Walking a dog is fun. You’re getting some exercise, doggy’s letting out pent-up energy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It’s a great bonding moment with clear skies, friendly passersby, and a lovely, country terrain… till your dog sights a squirrel darting by.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Suddenly, nothing else matters. Not your commands, you pulling at the leash, nothing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The world seems to go mute and in slow motion for your dog as he gets only one craving he must fulfill.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you let the leash slip from your fingers, he will go on a chase with no hesitation. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
No, he’s not crazy. Such a dog has a strong prey drive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
So, what does high prey drive mean?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Hunter. Predator. Instinct. These are terms associated with a high prey drive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
These dogs have a strong impulse to hunt animals they view as prey. An impulse they can’t resist. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Predator dogs come with many traits that make them good hunters: a strong sense of smell (or sight), a strong will, an independent mind, energy, and an elevated prey drive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Their transitions into household pets don’t change their hunting foundation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n One might be wondering, is getting a hunting dog for a companion really worth it? <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n First, for obvious reasons, modern-day hunters would prefer these dogs.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Also, if you’re a farmer who wants a dog that can protect your livestock from animals like wolves, dogs with high prey drive are your best shot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A lot of them make excellent guard dogs, watchdogs, and worked with law enforcement. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With that in mind, here’s a compilation of dog breeds with a high prey drive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Related:<\/strong> Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What dog has the highest prey drive? With so many of them around, it’s a hard pick. Here’s a list of canines that could take the crown.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Coming as the first on our list is a wolf-like dog who is Alaska’s state dog<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Alaskan Malamutes<\/a> have existed for many millennia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This breed is one of the oldest sled dogs and has wolves as ancestors\u2014which probably explains why your smaller pets may not be safe around them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Wolf-like features notwithstanding, the Alaskan Malamute is a friendly dog who’s trainable. He’s a good alternative for those who love the wild looks of a wolf but wouldn’t want their yard to become a zoo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n They don’t mind cuddling and showing affection to their owners. They also remain devoted to those they love, an attribute that endears many to them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Because of their friendliness, they don’t make good guard dogs and watchdogs. Their appearance is enough to chase away an intruder, though.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Alaskan Malamutes are highly energetic and workers. Both traits mean they won’t stay still if they lack exercise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Without sufficient activities, don’t blame a Malamute if he gets destructive. This breed needs at least an hour or two of intense exercise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Training isn’t a walk in the park with these dogs, though. They are not suitable first-time dogs and new owners are not advised to own one.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Add their independent mind to their crazy energy and you can imagine what a handful they’d be. Without firm, consistent training, you won’t go far with the Malamute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Related:<\/strong> Wolfish Dogs That Look Like Huskies But Are Not<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A hunting dog with class and elegance, the Afghan Hound<\/a> is a head-turner. She has an exotic coat that makes you want to run your hand over it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Life isn’t all glitz and glamor for the Afghan Hound, though. This breed is a formidable hunter, used to cornering prey before alerting their master.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If your idea of a pet involves cuddles, hugs, and bonding moments on the sofa, here’s a quick counsel: scrap the Afghan off your list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As puppies, they don’t mind mushy moments. However, an adult Afghan Hound isn’t a fan of cheesiness. He’s a hunter and a worker, not a lovey-dovey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Afghan can be reserved, even with family. Busy people would appreciate the independence of the Afghan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Their reserved nature doesn’t mean they are unaffectionate, though. As long as you respect their need for space, the Afghan has moments when he wants to play and pull some pranks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n He is also compassionate, which means his loyalty remains with you and no one else. Afghan Hounds can be sensitive, as well. A tiny injury is enough to get him whimpering. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Like the Malamute, Afghan Hounds aren’t suitable for new pet parents.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Their paradoxical personality may be confusing for the inexperienced, and the independent streak makes it difficult for them to comply.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Another tasking aspect of taking care of the Afghan Hound is grooming. That beautiful physique isn’t a product of fairy god magic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Afghan Hound is a lovely addition to a household and puts in some aesthetics to your environment, as long as you can handle the breed’s antics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Related:<\/strong> Fastest Dog Breeds in the World<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Doberman is another noble breed who came from Germany and was bred to be a guard dog.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n While it is unclear which breeds they descended from, they have ties with the Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terrier, and a couple of others.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n They are working dogs who have worked with law enforcement officers and the military. Really, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they have a high prey drive. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A relatively new breed, the Doberman Pinscher suffers a bad reputation that does no justice to his true nature.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n While people see them as aggressive and ferocious, they actually are gentle and loving.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Unless provoked\u2014or left untrained\u2014they are not driven to unnecessary aggression. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As a guard, Dobbie makes protecting his family a priority. He’s a bold guardian who doesn’t hesitate to defend those he loves in the face of danger.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n He gets along with family members and is polite with kind guests, but he won’t extend that courtesy to intruders. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A highly energetic and stubborn breed, the Doberman Pinscher gives his owner a challenge to train and exercise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Like other dog breeds we’ve mentioned, only experienced owners who know how to lead a pack should handle this breed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you fancy a security dog, the Doberman Pinscher is one of the best. