18 Dogs with High Prey Drives & Tips for Raising Them (History, Facts & Pictures)

Canine come in several shapes, colours, and sizes—in addition to prey drive intensities. Some canines like to cuddle and sleep many of the day away, whereas others are continuously on the hunt. It may be arduous to snap these canines out of their fixation as soon as they’ve noticed a small shifting animal, whereas different canines could not look after the chase in any respect. Sure canines have the next prey drive due to their breeding, however they may also be developed by their atmosphere.

A canine with a excessive prey drive is difficult if not skilled correctly, as they are often troublesome to manage. Though it will possibly by no means be absolutely skilled out of your canine, their prey drive might be positively redirected, and with the proper ideas, they are often raised to develop into obedient and pleasant pets.

How Are Canine with Excessive Prey Drives Categorised?

Canine that stalk, search, chase, snatch, and chunk are categorised as having a excessive prey drive. One or two of those behaviors might be stronger in several breeds, however they’ll sometimes show various levels of all 5.

Nonetheless, it’s the job of the proprietor to redirect this vitality into video games, toys, or treats, as an alternative of the smaller animals round them. It is very important perceive that should you attempt to fully suppress an instinctive conduct, you’ll virtually at all times lose. Nonetheless, should you use constructive reinforcement to focus that intuition in a extra fascinating means, you’ll have a a lot larger probability of success, in addition to a much less pissed off pet.

The 20 Canine Breeds with Excessive Prey Drives

1. Greyhounds

Recognized for his or her pace, these dogs will zoom round your yard after a ball—or a cat. They have been bred for searching, the place their excessive pace and glorious sight have been very helpful. Though one of many breeds with a excessive prey drive, these canines do take to each other with different canines and might be within the possession of seniors attributable to their mild and sweet-natured personalities.

Nonetheless, early socialization with small animals and kids is a should for this breed.

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2. Border Collies

These intelligent sheepdogs are unbelievable herders, they usually know how one can management a flock of sheep with their eyes and actions. They like to work and do nicely on a farm the place they’ve the liberty to run and launch all their vitality. Nonetheless, farm life isn’t a requirement to proudly owning this breed so long as you present them with round 2 hours of exercise every day.

Resulting from their intense herding instincts, they might attempt to herd kids and small animals within the residence. Fortunately, this conduct might be skilled out of them by a robust chief and enriching way of life. Permitting them to run with different canines might be an effective way for them to let off steam, and actions like flyball are a implausible option to hold their our bodies match and minds energetic.

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3. Cocker Spaniels

These floppy ears, massive eyes, and beautiful coats are a number of of the numerous beautiful options of a Cocker Spaniel. These canines are nice companions which are sporty sufficient to eagerly take part in any exercise or journey. They have been created for searching however are probably the most widespread breeds in America.

These canines are water lovers, too, so swimming is a superb exercise to launch a few of their vitality. If built-in with cats and different pets from a younger age, they’re capable of reside harmoniously with them. These canines like to observe their nostril, so educating them to “hunt” for gadgets at residence, or participating in scent coaching, are some straightforward methods to allow them to use their instincts.

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4. English Pointer

The English Pointer is an clever breed that’s pleasant and playful. They’re extremely energetic, speedy, and want a whole lot of train, making them the most effective canines for runners, cyclists, and hikers. These canines have been bred for searching, and as their identify suggests, they might level hunters within the route of untamed recreation. Due to their intuition to chase and seize smaller animals, care have to be taken once they share a house with smaller pets.

These canines are extremely trainable however require a robust chief and consistency, as their prey drive can usually make them disinterested in coaching.

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5. Irish Setter

Though developed as gun canines, Irish Setters are nice household canines. They’re loyal, clever, and sweet-tempered. These canines are energetic sufficient to maintain up with kids however are mild sufficient across the aged. Nonetheless, the Irish Setter is energetic and massive, so supervision is required round little kids. These lovely canines do take pleasure in a very good chase, however they’re usually content material chasing toys. If raised amongst smaller canines and cats, they’ll typically view them as household, not prey.

These canines have beautiful coats that may be seen in crimson, mahogany, and chestnut. They want reasonable grooming and a whole lot of train. These canines don’t do nicely in residences or small houses as they take pleasure in a whole lot of area to maneuver about.

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6. Beagles

Beagles love houses with different canines, however their excessive prey drive makes them a priority round smaller pets like hamsters or guinea pigs. They’re nice household canines, are loveable, and make nice companions. They’ve compact our bodies which are appropriate for residences, however they do are inclined to howl, which can not go down favorably with the neighbors. No matter your residing area, Beagles want frequent walks as they’re an energetic breed that was bred for searching, and can do nicely with scent coaching.

