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Dogs have an instinctual drive to dig, whether it’s to bury a prized possession, create a comfortable resting spot, or satisfy their natural curiosity. Some breeds, however, are more enthusiastic about digging, driven by their history, genetics, or simple love for getting dirty. These dogs will happily transform your backyard into a digging paradise if given the opportunity. On the other hand, some breeds avoid dirt at all costs, preferring to keep their paws pristine whether you’re looking for an avid digger or a dirt-averse pup.
Jack Russell Terrier
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Jack Russell Terriers are small but mighty diggers. Bred for hunting foxes and other small game, their instinct to dig is deeply ingrained. These feisty little dogs have boundless energy and love to dig, whether they’re chasing after imaginary prey or just burning off energy. Their strong prey drive makes them relentless when they sense something underground, so they won’t hesitate to dig through your yard in search of critters. If you’re planning to bring a Jack Russell into your home, be prepared to see your backyard transformed into their personal excavation site.
Dachshund
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With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds were bred for one thing: hunting badgers. Their name literally means “badger dog” in German, and their love for digging reflects their heritage. Dachshunds are natural burrowers, using their paws to dig into the ground and their strong noses to sniff out prey. While they may not be hunting badgers in your backyard, their instinct to dig is still alive and well. Dachshunds love creating tunnels and burrowing them into soft dirt, making them one of the top digging breeds. Their persistence and determination mean they can spend hours digging to their heart’s content.
Siberian Husky
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Siberian Huskies are known for their love of digging, a behavior rooted in their Arctic origins. In cold climates, they would dig into the snow to create insulated shelters. While most Huskies today don’t need to dig for warmth, the instinct remains strong. These energetic dogs love to dig, especially if they’re bored or not getting enough physical exercise. Huskies are intelligent and independent, so if they sense something beneath the surface—whether it’s a critter or just a cool spot to rest—they’ll dig until they’re satisfied. Their digging behavior is often a way to release pent-up energy, so providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help curb their enthusiasm for yard excavation.
Beagle
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Beagles were bred as scent hounds, used for tracking small game like rabbits and hares. Their incredible sense of smell drives them to dig, especially when they catch the scent of something underground. Beagles are curious and determined, which means once they pick up an interesting smell, they’ll dig until they find the source. While their love for digging may stem from their hunting instincts, Beagles are also playful and enjoy digging just for fun. If you own a Beagle, don’t be surprised to find them enthusiastically digging in your yard, following their nose to uncover hidden treasures.
Border Terrier
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Border Terriers are natural diggers, originally bred to hunt and burrow after small game-like foxes. These little dogs are highly energetic and love having a job to do, and digging often becomes one of their favorite pastimes. Their determination and strong prey drive mean that they’ll dig at the first hint of an animal underground, and they’re not ones to give up easily. Border Terriers are tough and tenacious, and they’ll happily dig through your garden if given the chance. While they make loyal and loving companions, their love for digging means owners should be prepared to give them plenty of opportunities to channel their energy.
West Highland White Terrier
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West Highland White Terriers, or “Westies,” are small dogs with a big love for digging. Originally bred to hunt vermin in Scotland, Westies have a strong prey drive and a natural instinct to dig into burrows to catch their prey. While they may not be chasing after small animals in your backyard, Westies will still dig if they sense something interesting underground. Their determination and high energy levels make them enthusiastic diggers, and they’ll happily spend time digging holes in soft dirt. Westies are also known for their intelligence and independence, which means they can be quite stubborn when they decide they want to dig.
Alaskan Malamute
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Like their cousin, the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamutes love to dig. These large, powerful dogs were bred for pulling sleds in harsh environments, and digging was a natural way for them to create shelters in the snow. While they may not be digging for warmth today, their instinct remains strong. Malamutes love to dig, especially when they’re bored or looking for a cool spot to lie down. These dogs are independent and highly energetic, so if they’re not getting enough physical activity, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves—including digging up your yard. Providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help reduce their desire to dig, but their instinct will always be there.
Miniature Schnauzer
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Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs with a big digging instinct. Bred as ratters, these dogs have a natural drive to dig into burrows and tunnels in search of prey. Their strong prey drive means they’ll dig at the first sign of a critter underground, and they’re determined enough to keep going until they find something. Schnauzers are also highly intelligent and curious, which means they’ll dig just for the fun of it. If you own a Miniature Schnauzer, be prepared for plenty of digging—whether it’s in your garden or a cozy spot inside the house.