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Originally developed to hunt foxes, the Jack Russell Terrier kept his high prey drive intact.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This isn’t good news for those who want peace and harmony among a dog and cat in their homes, nor is it good for anyone who wants a home with multiple pets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If those aren’t issues to you, read on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Jack Russell Terrier has an admirable joie de vivre quality that he passes on to his owner.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With high spirits, energy and playfulness, he has a big personality to make up for his small frame.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This personality got him through hunting foxes and earning the approval of huntsmen with his intelligence and courage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you don’t intervene, the Jack Russell Terrier can take on a dog bigger than him. Limitation isn’t in his vocabulary. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Jackie’s a charmer, fun lover, and athlete. An owner with an active lifestyle and a love for the outdoors will find in this breed a tireless companion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Games are his thing, and he’s a superb competitor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Due to his size, new pet parents may assume he’s easy to train. Make no mistake, Jack Russell Terrier isn’t an easygoing, laid-back poodle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Shaping him into a well-mannered dog takes time, and so we advise all novice owners to look for a less erratic breed. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In the hands of an experienced, confident pet parent, the Jack Russell Terrier offers an adventure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Another sledder from the freezing region of Siberia, the Siberian Husky worked in pack to pull sleds across the snow.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This mode of transportation was the only way to get across all that frozen water. Obviously, the Siberian Husky is a tough dog with a load of stamina.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n They also consider a lot of smaller animals as prey, a situation that should best be avoided by keeping them away from cats. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Siberian Husky isn’t just a worker, sledder, and feline menace, though. He has integrated into households where he remains a charming, social, fella.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n They show love to everyone, a trait which makes them good companions but mediocre watchdogs and guard dogs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Meanwhile, though they howl occasionally, they don’t bark. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Like the Afghan Hound, the Siberian Husky is pleasing to the eyes. People pick them out easily amongst a crowd of dogs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n However, for many pet parents, it ends up being a case of glittering objects not always being gold.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Siberian Husky is a stubborn, dominant breed who’d only respect you if you assert yourself as leader of the pack. Even then, they would try to take over.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Training a Siberian Husky involves consistency, patience, confidence, and a good dose of experience. This is not a breed fit for everyone.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Those who have been blinded to the challenges of the Siberian Husky because of his beauty end up disappointed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The previous paragraph shouldn’t deter you, however, if you can handle a tough dog. The experience is rewarding with the Siberian Husky.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Related:<\/strong> Cool Husky Dog Names For Male & Female Huskies<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Samoyed has a lot of work qualifications in his canine resume.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n He’s a hunter, herder of reindeers, a companion to the Samoyede tribe, tracker, body warmer…and the list goes on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Such a versatile worker would certainly have some innate traits, including energy and a high prey drive. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A dog breed with a will of steel, the Samoyed is a tough nut. However, he’s also a friendly, happy dog who makes you look at the optimistic side of life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n He is the dog to have around during sad days as he is guaranteed to lift the blues. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n While he is devoted and shares affection with everyone in the family, he often ends up bonding with a particular person. It may be you, your spouse, or one of your kids. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Another gorgeous dog with an impeccable white coat, the Samoyed would attract the attention of guests and strangers at the park.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Luckily, he’s used to the attention. Samoyeds don’t do well in isolation and being left alone for long can affect him. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Taking into account his tough nature, the Samoyed is not for everyone.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It takes a lot to train him. If you get into it without experience, you may give up halfway. Grooming that white coat doesn’t come easy too. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Having said that, the Samoyed is a good household pet for those who don’t mind shedding and can give him enough training.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhy you might want a dog with a strong prey drive?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Top 15 Dogs With High Prey Drive<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
1. Alaskan Malamutes<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Dogs](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Well-groomed-Alaskan-Malamute.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2. Afghan Hound<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Afghan](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Afghan-Hound-1024x597.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n3. Doberman Pinscher<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Doberman](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/doberman-pinscher.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n4. Jack Russell Terrier<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Jack](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Jack-Russell-Terrier-Dog-Breed-745x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n5. Siberian Husky<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/siberian-husky.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n6. Samoyed<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Samoyed](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/samoyed-2765557_1280-1024x668.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Australian](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Australian-Cattle-Dog.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Basenji](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Basenji-Dog-Breed.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Small](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Yorkshire-Terrier.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Shiba](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Shiba-Inu-Dog-Breed.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Rhodesian](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/rhodesian-ridgeback.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Bullmastiff](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Bullmastiff-Dog-Breed.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Whippet](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Whippet-Dog-Breed-1024x597.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Airedale](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Airedale-Terrier-Dog-Breed-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Weimaraner](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/weimaraner-dog-in-the-woods.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n