Most dogs have a natural instinct to hunt – the so-called hunting instinct. However, this is special for the following dog breeds weakly pronounced:
- #1 French Bulldog
- #2 Pyrenean Mountain Dog
- #3 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- #4 Bobtail
- #5 Havanese
- #6 Chinese Crested Dog
- #7 Japanese Chinese
- #8 Boxers
No worries. Below you will find corresponding pictures for each breed.
- #9 Maltese
- #10 Golden Retrievers
- #11 Papillon
- #12 Pug
- #13 Short-haired Hungarian Pointer
- #14 Bichon Frize
- #15 Irish Setters
- #16 Pomeranian
- #17 Pekingese
To clarify: There are no dogs without a hunting instinct. Because all dogs come from wolves. However, it can be so mild that it practically never manifests itself. [1]
A hunting instinct is usually triggered by a moving object, a smell or even a noise. The drive is also contagious for other nearby dogs.
Choosing the right dog breed is the most effective strategy here. Because getting rid of an instinct is very difficult and requires continuous training.
And yet there can sometimes be individual differences within the same breed. However, these are rather minimal.
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#1 French Bulldog
A cute appearance is no guarantee of a low prey drive. However, this is the case with the French Bulldog. These dogs prefer to cuddle.
This is about the fourth most popular dog breed worldwide. [2] And not without reason. Because they shed little, hardly bark and need little exercise.
Their ease of care makes them the perfect dogs for apartments without a garden. And I don't think I need to mention that their bat-like ears are particularly cute.
Fun fact: Due to their short legs and low stamina, reproduction is very rare. The majority of French bulldogs are therefore artificially inseminated upon request.
#2 Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Pyrenean Mountain Dogs were originally bred as guard dogs for sheep. Since most predators attacked at night, the dogs are still active at night to this day. [3]
Because of this breeding they have a special one weak hunting instinct. Because anyone who hunted the sheep and did not protect them was immediately eliminated.
This also explains why these dogs bark a lot. Their fur is also made for life on mountains. You therefore lose a relatively large amount of hair.
Fun fact: In the 17th century, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs were officially declared “royal dogs” by the French king. They were therefore higher in rank than the majority of the population. [4]
#3 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for being very playful. They got their unusual name from the English King Charles II.
Their hunting instinct is also very weak. If anything, these dogs run after a few birds to play with them.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed little, hardly bark and need little exercise. This makes them ideal for apartment living. [5]
Fun fact: These dogs were considered flea magnets during the Renaissance. The effect was so strong that fleas preferred to pass from humans to dogs. This made them very popular with dog owners.
#4 Bobtail
The bobtail is also known as the “Old English sheepdog.” Because of its wool-like fur, it was often difficult to distinguish it from sheep and other predators.
This history also explains why these dogs still have one to this day very weak strong hunting instinct. However, they bark relatively loudly when necessary. [6]
Their double-layered fur is also very functional. In fact, it insulates so well that it is waterproof. However, they shed relatively heavily and require a little more care.
Fun fact: The behavior of this dog breed is very similar to that of bears. The gait is similar and his sniffing around is also unusual for dogs. [7]
#5 Havanese
Havanese are known for their loyalty. Instead of running after a cat or mouse, these dogs prefer to stay close to their owner.
However, if someone gets too close to the family, then come the protective instinct out of here. However, the animals are considered relatively calm. They also do comparatively little to hair. [8]
Havanese are also very easy to train. Their slightly shimmering fur also makes them very resistant to strong sunlight.
Fun fact: Havanese originally come from Cuba, where the midday sun is very strong. This could explain why the animals have freckles all over their bodies. However, these are usually only visible on short hair. [9]
#6 Chinese Crested Dog
If you want to be on the safe side when it comes to hunting, then the Chinese crested dog is rather unsuitable. Because there are big individual differences from dog to dog.
Some of these dogs have almost no hunting instinct, while others have a normal hunting instinct. However, what makes these animals special is you hairless body. [10]
That's why they hardly do any harm to hair. However, when exposed to sunlight, you need even more sunscreen. The animals are also considered relatively calm and tame.
Fun fact: A special Chinese crested dog named “Sam” has made headlines as the ugliest dog in the world three times in a row. [11]
#7 Japan Chin
When you see videos online of dogs playing with cats, Japanese Chin are very often among them. This breed is playful and has almost no hunting instinct.
