Six dog breeds that love to dig: by Dr Katrina Warren

Dogs love to dig – not all of them, but many.

From digging holes to escaping the backyard, digging is an instinct rooted in a dog's evolutionary history and what it was bred to do.

Some breeds are born excavators!

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Here are six breeds that love to dig:

Jack Russell terrier

Jack Russell terriers were bred to pursue foxes and other small game and flush the prey out from underground.
As a result, many Jack Russell terriers have a natural inclination to dig.

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Dachshund

Dachshunds were initially bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals.
Their elongated bodies and short legs helped them dig efficiently into the dens of their prey.
This instinct to dig is often seen in pet dogs.
Many will also dig in their bedding to create a secure sleeping area.

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Siberian husky

Huskies originate in the harsh Arctic environment.
They will dig to create a den in the snow for shelter and warmth; in warmer climates, they dig to find cool soil to lie on.
Their digging instinct runs strong, and many huskies dig to escape.

Beagle

Beagles are scent hounds bred for hunting and tracking small game.
Their keen sense of smell and determination to follow scents can lead them to dig in the garden or under a fence to follow a trail.

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Fox terrier

These active little dogs were bred to hunt foxes and vermin.
They will often dig when they are bored or for fun.
They are masters of digging under fences, making them great escape artists.

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Border Collie

Border Collies are herding dogs with a lot of energy.
If they are bored or under-stimulated, they may start to dig.
Young border collies often find digging a lot of fun, and if left unsupervised, they can make great work of a backyard! Providing these dogs with ample mental and physical exercise can help redirect their energy away from destructive digging.

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