Beagles are available in black, crimson, and white colours, in addition to a number of different variations and patterns. They like to eat and are susceptible to weight problems. They’re additionally susceptible to joint, eye, and coronary heart issues, so frequent checkups on the vet are vital.

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7. Australian Shepherds

Just like the Border Collie, Australian Shepherds are born to herd, and are glorious at it. They’re working canines that save farmers a whole lot of effort and time by rounding up their sheep and cattle, and are generally used as police canines as a result of they’re extremely trainable and clever. They’re agile and aggressive and, when skilled nicely, carry out brilliantly in obedience canine competitions.

These canines do nicely on ranches but in addition do high quality in houses with fenced-in yards. Nonetheless, they should be exercised and saved busy as a result of canines that don’t obtain sufficient psychological and bodily stimulation will act up and develop into difficult to reside with.

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8. Afghan Hounds

Though Afghan Hounds look prim and correct, these canines might be delightfully foolish and playful. Other than their lengthy, beautiful coats, these canines have lengthy faces and flowy ears.

Afghan Hounds have been bred for coursing and searching, the place they might spot prey and hunt it down. Though useful within the forest and different searching spots, this conduct is unhelpful on causal walks. Until extremely skilled, Afghan Hounds ought to stay on the leash to stop them from working off after different animals.

Other than their excessive vitality wants, their coat additionally requires a whole lot of upkeep with brushings at the very least as soon as a day to stop tangles and frequent baths.

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9. Alaskan Malamutes

The Alaskan Malamute has an identical look to a wolf, however is domesticated. They have been bred to drag heavy sleds and have the endurance and vitality for it. These canines are arduous staff that want a frontrunner, which have to be their proprietor. They’re strong-willed, cussed, and extremely smart. In the event that they don’t see their proprietor as a robust chief, they’ll assume the function and develop into troublesome to handle.

The Malamute wants area to run and play, and requires at the very least one hour of train on daily basis. Resulting from their robust personalities, it’s a good suggestion to take them to pet coaching. They don’t seem to be a good selection for inexperienced canine homeowners, however in the proper residence, might be very loving, loyal pets. It’s vital to boost them to respect kids and small pets, as they are often overly boisterous if strict pointers aren’t enforced.

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10. Basenjis

The Basenji is an African canine that has been round for hundreds of years. Proof of those canines goes way back to 6000 BCE within the type of cave work. These canines are small, however high-energy. They’re clever, virtually to a fault, as a result of they get bored simply, which might shortly end in disobedience. They take pleasure in playtime and lengthy walks, however needs to be saved on a leash as they’re scent-sensitive and can usually ignore their proprietor’s name in the event that they choose up the scent of one thing extra fascinating.

Though loving, Basenjis aren’t nice with younger kids as a result of they discover them too unpredictable, however early socialization will help with this.

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11. Bullmastiffs

Bullmastiffs are a strong, big breed that may look fairly intimidating. Nonetheless, these canines are typically fairly docile and loving, and can usually slot in nicely in households with kids and different pets. Though giant in construction, Bullmastiffs are mild in direction of members of the family of all ages, however attributable to their giant measurement, they require strict coaching and socialization.

Bred as guard canines and to pursue poachers, they could be a bit boisterous and get carried away if they’re allowed to. They’re sometimes calm canines however do require a good quantity of train between their naps on the sofa. They’ve a excessive prey drive and might be arduous to manage once they spot one thing attributable to their giant measurement, so early coaching is crucial.

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12. Doberman Pinschers

Doberman Pinschers look powerful and scary and are sometimes used for police work, however they’re additionally loyal, curious, and affectionate. They want a whole lot of psychological stimulation and train to keep away from undesirable, harmful conduct. They do higher in houses with out small animals, as a result of they might hunt, chase, and chunk, although their intention is probably not to do hurt.

These canines do finest in households and energetic houses. They don’t do nicely on their very own for lengthy durations, so individuals who work lengthy hours or can’t give their canine a whole lot of consideration aren’t appropriate for this breed. Doberman Pinschers do nicely with different canines, are affected person with younger kids, however they do want robust management and strict coaching.

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13. Jack Russell Terriers

Though small, Jack Russell Terriers are stuffed with vitality and tireless. They’ve massive personalities and are desirous to please their homeowners. They’re foolish however assured, and aren’t afraid to problem a canine twice their measurement. They thrive off consideration and luxuriate in retrieving video games akin to fetch. In addition they chew lots, particularly as puppies, so applicable toys for sharp little enamel are vital.

Jack Russell Terriers take to each other with different canines and might reside in houses with cats, though some might be eternally chasing and barking at them. Bred to chase rats and different small prey, they don’t seem to be appropriate for houses with small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and many others.

These full of life terriers can get carried away, and could be a bit an excessive amount of for younger kids.