Cairn Terrier
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Cairn Terriers are one of the oldest terrier breeds, originally bred to hunt small animals like foxes and rats in the Scottish Highlands. Their instinct to dig is still strong today, and they’ll happily dig through your yard in search of anything interesting. Cairn Terriers are curious, energetic, and tenacious, making them natural diggers. These dogs love to burrow and create tunnels, and their strong prey drive means they won’t hesitate to dig at the first sign of something underground. While they may be small, Cairn Terriers are determined diggers, and they’ll turn your backyard into their personal digging playground if given the opportunity.
Airedale Terrier
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As one of the larger terrier breeds, the Airedale Terrier is known for its energy and love of digging. Bred as versatile working dogs, Airedales were used for hunting, guarding, and even digging out prey. Their strong prey drive and boundless energy mean that they love to dig, whether they’re chasing after a scent or simply burning off energy. Airedales are intelligent and independent, which makes them determined diggers. They’ll happily dig through your yard if they catch the scent of something interesting, and their size and strength mean they can do some serious excavation work.
Australian Terrier
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Australian Terriers are small but fierce when it comes to digging. Bred to hunt small game and vermin, these dogs have a natural instinct to dig and burrow. Australian Terriers are energetic and curious, which means they’ll dig at the first sign of something interesting underground. Their determination and strong prey drive make them enthusiastic diggers, and they won’t hesitate to turn your garden into their personal digging spot. While they make loyal and loving companions, Australian Terriers need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from digging out of boredom.
Parson Russell Terrier
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Parson Russell Terriers are another terrier breed with a natural love for digging. Bred for fox hunting, these dogs have an instinct to burrow and dig into the ground in search of prey. Parson Russells are energetic and determined, and they’ll dig for hours if they sense something underground. These dogs are highly intelligent and independent, which means they can be quite stubborn when it comes to digging. If you own a Parson Russell Terrier, be prepared for plenty of digging, especially if they catch the scent of something interesting in the yard.
Dogs That Prefer Clean Paws
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Not every dog enjoys digging or getting dirty. Some breeds would much rather keep their paws clean and avoid the mud altogether. These dogs are more likely to enjoy lounging indoors than digging in the dirt.
Greyhound
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Greyhounds are known for their speed and elegance, but they’re not fans of getting dirty. These sleek, clean dogs prefer to relax indoors or go for a run rather than dig in the dirt. Greyhounds have short coats and tend to avoid messy activities, making them one of the least likely breeds to enjoy digging.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate lap dogs that prefer comfort over getting dirty. These dogs love being close to their owners and aren’t particularly interested in outdoor activities like digging. Cavaliers are more likely to curl up on the couch than dig up the backyard, making them perfect for owners who prefer clean, tidy dogs.
Pomeranian
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Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs that take pride in their appearance. These dogs love being pampered and are not fans of getting dirty. Pomeranians are more likely to enjoy lounging in their owner’s lap than digging in the dirt. Their love for staying clean makes them one of the breeds least likely to enjoy outdoor digging.
Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus are another breed that prefers clean paws over digging in the dirt. Bred as companion dogs for royalty, Shih Tzus are more inclined to relax indoors and avoid messy activities. These dogs love being groomed and pampered, and they’re not likely to enjoy digging or getting their paws dirty.
Bichon Frise
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Bichon Frises are known for their fluffy white coats, and they prefer to keep them that way. These dogs are not fans of getting dirty and would much rather stay indoors or enjoy a clean walk in the park. Bichons are more likely to be found lounging or playing indoors than digging in the dirt.
The Dirty Dozen vs. The Clean Paws Club
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Whether you’re dealing with a digging dynamo or a dog that avoids dirt like the plague, each breed brings its own unique personality to the table. For some, digging is an instinct they simply can’t resist, while others prefer the cleaner, cozier side of life. Whether your dog is all about getting down and dirty or keeping their paws pristine, the best companion is the one that fits your lifestyle—just be prepared for the possibility of either a beautifully dug garden or a perfectly tidy living room!
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