In addition, these dogs are considered particularly patientquiet and easy to care for. Because they enjoy company, they are also popular with Buddhist monks. [12]
Japanese Chin shed very little and also require relatively little exercise. They are therefore ideal for apartment living.
Fun fact: The behavior of the Japanese Chin is similar to that of cats in many aspects. The dogs also lick their paws, like to climb and look down on things from above.
#8 Boxers
Boxers have two sides. On the one hand, they are very brave and muscular workers. On the other hand, they are also one of the silliest and most playful dog breeds.
Although boxers were used for hunting in the 18th and 19th centuries, their hunting instinct has greatly diminished to this day. With cats They usually get along well. [13]
This breed of dog loses a relatively large amount of hair. In addition, the energetic animals need plenty of exercise. A large garden is definitely advisable here.
Fun fact: Boxers live up to their name. Compared to other breeds, these dogs stand on their hind legs more often and box with their front paws.
#9 Maltese
Maltese also belong to the category of dogs without a hunting instinct. Because this is usually so weak that they are ideal for living with other pets.
Maltese are also considered to be very trusting, playful and calm. Due to their size, they need relatively little exercise. They are therefore ideal for life in apartments. [14]
However, they are completely unsuitable as a guard dog breed. Because instead of barking, these dogs tend to hide behind a curtain.
Fun fact: Maltese are known to love jumping. However, especially at a young age, the animals misjudge themselves more often, so there is a lot to laugh about.
#10 Golden Retrievers
Golden Retriever is the third most popular dog breed in the world. The first two places are occupied by Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds. [15]
Their low hunting instinct explains why Golden Retrievers are also very common as guide dogs be used. In addition, they are very easy to train.
This breed also needs a lot of exercise and sheds a lot. A large garden and regular brushing are definitely advisable here. [16]
Fun fact: Although Golden Retrievers grow old very quickly on the outside, they often remain young at heart. This explains why even older dogs are more likely to exhibit puppy-like behavior.
#11 Papillon
Papillon is French and means “butterfly”. The dog owes its name to its butterfly-like ears.
Many celebrities are known for having a papillon. Because the little dogs are particularly easy to care for and therefore perfect for traveling. [17]
Their hunting instinct is very weak. They are therefore ideal for households where there are already other pets. They are also very playful.
Fun fact: Papillons were originally purchased to keep rats out of houses. However, their hunting instinct is now so weak that they tend to play with rats.
#12 Pug
A pug's hunting instinct varies from dog to dog. However, in most dogs of this breed, it is relatively weak.
Many celebrities of ancient times were known to keep a pug. In addition to their cute appearance, they also owe their popularity to them Playfulness. [18]
Despite their small size, pugs shed relatively heavily. But they need significantly less exercise and are absolutely content to spend the day on the sofa.
Fun fact: The pug named “Snookie” was almost 28 years old, making him the fourth oldest dog in the world. [19]
#13 Short-haired Hungarian Pointer
While most dog breeds come in a variety of color combinations, the short-haired Hungarian Pointer is an exception. His fur is always golden brown.
Although this breed was previously used for hunting, they have a fairly weak hunting instinct. They are also considered very clean and particularly energetic. [20]
The behavior of these animals is very similar to that of golden retrievers. They can therefore also be trained very well.
Fun fact: Short-haired Hungarian Pointers are born with blue eyes. Only after a few months do they turn increasingly orange.
#14 Bichon Frize
Bichon Frisé are some of the cutest little dogs. Because they are particularly loving and playful. In addition, most dogs of this breed are very afraid of water.
Their hunting instinct is generally normal very weak. They are therefore ideal for owners who already have cats or other pets. [21]
These dogs do very little to shed their hair. The amount of leakage is also limited. Bichon Frisé are therefore ideal for living in apartments.
Fun fact: Bichon Frisé are so lovable that the verb “bichonner” has become established in French. Translated it means “to pamper” – to spoil someone through excessive care. [22]
#15 Irish Setters
Irish Setters are among the most intelligent dogs in the world. The red-brown animals are also very popular as family dogs.
Their hunting instinct is moderately strong, but that's what these dogs are for extremely obedient. With the right training, the dogs can therefore be kept under control. [23]
In addition, the dogs shed relatively heavily and have a lot of energy. Small…