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Dogs love to dig! This behavior comes from their wild ancestors who dug to create cozy spots to stay warm or cool. Even our pets today might scratch the carpet or dig under a tree to find a perfect place to relax.
Digging can also be about searching for food. In nature, animals dig for tasty roots and hidden treats. Your dog might dig just for fun, even if he’s already had his meal.
Sometimes, dogs dig out of boredom. They need more excitement and things to do to keep them happy and entertained.
According to the RSPCA, digging is a natural and enjoyable activity for dogs. The best way to handle it is to give your dog a specific spot where they are allowed to dig.
However, digging can be a problem for many owners, especially if it damages the yard or lets dogs escape from under fences. If you think digging will be an issue, you might want to reconsider getting one of the breeds known for their love of digging.
Dog Breeds that Love to Dig
1. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier gets its name from Bedlington, England, where the breed began. These small, lamb-like dogs were originally used in pit fighting and are known for their strong hunting skills, often taking on badgers and otters. Despite their cute appearance, Bedlington Terriers are confident and active with a strong prey drive. They love to dig, so it’s important to have a secure garden and keep them busy.
PDSA states that Bedlington Terriers are energetic and loving dogs that enjoy being around people. They can suffer from separation anxiety, so they need someone with them most of the time.
These terriers need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They love challenging games and chasing after things. To help manage their digging behavior, make sure they get enough exercise and activities to keep their minds active.
With positive reinforcement, Bedlington Terriers quickly learn basic obedience. While they can have the typical terrier stubbornness, they are generally easier to manage compared to other terriers. They are sensitive to harsh corrections and may become timid or snappy if treated harshly.
2. Dachshund
“Doxie,” “Dachsie,” “Weiner Dog,” and “Hot Dog” are just a few of the many nicknames for these lovable, long-bodied dogs. Dachshunds, which originated in Germany in the 15th century, have been around since then.
They are a mix of terriers and hounds and were bred to hunt by digging into badgers’ burrows. Today, while most Dachshunds are kept as pets, they still have a strong instinct to burrow and will often snuggle into blankets and pillows to sleep.
Dachshunds are determined and courageous little dogs. They often form a strong bond with one person in the family but are generally friendly and playful with everyone. They can be a bit reserved or shy around strangers, with miniature Dachshunds being the most timid. They also have a stubborn streak.
These dogs enjoy spending time outside but are primarily indoor pets. They are well-suited for apartment living, though they may bark occasionally. Dachshunds love to play and romp around inside but also enjoy sitting on your lap. Crate training is recommended as Dachshunds can be slow to housetrain and may engage in destructive behaviors when bored.
3. Border Collie
Border Collies are herding dogs originally bred to work with sheep. This breed comes from the lowland and border counties of England and Scotland. As working dogs, Border Collies need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Without it, they can develop nuisance behaviors like digging up the garden or herding family members by circling and nipping at their heels.
In their working days, Border Collies would dig holes to keep cool and keep an eye on the sheep. At home, your Border Collie might dig a hole to lie in because of this ingrained instinct. They are extremely energetic and need lots of exercise, loving to run and play. They thrive on attention and having a job to do, whether it’s herding livestock or fetching a ball.
Because of their herding instincts, Border Collies are protective of their family and territory, making them excellent watchdogs. They are vigilant and will look out for the family kids. While they generally get along well with children and other pets they are raised with; they can be reserved and sometimes snappish with strangers.
According to Hill’s Pet, Border Collies are best suited to country living. If they are confined without enough activity and company, they can become unhappy and destructive. They are highly intelligent, learn quickly, and respond well to praise, making them a joy to train and work with.
4. Beagle
Hound dogs similar to the modern Beagle have been around since the fifth century, but these early hunting dogs lacked uniformity. The name “Beagle” was eventually given to a variety of quick and determined hounds used for hunting rabbits and hares.
Beagles have an exceptional sense of smell and will follow a scent for miles, making them avid outdoor explorers. Because of this, a Beagle may try to dig under the fence in your yard or create holes inside your home.
A fenced yard is often essential for a curious Beagle, but even then, supervision is necessary as they are known as escape artists who might climb or dig their way out. Beagles will chase after squirrels or rabbits at any opportunity and are likely to ignore recall commands when they catch a scent.
According to Omlet, Beagles do well in families and are good with children. They are calm and gentle dogs but can be protective of their loved ones. Beagles are also known for howling or baying when they detect a fresh scent. Training a Beagle can be very challenging. They are known for being stubborn, and some people say that you can’t fully train a Beagle. However, they are motivated by food, which can help with training, though it requires a lot of patience.
5. Malamute
Malamutes are immensely strong, heavy-duty workers of the spitz type, with every feature reflecting their origins as arctic sled dogs. Northern breeds like Malamutes often dig cooling holes to lie in, especially on hot summer days. According to the AKC, most Malamutes love to dig in the ground, and while you can’t train them to stop, you can provide a designated area for them to dig.
Malamutes enjoy snuggling with their humans after a long workday. They are pack animals, and in your family “pack,” you must be the leader. While Malamutes are highly intelligent, they are also independent and willful, sometimes even stubborn.
Fairness and patience can help you raise a devoted and trustworthy companion, but some behaviors, like digging, are hardwired and difficult to train out. This means yard fencing should extend into the ground to prevent escapes.
