These days, we can find many different kinds of dogs: dogs bred to herd sheep with great accuracy, others for security purposes only, and then those special breeds who can’t seem to shake the fact that they want to chase anything that moves!
Most dogs are in their happy place with a fluffy bed and squeaky toy, but there are some exceptions that still tap into their ancestral predatory skills occasionally.
Let’s have a look at the nine dog breeds whose prey drive is alive. The chase is on, but luckily, the fun never stops!
1. Dalmatian
These beautiful spotted dogs were initially bred as carriage dogs, given the task of running next to horse-drawn carriages. This explains why they have endless energy and a bounty of stamina! These animals are not as depicted in movies with the fire stations and red hats. There is so much more to them; they are intelligent and energetic but surprisingly sensitive.
This breed requires early socialization and positive, reward-based training to grow into well-mannered companions. Their mental and physical stimulation is equally essential; otherwise, you might come home after work with one less furniture item! These dogs also thrive when having a human companion throughout the day; otherwise, they might develop some separation anxiety; this is where the sensitive part comes in. But don’t let that fool you because even though they might be sensitive, these dogs are natural-born chasers so that poor squirrel in your backyard doesn’t even stand a chance!
2.Chow Chow
Looks can be deceiving because these dogs look like big, fluffy teddy bears. However, their nature tells a completely different story. Chow Chow are usually quite distant and private animals; they are more noticeable around strangers and can become quite agitated when they feel threatened. These intimidating qualities can be a great thing when protecting their families.
As a Chow Chow owner, I would like to socialize with other people and dogs as soon as possible! This could help them feel less threatened when put into the situation of meeting a stranger. Although these dogs are not highly active, it is still essential to have a moderate exercise regime to keep them healthy.
3. Siberian Husky
These dogs are widely known for having high stamina and a love for running! They are ultimately bred to be sled dogs and to live in the harsh Arctic weather. They have not yet shaken the behaviors of their ancestors because their prey drive follows a simple pattern: They get set onto a scent or movement, zone in, and then quickly pursue their target.
They tend to skip the stalking phase altogether, which means fences are more like obstacles than barriers to them. If you are not active, I suggest steering clear of becoming a husky owner, as they need an intense exercise schedule. One to two hours a day is enough for them to burn off those calories and damper the prey drive. So, next time you hear your husky howling, it might be time to go for a run, as that can be a sign of boredom!
4. English Bulldog
Surprisingly enough, these dogs have a much fiercer origin than anticipated. They might look like couch potatoes, but this breed originated from the Old English Bulldog. Sadly, they are now extinct, but they were bred for bull-baiting (a brutal blood sport popular in England from the medieval period, which thankfully was outlawed in 1835).
Participating in these activities meant that this breed needed to have a lot of courage, tenacity, and a great predatory instinct. It’s hard to think of these dogs as the same breed because today’s English Bulldogs are more chill and make good companions.
5. Wolfdog Hybrids
As the name states, a wolfdog hybrid is an offspring between domestic dogs and wild wolves. While they have the appearance of an average domestic dog, their behavior often shows the true nature of their wolf ancestry; this means they can be highly unpredictable and even a little tricky to control.
A lot of these dogs are sadly being surrendered because owners aren’t able to handle them when breeders are more focused on their physical appearances rather than their temperament. If you are a first-time pet owner, do not make this breed your first choice. They also require consistent and substantial training under handlers’ guidance with good canine and wolf behavior knowledge.
6. Afghan Hound
Don’t be fooled by these dogs’ beautiful silky coats. They might look like dogs that are meant to be on show only, but they are shockingly fierce hunters! Their origin was in Afghanistan thousands of years ago, where nomadic tribes bred them to hunt and chase down some game-like gazelles and hares. If you ask me, they have the perfect build, slender but muscular, all while still protected from cold weather.
These dogs can reach a running speed of up to 65km/h! While you might think a little differently about this breed now, they tend to be sensitive and may not tolerate rough handling and playing, so it might be best to suit these dogs in homes with older, more gentle children.
7. Pug
This breed might surprise a lot of people because of their feisty and alert nature in spite of being such a small and wrinkly dog. They don’t necessarily have the same predatory urges as some of the previous dogs, but they can be quite bold when it is time to chase a small animal or even when they feel a challenge arises.
Pugs may seem like they are only meant to be lap dogs when, in fact, their personalities show more than that; they can be very lively and assertive. They enjoy being the center of attention, which means they can thrive in a household with younger children. A common issue with this breed is they still need moderate exercise because they are prone to becoming obese, which can cause other health problems along the line.
8. Shar Pei
This breed can instantly be recognized by their deep wrinkles! Having this much loose skin was a protection mechanism in the past, which helped these dogs fend off attacks from other animals as they had to guard livestock in ancient China. Due to this heritage, they make excellent watchdogs and are super loyal to their families.
Being territorial, these dogs must be socialized with other humans and dogs as early as possible, or they might show aggression. Luckily, they don’t need much exercise or stimulation to be happy. But remember, they are still dogs, so moderate exercise and stimulation can help keep them healthy and fight off that boredom.
9. Great Dane
I know, I cannot believe that this gentle giant has made the list
due to their calm, friendly, and affectionate nature. But don’t let them fool you; they might look laid back and lazy, but a strong protective instinct is hiding around that makes them excellent guardians when needed. The average Great Dane weighs between 100 and 200 pounds, meaning when they feel a threat towards their family or territory, they can become a force to be reckoned with.
Unfortunately, these loving dogs have quite a short lifespan, between 7-10 years, and are prone to health problems, which is a good thing to keep in mind if you want to become a Great Dane owner.
Which breed surprised you the most? Did your favorite make the list, or is there another canine hunter you think deserves a spot? Let us know your pick for the most powerful predatory instinct in the dog world!
