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Six dog breeds that love to dig

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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Husky in hole after digging, dog

Digging can lead dogs into all sorts of mischief. Getty Images/iStockphoto

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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Small Jack Russell terrier sitting on forest path, one paw up, yellow orange leaves in autumn, blurred trees background

Jack Russell's love for digging is a result of their breeding. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Dachshund

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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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Black and Tan Dachshund close up and looking directly at the camera in the summer

Digging is instinctive for dachshunds. Getty

Siberian husky

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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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Dog digging. Beagle dog putting his head in newly dug hole in the ground

Beagles were bred for hunting small game. Getty Images/iStockphoto

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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Fox terrier dog

Fox terriers are known for escaping thanks to their digging abilities. Getty

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.

Border collie

Border collies dig when they are bored. Getty Images/iStockphoto

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