Malamutes require daily exercise. Romping in a well-fenced yard or other enclosed space is great, but they also enjoy activities like hiking, running, and swimming with their owners.
6. Australian Shepherd
Despite being called the Australian Shepherd, the development of this breed likely began with dogs in the Pyrenees Mountains. This highly intelligent dog was originally bred to herd sheep and cattle in the dry areas of the West Coast of America. Today, Australian Shepherds are well-known for their hard-working ability, intelligence, and endurance.
Australian Shepherds are not naturally inclined to dig but will resort to it if they are not stimulated enough. These intelligent and alert dogs are always looking for a job to do. They are energetic and hardworking but also affectionate family pets. Aussies are smart and eager to learn, enjoying both mentally stimulating activities and physically active adventures.
While adaptable, Australian Shepherds thrive best when they are close to their people. They demand a lot of attention and do not like to be left alone. According to Orvis, high-energy Australian Shepherds require plenty of exercise for both their body and mind.
Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, an Aussie may become bored, leading to destructive or snippy behavior. They were bred to work, and if not given a job, they will find one on their own. A bored Aussie might dig, bark, or pace.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
The Schnauzer originated in Germany as a farm dog, but the smaller Miniature version was not established until the 19th century. This miniature version was perfectly sized and determined enough to catch rats on farms. The Miniature Schnauzer’s distinctive whiskers and beard give it a wise appearance, and it is indeed a clever and alert breed.
According to PetPlan, Miniature Schnauzers are natural-born diggers. They love finding buried “treasures,” like their favorite toys, in a sandbox or on the beach. With boundless energy and a flair for mischief, there’s never a dull moment with a fun-loving Miniature Schnauzer. They are highly intelligent and usually easy to train, but their stubborn streak requires a firm and patient hand.
Miniature Schnauzers have a high prey drive, making them less suitable for households with cats or smaller mammals and birds. Despite their small size, they need more exercise than you might expect, requiring about one hour a day. They also love to roam and should have plenty of space to explore in a secure, well-fenced garden.
8. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Bred to be the perfect gundog, the versatile Wirehaired Pointing Griffon excels in the field and makes an intelligent, loving companion. This breed’s development began in Germany during the late 1800s, though it is considered to have French or Dutch origins. Originally bred as tough hunters, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons may also enjoy digging.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an active breed that requires regular and rigorous exercise to manage its energy levels. Without enough exercise, these dogs can develop behavioral issues like excessive barking, digging, or other destructive behaviors. According to WebMD, the typical Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is friendly, affectionate, and outgoing. They are quick thinkers, a trait that serves them well during hunts.
This breed has a temperament that combines familial devotion with a strong work ethic. They are highly trainable and eager to please their owners. Their intelligence and quick wit allow them to solve problems on their own. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons love playing fetch, going on long walks in nature, and swimming, as they were bred to work on both land and in water. These dogs thrive in active households with families that involve them in their everyday lives.
9. Siberian Husky
This ancient breed, believed to be around 10,000 years old, originated among the Chukchi Eskimos, a nomadic Siberian tribe. They bred Siberian Huskies as traction animals to pull sleds over great distances. Huskies may usually dig a small den in the snow to insulate themselves from freezing temperatures. In the summer, they remove the top layer of soil to expose moist, cool dirt and curl up in it for relief from the heat.
Huskies have a very strong prey drive and will dig to uncover potential prey like rodents and rabbits. They also forage for roots and plant material, which were part of their ancestors’ diet. Like many dogs, Huskies will dig to bury valuable items.
According to PetMD, Siberian Huskies need space to roam and a lot of mental stimulation. They make great pets for active families and children but may become bored with a sedentary lifestyle.
Because Huskies are smart and active, they require consistent training from an early age. Socializing with people and other animals is crucial for Siberian Husky puppies. However, they might not be suitable for homes with shared walls or close-by neighbors because they are very vocal dogs. You can expect them to howl, sing, and bark loudly about everything!
10. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier originated from a type of terrier in Scotland known as the Scotch Terrier. These dogs were used to dig into cairns, or man-made rock formations, to eliminate rodents. Cairn Terriers, being smaller dogs, may dig more holes than other breeds as they search for small burrowing animals like mice, rats, moles, or groundhogs. They have a natural instinct to dig and chase small animals, which can be troublesome for owners at first.
Early socialization and training classes are essential for Cairn Terriers to grow up well-mannered and well-adjusted. These alert and intelligent dogs are loyal and have a true terrier temperament. The Cairn Terrier’s personality is often larger than their small size. They are usually cheerful and affectionate, and they are happiest when included in the day-to-day activities of the home. They can be assertive and prefer to make their own choices but respond well to gentle correction and praise.
Cairn Terriers are energetic and always ready for action. They have plenty of energy typical of terriers and need appropriate exercise to burn it off. With their love of digging and chasing, they require a secure yard and plenty of activities to keep them engaged and happy.
Conclusion
If your dog digs, it’s likely due to their breed’s natural instincts. Most terriers like the Jack Russell Terrier, an energetic earth dog with short legs, or northern breed dogs such as the Alaskan Malamute are particularly prone to this behavior.
Providing a designated digging spot in a fenced-in yard can help manage their digging tendencies. Understanding and accommodating these instincts can keep your dog happy and your yard intact.
