15 Prey-Driven Dog Breeds That Stalk You’ll Love

So you’re noticing your dog is acting differently around particular objects or animals. Perhaps it’s the sudden freezing of their bodies or their low, crouched position as they look at a bird or another dog.

These are common dog behaviors among certain breeds, especially those with a high prey drive. So it’s no wonder these pups have an innate ability and desire to hunt and catch prey.

Whether it’s a hunting breed like the English Foxhound or a terrier such as the Airedale, these dog breeds that stalk all love the chase. Don’t worry. In addition to their strong prey drive they love the occasional cuddle, too.

15 Dog Breeds That Stalk

So, without further ado, let’s look at 15 stalking dog breeds and their predatory behavior.

1. Afghan Hound 

Photo by Karim from Pixabay

First up on the list is the Afghan Hound. These skinny sighthounds came from Afghanistan and were initially bred to hunt prey by relying on their speed and agility. This dog’s prey drive runs in their genes, so it’s no surprise that they tend to keep some of those hunting tendencies, including stalking.

Afghan Hounds are medium-sized, growing to around 27 inches (68.6 cm) tall and weighing between 50 and 70 pounds (22.7 – 31.8 kg).

2. Airedale Terrier 

Photo by Ben Moreland on Unsplash

These adorable-looking dogs come from 19th Century England. Like some other breeds on the list, they were generally good at hunting, being used to catch and prey on smaller creatures. Today, they are still commonly used for hunting smaller animals, like squirrels or rabbits.

These canines are one of the largest of the terriers. They grow to around 23 inches (58.4 cm) tall and weigh between 50 – 70 pounds (22.7 – 31.8 kg).

3. Alaskan Malamute 

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The Alaskan Malamute is a wolf-dog breed that, unsurprisingly, shares the same high prey drive and stalking tendency as its wolf ancestors. These hardworking and strong-statured canines were originally bred for sled-pulling and their endurance. Nowadays, they can still sometimes lean into their wolf-like behaviors.

This is certainly one of the larger and more intimidating dogs on the list. Alaskan Malamutes weigh in at around 85 pounds (38.5 kg) and can reach between 24 – 26 inches (61 – 66 cm) tall.

4. Australian Terrier

Photo by Lilly M on Wikimedia

Australian Terriers are small, charming, spirited little pooches with a distinctive appearance, almost reminiscent of a Yorkie. Despite their name, these small dogs actually came from Great Britain and were brought to Australia, where they grew in popularity. 

You’ll find these little guys are incredibly intelligent and like to remain active, often preying on small critters like mice, rats, or lizards. They don’t get very big, growing around 11 inches (27.9 cm) in height and weighing up to 20 pounds (9 kg).

5. Bloodhound 

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Similar to other hounds bred for hunting and tracking large prey, the Bloodhound is also more prone to developing a stalking tendency. Although their loose skin and slightly droopy face look endearing (and adorable, let’s be honest), they are still more than capable of using their high prey drive. 

In this day and age, however, they are mainly used for their extra keen sense of smell. They can grow to be quite large, coming in at between 80 – 110 pounds (36.3 – 49.9 kg) heavy, and reach about 27 inches (68.6 cm) tall.

6. Bull Terrier 

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The Bull Terrier has an unfortunate history, having been initially bred for pit fighting in 19th century England, giving them a rather bad reputation. Don’t worry, though – when placed in the right environment and given the proper training, they really make wonderful pets.

These terriers have held on to some of that high prey drive and hunting abilities, usually stalking and looking out for small creatures, like birds, mice, or squirrels. They grow to around 22 inches (55.9 cm) tall and weigh between 50 – 70 pounds (22.7 – 31.8 kg).

7. Chihuahua 

Photo by Jairo Alzate on Unsplash

Yes, you read that correctly – this terrifying pup will have you quaking in your boots (you get the sarcasm, right?). Despite its small stature, this little guy is often associated with aggressive dog breeds. Chihuahuas weren’t bred for hunting (obviously), but nowadays, they tend to go for smaller creatures, like rodents and lizards.

As you know, this smaller dog is tiny, reaching no more than 6 pounds (2.7 kg) in weight, and only grow around 5 – 8 inches (12.7 – 20.3 cm) tall.

8. English Foxhound 

Photo by Venerie on Wikimedia

The English Foxhound was initially bred to do exactly what you would assume– hunt foxes (and later, jackals in India). They have excellent stamina, which makes them perfect for tracking. Over the years, they have maintained some of those hunting and stalking instincts.

