. They were originally bred in England to chase game like foxes and rabbits. This breed has a very high prey drive, which is especially noticeable in retired racing Greyhounds. When they were racing, they chased a lure that mimicked the movements of a small animal, which kept their prey drive strong. Even after retirement, many Greyhounds still have a strong instinct to chase.
2. Afghan Hound
Origin: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India
Lifespan: 12–18 years
Height: 25–27 inches
The Afghan Hound is known for its long, flowing coat and elegant appearance. This ancient breed has been around for thousands of years, with its origins believed to be in the regions of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Afghan Hounds were used to hunt large, fast prey like deer and ibex, which means they have a high prey drive. Their hunting background contributes to their strong instinct to chase smaller animals.
3. Borzoi
Origin: Russia
Lifespan: 9–14 years
Height: 26+ inches
Borzois are large, sleek sighthounds from Russia. They are known for their speed, reaching up to 35 miles per hour, and were traditionally used to hunt wolves. Their prey drive is very strong, and they will often chase any animal that runs. Despite their royal history, they have an instinct to pursue moving creatures, which can make them challenging to manage if they see something they want to chase.
4. Saluki
Origin: Middle East, Asia, and/or Egypt
Lifespan: 10–17 years
Height: 23–28 inches
The Saluki is an ancient breed with origins that may date back as far as 7,000 BC. It is believed to have come from the ancient Middle East, Egypt, or Asia. Salukis were used to hunt various animals in harsh desert climates, so they have a high prey drive. Their long legs and swift movements made them excellent hunters, and they still have a strong instinct to chase.
5. Pharaoh Hound
Origin: Egypt
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Height: 21–25 inches
Named after the ancient Egyptian rulers, the Pharaoh Hound is a breed that has been around for over 2,500 years. While they were primarily used for hunting rabbits, Pharaoh Hounds were also used to chase other animals. Despite their Egyptian roots, they became the national breed of Malta in 1979. Their strong prey drive makes them very alert and quick to chase anything that moves.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Origin: Ireland
Lifespan: 6–8 years
Height: 32+ inches
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds and has a history that dates back to ancient Ireland. They were used to hunt large game like the Irish elk and wolves. Their high prey drive is rooted in their history as hunters, and they are known for their powerful build and speed. Despite their gentle nature with people, they have a strong instinct to chase.
7. Scottish Deerhound
Origin: Scotland
Lifespan: 8–11 years
Height: 28–32 inches
Scottish Deerhounds are similar in appearance to the Irish Wolfhound but are a distinct breed with their own history. They were used to hunt large game, including red deer, which could weigh up to 400 pounds. Their sighthound heritage means they have a high prey drive, and they are likely to chase smaller animals if they spot them.
8. Airedale Terrier
Origin: England
Lifespan: 11–14 years
Height: 23 inches
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds and was originally bred for hunting rats and ducks. Despite their size, Airedales have a strong prey drive typical of terriers. They are athletic and energetic, making them excellent hunting companions. While they can be gentle with children, their instinct to chase small animals is still strong.
9. Australian Terrier
Origin: Australia
Lifespan: 11–15 years
Height: 10–11 inches
The Australian Terrier is a small but feisty breed with a strong prey drive. Developed in Australia for pest control, these dogs were bred to hunt snakes and small mammals. Their high energy and tenacity make them excellent at tracking and chasing small animals. They are best suited for homes where they are the only pet due to their strong instinct to chase.
10. Border Terrier
Origin: Scotland-England border
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Height: 12–15 inches
Border Terriers were originally used to hunt foxes, making them another breed with a high prey drive. They are small, but they have a strong work ethic and determination. They are generally good with other dogs, but their instinct to chase small animals means they should be monitored closely. Border Terriers are known for their courage and tenacity.
11. Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers
Origin: England
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Height: 15.5 inches
Both the Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were bred in England for fox hunting. They share a high prey drive, which makes them quick to chase any small animal they see. While they are similar in many ways, the Wire Fox Terrier has a wiry coat, and the Smooth Fox Terrier has a smooth coat. Both breeds are energetic and require regular exercise to keep their prey drive in check.
12. Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: England
Lifespan: 11–15 years
Height: 7–8 inches
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is known for its small size and luxurious coat. Originally bred to catch rats in mills and mines in Victorian England, Yorkies have a high prey drive despite their size. They are alert and can be quite determined when chasing small animals. While they might not pose a threat to larger animals, their strong instinct to chase can make them a handful around smaller pets.
How can I manage a dog with a high prey drive?
Managing a dog with a high prey drive involves providing ample physical and mental stimulation to channel their energy positively. Regular exercise, interactive toys, and obedience training can help. It’s also important to supervise your dog around small animals and use commands to redirect their focus if they show signs of wanting to chase.
Are dogs with high prey drives good for first-time dog owners?
Dogs with high prey drives may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. These breeds require consistent training and management due to their strong instincts. If you are new to dog ownership, it might be better to start with a breed that has a lower prey drive and is known for being easier to train.
Can high prey drive in dogs be reduced through training?
While you can’t completely eliminate a dog’s prey drive, training can help manage it. Positive reinforcement techniques can teach your dog to focus on you rather than chasing small animals. Training should be consistent and patient, and it’s often helpful to work with a professional dog trainer who has experience with high-prey-drive breeds.
Are there any safety concerns with owning a dog with a high prey drive?
Yes, there are safety concerns when owning a dog with a high prey drive. These dogs may be prone to chasing small animals, which can lead to accidents or conflicts with other pets. It’s important to keep your dog on a leash or in a secure area when outside and to supervise interactions with other animals. Proper training and management can help minimize these risks.