Dogs are fascinating creatures, each with unique traits that reflect their ancestral behaviors. Among these, the instinct to burrow, dig, and nest is particularly captivating—an echo from their wild cousins. In this exploration, we unveil the top 9 dog breeds renowned for these behaviors, breeds that turn your backyard into a realm of joyous excavation and cozy nests. Whether driven by playfulness, an innate desire to seek comfort, or an instinctual quest for hidden treasures, these breeds transform every dig into an adventure and every corner into a potential haven. Dive into discovering which of these breeds might be the perfect digging companion for you.
Do you have a dog that loves to burrow under blankets, pillows, or even your clothes? You’re not alone! Many dog breeds exhibit this instinctual behavior to dig or burrow, and while it can be cute and funny, there’s often a deeper reason behind it. Whether it’s to seek warmth, create a cozy spot, or tap into their natural instincts, burrowing is a common behavior for many dogs.
But why do certain dog breeds love to burrow more than others? It all comes down to their history and innate instincts. Some breeds were bred to hunt, while others were designed to keep warm in cold climates.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top dog breeds that like to burrow and why your dog may do it too! You might even discover how to make your dog’s burrowing habits more manageable.
Dog Breeds That Love to Burrow
1. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is one of those dog breeds that can make you smile with their unique, lamb-like appearance. They may look cute and innocent, but these dogs have a feisty personality! With a strong instinct to burrow, the Bedlington Terrier isn’t shy about digging into your bed or couch cushions. Ever find your pup burrowing deep into a pile of blankets? That’s just their way of getting comfy.
Originally bred to hunt small animals like rodents, their digging behavior isn’t just for play, as mentioned by PDSA. These dogs love to dig and create cozy little hiding spots where they can feel secure. Have you ever caught your Bedlington Terrier making a perfect little nest in the corner of the room? It’s not by accident!
Burrowing is part of their natural instincts, and it’s not always about hunting. The Bedlington Terrier will dig to find warmth, comfort, or even just to feel snug and safe. As a dog owner, it’s important to understand this behavior.
If your Bedlington Terrier is constantly seeking warmth, providing them with soft blankets or cozy bedding can help satisfy their burrowing urges. After all, who wouldn’t love a little snuggle spot, right?
These little dogs also have a strong affectionate nature, and burrowing close to their humans is a way of feeling secure. So, don’t be surprised if your Bedlington Terrier digs right next to you when they’re ready to nap! It’s just their way of showing love.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are the Einstein of the dog world—intelligent, energetic, and always on the go. But did you know these dogs have a curious side, too? They’re known for their need to dig and burrow, and that’s not just a coincidence. Their instinct to dig likely comes from their herding background. Originally bred for farm work, they often had to dig or create shelter for themselves or livestock in the wild.
If you’ve ever caught your Border Collie digging in the yard, it’s not just for fun. Sometimes, they dig to cool down, especially on hot days when they want to find cooler ground. But it doesn’t stop there! These dogs are natural hunters, so they’ll happily dig in search of small prey like squirrels or rodents. It’s in their blood!
It’s important to remember that when your Border Collie burrows, they’re not being mischievous—they’re following their instincts. If you notice your dog digging around, it’s often an expression of curiosity, play, or a desire to feel secure. But be careful: if left unchecked, they might turn your entire yard into a digging pit!
To manage this behavior, provide them with plenty of physical and mental exercise. Keep their minds occupied with puzzles or toys and let them run around outside. A bored Border Collie is a digging Border Collie!
And hey, don’t be too upset if they dig through the bed or under your favorite pillows. It’s just their way of creating a comfortable, cool resting spot. Who can blame them for wanting to feel cozy?
3. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog breed with a strong, independent streak. Bred to pull sleds through the icy Arctic, these dogs have thick coats that protect them from extreme cold. However, despite their built-in insulation, Malamutes still seek warmth and comfort when it’s time to rest. Guess what that means? A deep-rooted instinct to dig and burrow!
When your Malamute starts digging in your yard or burrowing under blankets, it’s not a sign of stress or anxiety. Nope! These dogs dig for a couple of reasons: to stay cool when the weather is warm, or to create a cozy, warm spot when they feel a chill. Isn’t it amazing how they instinctively know how to stay comfortable?
If you’ve caught your Malamute digging a hole in the yard, they may simply be trying to cool off. Large dogs like Malamutes have a higher body temperature, so they instinctively seek out cooler spots. The same goes for when they burrow under blankets—they just want to snuggle in and stay warm!
