Prey drive describes the instinctual need a dog has to chase, herd, or leap onto another animal. In some breeds such as the Border Collie or German Shepherd, this drive is quite high, while in others it’s much lower. So if you’re looking for a new member of the family you might want to take this into consideration when picking your breed.

Which is why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 dog breeds with a low prey drive to get you started.

Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel

This dog is a whole lot of love in a small package and doesn’t have a single prey-driven bone in their body. They were bred for companionship and definitely live up to the task. So don’t be surprised when they never turn down an opportunity for some hugs on the sofa. 

Boxer

Boxers love a run and need plenty of exercise. The only time they’ll ever stalk something is their parents, especially when they’re anywhere near the treat tin. Their noses mean they can struggle with breathing from time to time, so they’ll need to take frequent breaks. So what can they get up to whilst they wait for the fun to resume? Eat, sleep, get hugs, repeat. 

Maltese

A Maltese would definitely choose to lay on the sofa over chasing another animal any day. Their small size and low exercise needs make them great for an apartment lifestyle. They also can’t get enough of love, whether it comes from another dog or a person. 

Bichon Frise

Don’t be fooled by these little pups. They’re sweet-looking but also very intelligent. They won’t devise a cunning plan to pounce on you, but they will find a way to get an extra treat. They can find it hard to lose any extra pounds though, so try and resist those puppy dog eyes, and of course, you can always keep an eye on their weight in our free PitPat app.  

Old English Sheepdog

This is probably the fluffiest breed out there. You won’t have to worry about them ever pouncing on you. But you may spend a lot of your time with a brush in hand trying to catch them to give them a good groom.  

French Bulldog

They may come from the Bulldog family, but they’re as far from a prey-driven breed as you can get. They also don’t like being left on their own, and they’ll never want to leave your side. They’re easy to train and have low exercise needs, which makes them pawfect for first-time owners. 

Papillon 

They may be small but great things come in small packages, and these adorable pups are no exception. Papillons may not want to chase other animals, but they are fans of running, despite their little legs. So get ready for fun in the park as well as plenty of cuddles.

Pomeranian

Even though they might not be big in size or feel the need to herd other animals, Pomeranians do have big personalities. And they won’t hesitate to let you know if they aren’t happy through a bark or two. While these little pups may be vocal, they’re equally loving and affectionate to those closest to them.

If you’re thinking of getting a dog, there are lots of things to think about before you bring them home, and while we can’t help with all of them, we can make dog parenting that little bit less stressful with PitPat Dog GPS Tracker. This little device gives your dog a tailored exercise goal, tells you how much exercise they’re getting each day and helps you find them if they decide to go on a solo adventure!

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