Six dog breeds that love to dig
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!
READ MORE: Five ways to manage the cost of owning a pet
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.
READ MORE: Top 10 dog names in Australia revealed
Jack Russell's love for digging is a result of their breeding. Getty Images/iStockphoto
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.
READ MORE: 10 dog breeds known for barking the most
Digging is instinctive for dachshunds. Getty
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.
READ MORE: Rescuer runs 2.4km through fire ravaged forest to rescue puppies
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.
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 collies dig when they are bored. Getty Images/iStockphoto
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Most viewed in Family & Relationships
Leovanni, Ailanys and Soleia: Introducing the most popular baby name trends for 2027
AFL star Josh Battle and wife Casey mourn the loss of their unborn child
Blanche d’Alpuget and Bob Hawke’s secret romance - and what brought it into the open after two decades
‘All my pregnancy photos are selfies’: The unspoken ‘cost’ of being a solo parent