Top Dog Breeds with the Strongest Prey Drive Explained

The prey drive is a natural and instinctive urge embedded in all dogs, but some breeds exhibit it far more strongly. This drive compels dogs to seek, chase, and sometimes capture prey, a behaviour tied deeply to their evolutionary and breed history.

Dogs are omnivores and do not require meat to survive, but their ancestors evolved hunting and scavenging skills targeting meat as a valuable protein source. Although domestic dogs today are well-fed, the intense prey drive remains particularly evident in certain breeds selectively bred for hunting, herding, or guarding tasks.

Understanding Prey Drive in Dogs

Prey drive is an unconscious behavioural impulse inherited from carnivorous ancestors to pursue and catch moving prey. Selective breeding has encouraged or tempered this instinct depending on a breed's traditional role.

Training and socialisation can help manage prey drive, but breeds with a strong prey drive are genetically predisposed to chase small animals or respond rapidly to movement. Responsible ownership involves recognising this trait early and providing suitable outlets to prevent unwanted chasing or aggressive behaviour.

Top Dog Breeds Known for Strong Prey Drive

Below are 15 notable breeds renowned for their high prey drive, along with explanations for this trait, linked to their historical roles and physical abilities. Each breed name is linked to reputable breeders or listings for those looking to find a puppy responsibly.

Afghan Hound

A sighthound bred for speed and efficiency in hunting small fast prey such as hares. Its keen eyesight and swift pursuit reflect a deep prey instinct.

Airedale Terrier

A versatile working terrier known for relentless hunting of vermin like rabbits and birds. Their tenacious prey drive suits hunting and retrieving game.

Alaskan Malamute

Historically used to hunt large animals such as bears, this breed's prey drive is linked to guarding territory and surviving harsh environments.

Bedlington Terrier

Highly skilled in hunting pests like hares, badgers, and foxes. The Bedlington's prey drive is intense and focused, ideal for its working heritage.

Bolognese

Though now a popular companion lapdog, its ancestors were ship’s dogs that hunted rats and mice, a small but strong prey drive remains.

Border Terrier

Exceptional ratters and hunters capable of bolting foxes from the ground, demonstrating a persistent and focused prey drive.

Borzoi

A graceful sighthound with a strong instinct to fixate and chase fast moving prey like hares, making them natural hunters.

Chihuahua

Though small and often seen as a lapdog, this breed has a high prey drive for hunting rodents and small vermin.

English Foxhound

Bred for organised pack hunting alongside riders, these dogs have powerful hunting drives rooted in centuries of selective breeding.

Fox Terrier

Traditionally used to flush foxes from their lairs and pursue them relentlessly, this breed's prey drive is intense and enduring.

Greyhound

The iconic sighthound bred for speed and keen sight, Greyhounds chase moving game and are still raced on lure coursing circuits today.

Irish Wolfhound

One of the largest hunting breeds, historically chasing large prey like wolves, they maintain a strong chase and prey instinct.

Italian Greyhound

A diminutive sighthound bred for hunting small rodents such as mice and rats, known for speed and agility.

Lurcher

A cross usually involving sighthound breeds, Lurchers retain the keen hunting instincts and prey drive from their sighthound lineage.

Saluki

Elegant sighthounds prized for their endurance hunting ability, Salukis can be trained to hunt and retrieve prey.

Scottish Deerhound

Historically hunted large game like red deer in the Scottish Highlands, their large prey drive is evident in today’s breed.

Whippet

Known for speed and agility, Whippets chase small game such as rabbits and rats and excel in dog racing sports.

Managing High Prey Drive in Dogs

Breeds with strong prey drive require responsible ownership, including early socialisation, consistent training, and plenty of exercise. Redirecting prey drive into safe activities like lure coursing or fetch can help satisfy their instinctual needs without risking unwanted chasing.

Understanding and respecting these instincts is key to ensuring harmony between the dog, its owners, other pets, and local wildlife.

FAQs about Prey Drive in Dogs

What is prey drive in dogs?

Quick Answer: Prey drive is a dog's natural instinct to chase, catch, and sometimes kill moving animals, an inherited trait from their hunting ancestors.

This instinct varies by breed and individual dog, shaped by genetics and breed history. It plays a critical role in hunting, herding, and guarding behaviors.

Which dog breeds have the strongest prey drive?

Quick Answer: Breeds like Greyhounds, Terriers (such as Fox and Border Terriers), Sighthounds (like Afghan Hounds and Salukis), and working breeds such as Border Collies have some of the strongest prey drives.

These dogs were bred for hunting or herding, which selected for high levels of chasing and focusing instincts.

Can prey drive be reduced in dogs?

Quick Answer: While prey drive is largely genetic, it can be managed and reduced through training, socialisation, and giving dogs plenty of appropriate outlets for their energy and instincts.

Training should focus on impulse control and recall to prevent unwanted chasing. However, it is important to provide activities that let the dog express their natural instincts safely.