13 Dog Breeds That Love to Dig

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Dog digging in sand
Kai Pro/Pecels

Digging is second nature for many dogs, driven by their instincts to hunt, burrow, or find comfort. For some, it’s a way to stay cool or uncover hidden treasures, while others simply enjoy the fun of it. Whether they’re bred to hunt underground creatures or just love to dig for entertainment, these dogs can’t resist getting their paws dirty. Let’s uncover the dog breeds that are known for their digging skills and see which one might surprise you.

1. Terrier Breeds

Jack Russell Terrier
leraN/Pixabay

Terriers are some of the most enthusiastic diggers, thanks to their hunting instincts. Breeds like Jack Russell Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, and Airedale Terriers all have a natural drive to dig, whether they’re chasing prey or simply exploring their environment. Similarly, Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers (Westies) share the same passion, using their sharp senses and determination to dig at the first hint of movement underground. Together, these terrier breeds are unstoppable when it comes to digging.

2. Dachshund

Dachshund
Pixabay/Pexels

The Dachshund, with its long body and short legs, was originally bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Their name even means “badger dog” in German. This breed’s love for digging is a direct result of their hunting heritage, and they have a natural instinct to burrow into the ground. Dachshunds will happily dig tunnels in the dirt, making them one of the most persistent diggers around. Whether chasing a scent or creating a cozy burrow, their digging habit is deeply ingrained.

3. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky
Kateryna Babaieva/Pexels

Siberian Huskies are natural diggers, a behavior rooted in their Arctic origins. In cold climates, they would dig into the snow to create insulated shelters for warmth. While today’s Huskies may not need to dig for survival, their instinct remains strong. They love to dig, especially when they’re bored or need a cool place to rest in warmer weather. With their high energy and curiosity, Huskies can quickly turn your yard into a playground of holes, often looking for a cozy den or just a bit of fun.

4. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute dog
Markoren/Pixabay

The Alaskan Malamute, bred for pulling sleds in harsh Arctic environments, has a strong instinct for digging. In cold climates, they would dig to create shelters for warmth, while in warmer conditions, they dig to find cooler ground. This large, powerful dog loves to dig as part of its natural behavior, especially when bored or seeking comfort. If not given enough exercise or stimulation, Malamutes will happily turn your yard into their personal digging site in search of relief from the heat or simply for fun.

5. Beagle

Beagle
Michel_Marburg/Pixabay

Beagles, known for their incredible sense of smell, have a natural tendency to dig as part of their hunting instincts. Bred to track small game like rabbits, they often dig when they catch an interesting scent underground. Curious and determined, Beagles will dig persistently in search of hidden treasures. Whether they’re following a scent or just having fun, Beagles love to get their paws dirty, making them one of the most notorious diggers among hound breeds.

6. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer
Sebastian Coman Travel/pexels

Miniature Schnauzers may be small, but their digging instinct is strong. Originally bred to hunt and dig out vermin on farms, their prey drive makes them eager to dig at the slightest hint of something interesting underground. These energetic little dogs are both curious and determined, often digging just for the fun of it. If you have a Miniature Schnauzer, expect them to take every opportunity to turn your yard into a digging playground, whether they’re chasing a scent or exploring their environment.

7. Border Collie

Border Collie
Dsbago/Pixabay

Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence and high energy, which can sometimes lead to digging if they’re not mentally stimulated. Originally bred as working dogs, they thrive on activity and may dig as a way to release pent-up energy or alleviate boredom. While their primary instinct is to herd, Border Collies also enjoy digging, especially when they sense something intriguing beneath the surface. Keeping them busy with tasks and exercises can help reduce their natural urge to dig.

8. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd
Michael Morse/pexels

Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent, energetic dogs that love to stay busy. While not bred specifically for digging, their natural curiosity and need for mental stimulation often lead them to dig as a form of entertainment. Aussies enjoy investigating scents and sounds beneath the surface, which can quickly turn into a digging spree. If they don’t get enough physical and mental exercise, they may take up digging as a way to burn off excess energy. Keeping them engaged with tasks and activities can help redirect their enthusiasm for digging.

9. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
Christy Rice/pexels

Labrador Retrievers may not be the first breed that comes to mind when you think of diggers, but their playful and curious nature often leads them to dig. Labs enjoy exploring their surroundings, and digging is one way they express their sense of adventure. Whether they’re searching for a cool spot to rest or uncovering interesting scents, Labradors can develop a love for digging if left unoccupied. Keeping them well-exercised and mentally stimulated can help prevent them from turning your yard into their personal excavation site.

10. Chow Chow

Chow Chow
Vladimir Srajber/Pexels

Chow Chows, with their thick, fluffy coats, are known for digging as a way to cool down in warm weather. These independent dogs often dig shallow holes to find a cooler surface to lie on. While they aren’t known for their high energy levels, their instinct to seek comfort can lead them to dig. Chows are also naturally curious, which may contribute to their digging behavior. Providing them with a shady, comfortable area outdoors can help minimize their need to dig and keep your yard intact.

11. Wirehaired Pointing Griffin

Wirehaired Pointing Griffin
Andreas Schnabl/Pexels

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffin is an incredibly active and intelligent breed that thrives on physical challenges. Bred for hunting and tracking, these dogs are known to dig when they’re bored or not getting enough exercise. Their high energy levels and strong prey drive make them natural diggers, especially when they pick up an interesting scent. If a Wirehaired Pointing Griffin doesn’t have an outlet for its boundless energy, digging can quickly become a favorite pastime. Keeping this breed busy with outdoor activities and interactive games can help manage their digging tendencies.

12. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois
Marchalluc/Pixabay

The Belgian Malinois, known for its intelligence and high energy, is a working breed that thrives on mental and physical challenges. While not primarily a digging breed, their boredom and lack of stimulation can lead them to dig as a way to entertain themselves. Bred for herding and protection, these dogs require constant engagement to stay happy. Without enough exercise and tasks to focus on, a Malinois might resort to digging. Keeping this intelligent breed occupied with training, games, and activities can help curb any unwanted digging behavior.

13. Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz
Helen/Pexels

The Finnish Spitz is a lively and energetic breed with a natural love for digging. Originally bred for hunting small game, their strong prey drive often leads them to dig in pursuit of interesting scents or movement beneath the ground. These independent dogs enjoy being outdoors and exploring their surroundings, and digging can become one of their favorite activities. To help curb this digging habit, regular exercise and mental challenges, such as puzzle toys or agility training, can keep a Finnish Spitz engaged and content.

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