This cousin to the American Foxhound grows to a height of 24 inches (61 cm) tall and weighs anywhere between 60 – 75 pounds (27.2 – 34 kg).

9. English Springer Spaniel 

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Next up on the list of stalking dog breeds is the English Springer Spaniel, which originated in England (no surprises there) and was bred for hunting and retrieving game animals, like ducks, during hunting sessions. Nowadays, this pooch will often find itself silently lurking and stalking small animals, ready to pounce.

These adorable medium-sized dogs only reach around 20 inches (50.8 cm) tall and 50 pounds (22.7 kg) heavy.

10. Greyhound 

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This breed dates back to Ancient Egypt but has interestingly been mentioned in Greek and Roman Mythology. Despite being known as one of the least aggressive dog breeds, the Greyhound still tends to stalk animals and objects. Sure, they like to lie down and relax most of the time, but the presence of a small creature can quickly bring out that prey drive. 

Like the Italian Greyhound, they have a distinctly skinny and lean build, making for incredible speed and agility. They weigh 60 – 70 pounds (27.2 – 31.8 kg) and are around 27 – 30 inches (68.6 – 76.2 cm) tall.

11. Ibizan Hound 

Photo by Colin West on Wikimedia

The Ibizan Hound is another stunning breed to grace this list, with its elegantly slim build that makes it extremely fast and agile. These doggos were initially bred in Spain and mainly used to hunt and catch rabbits. Despite their lingering stalking tendencies, they are incredibly affectionate and loving dogs.

They aren’t the most giant pups on this list, reaching only around 27.5 inches (69.9 cm) tall and weighing between 45 – 50 pounds (20.4 – 22.7 kg).

12. Irish Wolfhound

Photo by Martina Vitáková on Unsplash

Despite its prominent and intimidating appearance, this fluffball is incredibly friendly (talk about a gentle giant). They are patient with small children and other dogs, but Given their hunting history, they tend to have that high prey drive. As soon as they see a small critter, they’ll likely want to go for it. 

If you’re usually one who worries about your children with dogs around, don’t fret, as this breed is actually very patient with kids. As was mentioned already, this is a big dog (like, massive), coming in at a height of 32 inches (81.3 cm) and can weigh anywhere between 105 – 120 pounds (47.6 – 54.4 kg).

13. Rhodesian Ridgeback 

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The Rhodesian Ridgeback is sometimes considered one of the more dangerous dog breeds, and for good reason. They are robust and mighty hounds made famous in Africa for tracking down lions (cool, right?). The moral of the story – these canines aren’t for the faint of heart and can cause trouble if not properly looked after by an experienced owner.

They make good guard dogs but might stalk down animals like birds or cats, so always keep them on a heavy-duty leash. They can grow as tall as 27 inches (68.6 cm) and weigh up to 85 pounds (38.5 kg).

14. Saluki 

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The Saluki, or the Persian Greyhound as it is sometimes referred to, is a gorgeous breed that sports sleek, long fur and a lean build. This dog was initially bred for hunting small animals and can still be seen today hunting and chasing squirrels and rabbits. Stalking tendencies are quite popular among this breed.

They don’t grow much bigger than some of the other breeds on this list. They usually grow to a height of 23 – 28 inches (58.4 – 71.1 cm) and a weight of 40 – 65 pounds (18.1 – 29.5 kg).

15. Siberian Huskies

Photo by María from Pixabay

Last, but not least, we have the big and fluffy Siberian Husky – a huge fan favorite for dog owners worldwide. 

They’re athletic and agile, have high endurance, and are highly instinct-driven. Sure, they are loud when they want to be, but that doesn’t stop them from being quiet when they spot a potential target. You’re likely to see this breed stalking once in a while, whether it be birds or small creatures.

A Husky is a larger breed and can weigh between 35 – 60 pounds (15.9 – 27.2 kg) and reach a height between 20 – 24 inches (50.8 – 61 cm). As a fairly stubborn — and adventurous — pup, pet parents will need to learn how to tame the prey instincts in their husky. This is especially so if you don’t want them running off during your daily walk in the dog park.

Dog Breeds That Stalk | Wrapped Up

There you have it, folks, 15 of the best different breeds that stalk. 

You might wonder if these doggos are worth adding to your family, and the answer is yes. In some cases, this stalking tendency may lead to problems, but so long as you learn how to tame a prey drive in your dog, they should be fine.

If stalking dog breeds aren’t up your alley, and you’re not up for the challenges that may arise, here are some of the most low-maintenance dog breeds you will adore.