{"id":61965,"date":"2025-01-13T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/?p=61965"},"modified":"2025-01-13T08:02:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T13:02:27","slug":"dog-breeds-the-highest-prey-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/dog-breeds-the-highest-prey-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Born Hunters: These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>If you&rsquo;ve ever watched your dog bolt after a squirrel like they&rsquo;re auditioning for the canine Olympics, chances are you&rsquo;ve got a pup with a high prey drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This instinct, hardwired into their DNA, is what makes certain dogs irresistible to anything that moves&mdash;be it a ball, a bird, or your neighbor&rsquo;s cat. While it might make for some entertaining (and slightly chaotic) walks, it&rsquo;s a fascinating trait rooted in their history as hunters and working dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we&rsquo;re diving into the nine dog breeds that have mastered the art of the chase. From their origins as skilled hunters to their modern roles as lovable pets, these breeds are as driven as they are adorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&rsquo;re a current owner trying to outsmart your furry Houdini or a future dog parent wondering what you&rsquo;re signing up for, this guide will help you understand what makes these breeds tick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Greyhound<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-15.jpeg\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20300%20300'%3E%3Crect%20width='300'%20height='300'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" loading=\"eager\" data-src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-15.jpeg\" class=\"eager-load\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/americankennelclub\/p\/CuxOrvUh2r5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; americankennelclub<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Known as the fastest dog breed in the world, Greyhounds were born to chase. Originally bred for hunting game like deer and rabbits, their aerodynamic bodies and long legs make them sprinting superstars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While they&rsquo;re absolute couch potatoes at home, the sight of something small and furry can flip their prey drive switch instantly. If you own a Greyhound, a secure yard and a strong leash are your best friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They may not need much exercise, but their instincts demand an outlet&mdash;so don&rsquo;t be surprised if your Greyhound suddenly transforms into a rocket at the dog park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Siberian Husky<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Siberian-Husky-5.jpeg\" alt=\"Siberian Husky\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Siberian-Husky-5.jpeg\" alt=\"Siberian Husky\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/idahohuskypups\/p\/DAi_TVuPnrX\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; idahohuskypups<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Siberian Huskies have energy for days and an independent streak that makes them excellent problem-solvers&mdash;especially when there&rsquo;s prey to pursue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These dogs were originally bred to pull sleds across icy tundras, but their prey drive comes from their history of hunting for food in the harsh wilderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Huskies are known for their sharp eyes and quick reflexes, and they&rsquo;ll happily channel those skills into chasing squirrels, birds, or anything else that dares to move. Training and plenty of exercise are essential to keep their instincts in check (and your backyard intact).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Jack Russell Terrier<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-16.jpeg\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-16.jpeg\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jake.the.jack\/p\/DCFWfP2p2aq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; jake.the.jack<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Small but mighty, the Jack Russell Terrier is a big personality packed into a tiny frame. These feisty little dogs were bred to hunt foxes, and their prey drive reflects their fearless nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They have endless energy, a strong determination, and an uncanny ability to outwit their targets&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s a rabbit or your unattended snack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jack Russells love digging and chasing, so if you have one, be prepared for a lot of activity. A game of fetch or some agility training can help them burn off energy while indulging their hunting instincts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Border Collie<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Border-Collie-14.jpeg\" alt=\"Border Collie\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Border-Collie-14.jpeg\" alt=\"Border Collie\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/platinumbordercollies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; platinumbordercollies<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Border Collies aren&rsquo;t just herding experts&mdash;they&rsquo;re also brilliant strategists when it comes to pursuing prey. Originally bred to manage livestock, their prey drive is tied to their incredible focus and intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These dogs are masters of observation, capable of outsmarting almost anything they set their sights on. A Border Collie&rsquo;s high energy level means they need constant mental and physical stimulation, so channel their prey drive into activities like herding trials, flyball, or frisbee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trust us&mdash;they&rsquo;ll love you for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Beagle<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-17.jpeg\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-17.jpeg\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kvellbeagles\/p\/DEWY3wEpQYi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; kvellbeagles<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Beagles are the detectives of the dog world, with a prey drive driven by their unparalleled sense of smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These dogs were bred for hunting rabbits and other small game, and their noses are constantly on the hunt for interesting scents. If you&rsquo;ve ever tried calling a Beagle mid-chase, you know how single-minded they can be once they catch a whiff of something enticing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping them on a leash or in a fenced area is crucial to prevent their detective work from turning into an impromptu escape act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Weimaraner<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Weimaraner-6.jpeg\" alt=\"Weimaraner\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Weimaraner-6.jpeg\" alt=\"Weimaraner\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/calidogstyle\/p\/CyBK80KICdM\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; calidogstyle<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>With their sleek silver coats and graceful build, Weimaraners might look like runway models, but their hearts are all hunter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nicknamed the &ldquo;Grey Ghost,&rdquo; these dogs were bred to track large game like deer and boar. Their intense prey drive makes them natural athletes, always ready to chase after anything that moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weimaraners are incredibly loyal, but they need lots of training and exercise to keep their instincts in check. A tired Weimaraner is a happy Weimaraner&mdash;so stock up on activities that challenge both their bodies and their minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Borzoi<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-18.jpeg\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-18.jpeg\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/saxafraxborzoi\/p\/Crw9f85Lje3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; saxafraxborzoi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Borzoi, often called Russian Wolfhounds, are the aristocrats of the canine world, but don&rsquo;t let their elegant demeanor fool you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These dogs have a high prey drive that stems from their origins as hunters of wolves and other fast-moving prey. Borzoi are sight hounds, meaning their hunting instincts are triggered by movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&rsquo;re built for speed and can cover impressive ground in seconds, so letting them off-leash in an unfenced area isn&rsquo;t recommended. They might look like they belong in a palace, but give them a moving target, and you&rsquo;ll see their wild side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Dachshund<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dachshund-6.jpeg\" alt=\"Dachshund\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dachshund-6.jpeg\" alt=\"Dachshund\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/crusoe_dachshund\/p\/C5B39ngpNSm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; crusoe_dachshund<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Don&rsquo;t underestimate the Dachshund&rsquo;s short legs&mdash;they were bred to hunt badgers, and their prey drive is as bold as their personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These little hunters are fearless when it comes to chasing anything that scurries, from squirrels to insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dachshunds are natural diggers, too, thanks to their history of burrowing into tunnels in pursuit of prey. If you own one, prepare for a lot of determination and a touch of stubbornness when their instincts kick in. Toys that let them &ldquo;hunt&rdquo; or dig are perfect for keeping them entertained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Rhodesian Ridgeback<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-19.jpeg\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Natural-Born-Hunters-These-9-Dog-Breeds-Have-the-Highest-Prey-Drive-19.jpeg\" alt=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Natural Born Hunters These 9 Dog Breeds Have the Highest Prey Drive\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CuFRs2cudC6\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; savantk9<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a hunting history that&rsquo;s as impressive as their muscular build. Originally bred to track and corner lions in Africa, these dogs have a powerful prey drive and a fearless attitude to match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While they&rsquo;re loyal and calm at home, their instincts can quickly take over when something catches their attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ridgebacks require consistent training and early socialization to manage their drive, and they thrive on activities that challenge both their brains and brawn. If you&rsquo;re ready for an athletic, adventurous companion, the Ridgeback won&rsquo;t disappoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&rsquo;ve ever watched your dog bolt after a squirrel like they&rsquo;re auditioning for the canine Olympics, chances are you&rsquo;ve got a pup with a &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":61978,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-61965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61965","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61965"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61965\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62081,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61965\/revisions\/62081"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61978"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61965"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61965"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}