As a dog owner, it’s important to provide them with plenty of outdoor playtime and exercise. These dogs were built for action, so keep them busy with activities like sled-pulling (if you’re in a cold area) or simply taking long walks to burn off that energy. And if you notice your Malamute digging, it might be time to provide them with a cooler spot to rest or give them extra bedding for their burrowing needs.
Just remember, digging isn’t a bad habit—it’s part of what makes your Malamute such an interesting, playful companion! And let’s face it, their adorable face is enough to forgive a little digging in the yard.
4. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a dog breed that combines beauty, brains, and a little bit of digging mischief! According to AKC, they were originally bred as a versatile hunting dog. This breed is highly intelligent with a strong prey drive. Digging and burrowing are instinctual behaviors for them, driven by their hunting background. They’re natural explorers, and they love to dig and burrow to feel secure and comfortable.
If you have a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, you’ve probably noticed their digging behavior at home. Whether it’s creating a cozy spot in your bed or digging through the yard, they are happy to burrow anywhere they can. This digging habit isn’t just about instinct; it’s also about affection. These dogs adore their owners and will often dig in an attempt to get closer to you or find a safe place to relax.
Their affectionate nature makes burrowing an act of love as much as it is a survival instinct. If your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon burrows under the blankets or cuddles in your lap, it’s because they want to feel close to you, their best friend! How sweet is that?
If your dog starts digging in places they shouldn’t, like under the furniture or in your favorite chair, it’s a sign they’re seeking comfort and security. Try providing them with a designated digging spot or a cozy bed to satisfy their burrowing desires.
And let’s be real—while it might drive you crazy sometimes, watching your Wirehaired Pointing Griffon burrow into your blankets is pretty darn adorable, right?
5. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are famous for many things: their stunning appearance, their love for running, and, of course, their penchant for digging. These dogs were bred by the Chukchi people in Siberia to pull sleds in extremely cold conditions. So, you might wonder—why do they dig so much? The answer lies in their unique biology and history.
Huskies have a thick double coat that keeps them warm in freezing temperatures, but it’s no surprise that they also dig and burrow when the weather is too hot. They dig to regulate their body temperature and create cooler spots where they can rest. If you have a Siberian Husky, it’s important to understand that this digging behavior is rooted in their need to stay cool.
Ever caught your Husky digging a hole in your yard, or burrowing into your soft bed? Don’t worry, they’re just doing what comes naturally to them! They’re seeking a cool, shaded area to escape the heat. If you live in a warmer climate, be sure your Husky has a shaded spot or a cool area to relax in during the day. Without that, they might dig just to find relief.
Huskies enjoy digging for fun and exploration. They love to get their paws dirty and unearth new spots, often as part of their playful, curious nature. So, don’t be surprised if they start digging up your yard like it’s their personal treasure hunt.
To manage your Husky’s digging, try providing them with lots of playtime, outdoor activities, and a cool spot to chill out. After all, a well-exercised Husky will be a happier—and less digging-prone—Husky!
6. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are small in size but have a personality that’s larger than life! These little dogs are full of energy and love to burrow. Whether it’s under blankets, in their bedding, or behind furniture, they’ve got a knack for digging and creating cozy spots. It may seem like a mischievous habit, but it’s actually part of their natural instincts.
Their small stature doesn’t stop them from having big needs. Miniature Schnauzers love to burrow because it’s their way of feeling secure and comfy. Ever caught your Schnauzer digging around in the bed, or burrowing under your favorite blanket? It’s not just for fun—they’re seeking warmth and comfort. After all, who can resist a good snuggle?
This behavior can also be tied to their affectionate nature. Miniature Schnauzers love to be close to their humans, and burrowing is a way to stay near you while also feeling safe. If your Schnauzer burrows at night, it’s likely because they want to be as close as possible while drifting off to sleep.
To manage their burrowing, try providing them with plenty of comfy, cozy spaces. A soft bed or extra blankets will help satisfy their instinct to create a cozy hideaway. You’ll find that a happy, comfortable Schnauzer will dig less in places they shouldn’t, and be more content in their designated burrowing spots.
And hey, don’t be too upset when your little Schnauzer digs through the couch cushions—it’s just their way of feeling at home!
7. Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a small dog with a huge amount of energy and a strong instinct to dig. Originally bred to hunt small animals, these feisty little dogs have a natural prey drive that makes them love to dig and burrow. Whether they’re searching for something to chase in the yard or creating a cozy spot to rest indoors, burrowing is in their nature.
These dogs may dig up your yard or make a little nest out of blankets inside the house. Despite their small stature, Australian Terriers are tough and determined. If they want to dig, they’ll dig! Their natural instinct to find shelter or create a safe space is a big motivator behind their digging behavior.