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14. Whippets

Related in look to Greyhounds, Whippets are additionally extremely quick and athletic. They want a yard with a fence to maintain them protected, as they’ll run off, and will at all times be walked on a leash. They take pleasure in sprinting video games and can fortunately pursue a flying disc or ball. They do nicely in energetic households and are nice working companions.

Whippets are additionally goofy, playful, and candy and luxuriate in a very good snuggle with their homeowners. They get chilly simply and might put on pet jackets for additional heat as their coats are brief and easy, and their our bodies are slim.

They’re typically pleased within the firm of different canines and cats, however attributable to their intuition to chase, is probably not ultimate for sharing a house with small pets.

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15. Weimaraners

Often called the “Grey Ghost,” Weimaraners have a modern and velvety blue or grey coat and placing blueish eyes. These canines have been created for searching bears and different massive recreation and nonetheless have a fearless nature due to it. They’re the results of crossbreeding Bloodhounds with a number of German and French searching canines. In addition they carry out nicely as pointers and retrievers.

Weimaraners love residing indoors with their members of the family however do require a whole lot of psychological and bodily stimulation to maintain their clever brains busy. A bored Weimaraner is a problematic canine that may bark excessively, so homeowners must get them occupied or shifting.

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16. Rhodesian Ridgebacks

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong and courageous canine that was bred to trace and produce down wild animals, akin to lions and antelope. Though a real hunter, these canines are additionally candy and mild canines that love their households. As for his or her identify, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have been named after their place of birth, Rhodesia (as we speak known as Zimbabwe), and after the stripe of backward hair that traces their backs.

These canines are alert and strong-willed. They’re additionally athletes that want agency coaching, and a minimal of 45 minutes of exercise, via train and play, per day. They differ in colour from brown to crimson and have minimal grooming wants. They love being part of a pack and take to each other with different canines and cats.

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17. Samoyeds

The beautiful Samoyed stands out due to their thick, fluffy, white coats and noticeable smiles. These cuddly canines are social and thrive when given a whole lot of consideration. They like assembly new folks and canines and are desirous to play. They do nicely within the chilly as they have been developed to drag sleds within the snow—and have a superb work ethic. They require agency coaching, which ought to begin at a younger age.

Samoyeds are vocal canines that may talk their must you. They don’t wish to be confined, so a fenced-in yard is right for them. Frequent train will hold these canines from changing into harmful.

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18. Salukis

There may be a lot historical past round Salukis, as they’re an historic searching breed. These canines have been held in excessive esteem by the Egyptians, who would mummify them in order that they may enter into the afterlife alongside the Egyptian Pharaohs. Salukis have been bred to search out smaller animals to supply their homeowners with meals. They’re tall, slim, and have lengthy hair.

Salukis love their households however don’t like strangers or kids. They do finest with energetic {couples} or singles, who can dedicate their time to them and take them on hikes and runs. They will reside with cats, supplied they’ve been safely launched.

Suggestions for Elevating Canine with Excessive Prey Drives

There are various levels of prey drive depth between totally different breeds of canines, with some having the ability to launch that instinctual conduct via chasing and retrieving video games, and others requiring a bit extra intensive actions.

Can Canine with Excessive Prey Drives Stay with Cats?

Most canines with excessive prey drives can reside with cats if they’re introduced to them slowly and from a younger age. Sadly, you probably have an older canine with a excessive prey drive, it isn’t really useful that you just convey a brand new cat into the house, because it is probably not a protected atmosphere for them. Nonetheless, it does rely in your canine, their persona, and the depth of their prey drive.

When introducing your canine to a brand new cat, make sure that to take the method good and gradual, as speeding via it may be detrimental. First, hold your canine and cat separated by a closed door in order that they’ll familiarize themselves with one another’s scent. Then, begin to feed every pet close to one another however not in eyesight. This can assist them affiliate good issues with the opposite pet’s scent.

After a interval of doing this, you possibly can start face-to-face interactions in a impartial space. Keep your dog on their leash and hold the interactions brief however frequent. As soon as they get used to one another from every day publicity, you possibly can let go of your canine’s leash and permit them to work together freely.

The factor to pay attention to is that canines with a robust intuition to chase and seize can simply kill a cat, or different small animal, with out really meaning to, so it is vital to not assume {that a} docile canine is 100% innocent. In the event that they need to chase a cat, assume that they may sooner or later catch it.

Conclusion

Canine with excessive prey drives want a whole lot of train and mental stimulation as this will prevent destructive and problematic conduct. Though canines with excessive prey drives shouldn’t be left unsupervised with smaller pets, they have a tendency to reside harmoniously with cats when launched slowly and from a younger age. Coaching from puppyhood and powerful recall are important for most of these canines.

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Featured Picture Credit score: olginaa84, Pixabay