If you’ve ever returned home to discover your once-pristine yard resembling a lunar landscape, you’re not alone. Many dog owners face the frustration of digging, a natural yet vexing behavior in certain breeds. While some canines channel their energy into fetching or guarding, others can’t resist the call of the earth. In this guide, we unveil the seven worst dog breeds notorious for turning gardens into excavation sites. Understanding these tendencies isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s essential for coexistence and compost harmony. Equip yourself with the knowledge to safeguard your outdoor spaces and keep your canine companions happy.
Is your dog turning your backyard into a dig site? You’re not alone. Many dog breeds, especially those with strong digging instincts, can easily turn a well-kept yard into a series of holes and trenches.
Whether they’re searching for buried treasures or just indulging in a natural behavior, some breeds are more prone to digging than others. But how do you know if your dog’s digging is normal or something you need to address?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the seven worst dog breeds for digging, explaining why they dig and how you can manage this behavior before your yard becomes their personal playground.
Worst Dog Breeds for Digging
1. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky, originally bred as a sled dog by the Chukchi people in Siberia, was developed for endurance, strength, and independence. Known for their intelligent dog status, Huskies have high energy levels and require regular exercise to burn off excess energy. This breed’s strong digging behavior often stems from their energetic nature and hunting instincts.
Why Huskies Dig: Historical and Behavioral Reasons
They were historically known to dig to create cooler resting spots or to escape from confinement. Without sufficient mental stimulation, Huskies may dig in search of adventure or freedom, especially if left alone in the yard. According to Vet Love Pets, their need for physical and mental exercise is crucial to curb this natural digging instinct.
Providing proper training, engaging activities, and a securely fenced area can help manage their digging tendencies. While they can be wonderful companions, prospective owners should be prepared for the breed’s strong instincts and energetic nature.
2. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier, a small dog breed, is known for its playful and affectionate nature. Originally bred to hunt foxes and catch rats, these dogs belong to the terrier family, a group renowned for their strong digging instincts. Border Terriers, like other burrowing animals, have natural digging skills that come from their history as hunters of small game.
Digging Instincts and Prey Drive
Their instinct to dig is often linked to their drive to chase and catch prey, as they were originally bred to burrow into dens in pursuit of foxes or other small animals. While not typically used as guard dogs, their energetic personality and digging skills can become a challenge in yards without proper training.
Like many other dogs in the terrier family, Border Terriers thrive on mental stimulation and should be provided with plenty of toys and activities to prevent destructive behaviors like digging. Proper training can help curb these tendencies.
3. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a unique and independent breed, often seen as one of certain breeds with strong territorial instincts. Originally bred in China, they were used for guarding and hunting large game like bears and wolves. Despite their majestic appearance, Chow Chows have a distinct temperament, often aloof and reserved, particularly in warm weather.
Managing Digging Instincts
As per WebMD, their thick double coat, designed to protect them from cold climates, can make them more prone to overheating in warm weather, leading them to dig for cooler ground or shade. While not typically known for digging as much as some terriers, they do display a strong digging instinct when bored or anxious.
This behavior is often triggered when they are left alone for extended periods, especially in the absence of mental stimulation. Spending time with them, providing exercise, and offering a cool environment can help manage their natural digging tendencies.
4. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one breed known for its strength, endurance, and playful nature. A large yet sometimes mistaken as a medium-sized dog, Malamutes were bred to haul heavy loads in Arctic conditions. They possess a high prey drive, which means they may instinctively dig into the ground in search of small animals or cool down during warmer days.
Understanding Malamute Digging
This digging tendency often starts when they are a puppy, as it’s a natural behavior ingrained in their lineage. Malamutes also love to play and explore, but without proper training or stimulation, their playful digging can quickly turn destructive.
As loyal family pets, they thrive in active households where their physical and mental needs are met. Providing them with tasks, exercise, and designated digging spots can help control this instinctive behavior, ensuring they remain happy and well-adjusted companions.
5. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, or “Westie,” is a cheerful and lively breed with a strong personality. Known for their love of exploration, they rely heavily on their keen sense of smell to track scents underground, often leading to their notorious digging behavior.
Managing Westie’s Energy: Preventing Digging and Biting
According to PDSA, while Westies can be great companions for families, including kids, their high energy and spirited nature mean they’re always ready for an adventure. However, without proper supervision and activities, their enthusiasm may cause them to dig or even bite objects out of curiosity or boredom.
Training them to stay calm and enjoy activities like a brisk walk on a leash can help channel their energy. This loyal and loving friend also thrives when given interactive toys or puzzles to keep their curious minds occupied. When cared for properly, Westies are delightful pets who bring endless joy to any household.
6. Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a feisty and confident breed, originally bred to hunt vermin and snakes in rugged terrains. This compact yet determined dog doesn’t shy away from a challenge, often using its sharp instincts to dig and uncover prey.
Balancing Terrier’s Independence with Family Bonding
While their hunting background may make them bold and independent, proper socialization is essential to ensure they adapt well to families, including children. These terriers have a sweet side, forming strong bonds with their owners, but their enthusiasm for digging can sometimes lead to mischief.
A responsible breeder will emphasize their need for structured training and outlets for their natural energy. Providing mental stimulation and activities like controlled digging areas can help satisfy their instinctual behaviors. Whether guarding their shelter or engaging in play, Australian Terriers are delightful companions with a tenacious yet loving nature.
7. Beagle
Beagles, with their playful and curious nature, are known to tend toward digging as a natural outlet for their energy and instincts. Originally bred as scent hounds, their sharp noses often lead them to explore and dig in search of hidden treasures.
Channeling a Beagle’s Playful Energy
While they are affectionate companions, Beagles can sometimes get into a playful fight with their surroundings, digging up gardens or burrowing into soft soil. Proper training, regular exercise, and interactive activities can help channel their digging tendencies in a positive direction.
Providing puzzle toys or burying treats in designated digging areas can keep their instincts satisfied while protecting your yard. Though they may be mischievous at times, their loving personality and endless enthusiasm make Beagles a delightful addition to any home.
Conclusion
Every dog, from the playful Jack Russell Terrier to the clever Border Collie, brings unique joys and challenges to pet ownership. While breeds like Dachshunds, Australian Shepherds, and Miniature Schnauzers may dig more than others, proper training and care can redirect their instincts.
Even the adorable Shih Tzu, Cairn Terrier, or the elegant Standard Poodle might surprise you with their hidden digging talents. Ultimately, patience, understanding, and the right environment can turn even the most avid digger into the perfect furry companion.
In conclusion, while many dog breeds possess a natural instinct to dig, understanding the specific tendencies of certain breeds can help you protect your yard more effectively. Breeds like Terriers, Dachshunds, and Beagles are known for their prolific digging behaviors due to their hunting backgrounds. Meanwhile, breeds such as Siberian Huskies and Basset Hounds may dig to escape or simply for enjoyment. By identifying these high-risk digging breeds and implementing strategies such as training, providing alternative activities, and creating designated digging areas, you can maintain a beautiful yard while ensuring your canine companion is both happy and safe.