If your Australian Terrier is burrowing in your bed or around the house, it’s their way of feeling secure. They love comfort and warmth, so providing them with a soft bed or a blanket to burrow into will keep them happy and content. You’ll find they dig less if their burrowing needs are met with a designated cozy space.
The good news? These dogs don’t just dig for the sake of it—they’re also incredibly affectionate and loyal breeds. Burrowing helps them feel close to you, their best friend. So, when your Australian Terrier snuggles up next to you after a successful digging session, know that they’re showing love in their own little way.
To keep your Australian Terrier’s digging in check, make sure they have plenty of space to explore and an appropriate place to burrow. The more secure and comfortable they feel, the less likely they are to dig in places they shouldn’t!
8. Russell Terrier
Russell Terriers, also known as Jack Russell Terriers, are the quintessential diggers. If you’ve ever had one of these energetic pups, you know they’re always on the move. Their inquisitive nature, combined with their boundless energy, makes them natural-born diggers. Originally bred to hunt foxes, their digging instinct runs deep—whether it’s in the yard or under your blankets at night, they’re simply following their instincts.
Why do they dig so much? Well, it’s about feeling secure and creating a safe space for themselves. If you’ve ever caught your Russell Terrier digging a hole in the yard, don’t fret! They’re not just being naughty; it’s part of their natural behavior. These little dogs often burrow to feel cozy and secure in their environment.
If your Russell Terrier starts digging in places they shouldn’t—like in your flower bed or under the couch cushions—remember it’s all about instinct. These dogs are highly intelligent, which means they can get bored easily. Providing them with plenty of toys and activities to engage their minds can help reduce the digging habit. Plus, positive reinforcement training works wonders in curbing unwanted behavior.
One of the best ways to handle their digging is by giving them a designated space where they can dig freely—whether it’s a small sandbox or a specific spot in the yard. When they get the opportunity to dig safely, you’ll notice they dig less where they shouldn’t. And let’s face it, digging is in their nature—it’s just part of their charm!
So, don’t worry if your Russell Terrier digs up your garden or makes a nest under your covers. It’s just their way of staying comfortable and feeling secure.
9. Beagle
Beagles are another dog breed that loves to burrow and dig. Originally bred for hunting small game, these dogs have a strong prey drive and a natural curiosity that fuels their digging habits. If you have a Beagle, you’ve likely seen them dig in the yard or burrow under blankets. It’s all part of their instinct to explore, hunt, and create comfortable resting spots.
Beagles are notorious for digging up anything interesting beneath the surface. They’ll happily dig in search of hidden prey, or just to find a cool, comfortable place to relax. If your Beagle is digging in your yard, it might be because they’re trying to uncover something fun—or just find a comfortable resting spot!
But burrowing isn’t just about digging up the ground for Beagles, as highlighted by Orvis. They love to burrow under blankets, cushions, or even your lap. If your Beagle seeks out soft, cozy spots, it’s a sign of their affectionate nature. They’re not just digging—they’re seeking comfort and closeness from their favorite humans.
When a Beagle digs into your home, it’s a way of feeling secure. They often burrow into soft places to snuggle and rest. To manage their burrowing behavior, make sure they have plenty of comfy spaces to retreat to, like a cozy dog bed or blanket.
Remember, Beagles are affectionate, and their love for burrowing is just another way of showing you how much they care. They’re trying to get as close as possible to their best friend—you! So next time your Beagle burrows under the covers, just smile and enjoy the snuggle!
Conclusion
As a dog owner, understanding your dog’s behavior is key to a healthy, happy relationship with your furry friend. Many dog breeds, like Jack Russell Terriers, Beagles, and Miniature Schnauzers, have a natural instinct to dig and burrow.
Whether they’re digging to stay cool, seeking warmth, or creating cozy spots, this behavior is rooted in their instincts. Most dogs just want to feel secure and comfortable, whether that’s in their bed, yard, or under blankets.
By offering your pup the right outlets for their instinct to dig, you’ll keep them happy and healthy. Positive reinforcement, plenty of toys, and a warm, secure environment can help manage their behavior. After all, they just want to feel close to their best friend—you!
Which dog breed that likes to burrow has your heart? We would love to know in the comments!
In conclusion, the inclination to burrow, dig, and nest is a natural behavior exhibited by various dog breeds, reflecting their ancestral instincts and unique temperaments. The top nine breeds renowned for these activities display a combination of enthusiasm, curiosity, and intelligence, making them lively companions for dog owners who understand and embrace these traits. Providing suitable outlets for these behaviors through play, dedicated digging areas, or interactive toys can greatly enhance the well-being of these dogs. Ultimately, recognizing and catering to these instincts allows for a more harmonious relationship between pet and owner, ensuring a happy and healthy environment.