Top 10 Dog Breeds that Love to Dig

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Top 10 Dog Breeds that Love to Dig

Introduction

Got a digger? Lots of dogs love to dig, and can drive their owners crazy with what seems like destruction. The truth is that digging is often a hardwired behavior in some breeds. Many of these pooches, such as Terriers and Beagles, are bred to dig because they are hunting dogs who are looking for rabbit or fox holes. Some dogs are denning, or creating a shelter. Others are seeking an escape route. More often though, your canine kid is digging because they are bored or stressed out. Need a digger, or avoiding one? Here are the top 10 dog breeds that love to dig.

#1 Jack Russell Terrier

Well known for their television star appearances like Frasier and Wishbone, these tiny Terriers are also number one in the digging category. These pawesome pups may be small, but they can dig a huge hole in your yard and will do it over and over again. Bred to be hunters, this charismatic pup is looking for prey.

#2 Dachshund

Bred to hunt and dig, these long pupsters may have short legs, but they can dig big holes. Dachshunds are also stubborn and may need some obedience classes to help them understand why digging up your garden is a no-no. It’s best just to give them an area where it is okay for them to dig as much as they want.

#3 Siberian Husky

Huskies were bred to withstand extreme cold, and often lived day and night in it. Like many northern breeds, huskies dig both to find prey and to keep warm or cool in extreme temperatures by creating a den. They are also curious and have been known to be escape artists, and may give your yard a double dose of holes!

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#4 Cairn Terrier

The pooch from the Wizard of Oz is a pawpular pup, but they are so full of energy that they need to stay busy, or they will develop bad habits like chewing or digging. A hunter at heart, digging is built-in for a Cairn Terrier, and like the others, they don’t do it to be bad, it’s just an instinct.

#5 Alaskan Malamute

Another northern breed, the Malamutes are active working dogs that are often teamed up to pull sleds. In cold weather, they dig to make a warm den, while in hot, they dig to get to cool ground. Keep a shady place outside for this pup to be sure your yard doesn't look like Swiss cheese!

#6 Smooth Fox Terrier

While you may think this pup has a vendetta against your pawfect lawn, the truth is that they are just doing what comes naturally. Bred to hunt vermin and chase foxes through their dens, the Smooth Fox Terrier is active and needs to be kept busy, or its off to dig they go!

#7 Airedale Terrier

The Airedale is the largest dog on this list, and they can dig some humongous holes while looking for prey in your yard, or anywhere else they happen to be. Sometimes they just do it because they are bored, so it’s impawtant to keep your pup busy and make sure they get plenty of exercise.

#8 Beagle

Whether they’re looking for rabbits or hiding a bone, Beagles love to dig. As a hound dog, they are bred to hunt, and most of their prey is underground, so of course that is what they are going to do when given the chance. Keep them busy with other activities, or give them their own digging spot.

#9 Miniature Schnauzer

These German Terriers were bred to be ratters on farms, meaning they dug a lot to find and kill those rodents. Today, the affectionate Mini Schnauzer is more a loved family pet, but the instinct to dig is still strong. They have a need to clear their home of vermin, but at least you won't have any unwanted guests!

#10 Border Collie

These high energy working dogs from the United Kingdom are affectionate and super intelligent, and were meant to have a job. Border Collies also need lots of attention and exercise, or they may turn to digging out of boredom or anxiety. Keep this pup occupied, and your lawn safe, by hiding toys and treats in a digging spot just for them.