Dogs are full of energy and playfulness, but some breeds take it to the next level with their love for digging. Whether it’s driven by hunting instincts, the need to create a comfy resting spot, or just pure fun, these dogs are natural-born diggers.
If you’re a dog lover curious about this quirky behavior or looking to better understand your furry friend, this list highlights breeds that simply can’t resist putting their paws to work.
From their adorable personalities to tips on managing their digging habits, you’ll discover what makes these dogs dig – and how to embrace it without sacrificing your yard.
1. Dachshund
With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds were born to dig. These determined little burrowers were originally bred to hunt badgers, using their powerful paws to tunnel through the earth in pursuit of prey.
Their instincts remain strong, and they can often be found enthusiastically excavating in the yard—or even under blankets in the living room!
To keep your Dachshund happy and your garden intact, consider providing a sandbox or designated digging area. It’s a great way to let them indulge their natural behaviors while keeping your flowerbeds safe.
2. Beagle
Always on a mission, Beagles are natural-born explorers driven by their incredible sense of smell. Their noses guide them to dig as they follow tantalizing scents buried just beneath the surface.
Whether they’re unearthing hidden treasures or investigating the trail of a small animal, Beagles turn every dig into an adventure.
Scent work games, where you hide treats or toys for them to find, can help satisfy their tracking instincts. It’s an excellent way to keep their curious minds busy while also preserving your yard.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Few dogs can match the boundless energy and enthusiasm of a Jack Russell Terrier. Bred for hunting, these little dynamos love to dig—whether it’s in search of prey or simply for the sheer joy of it.
Their determination and intelligence make them relentless in their pursuit, and they’ll happily spend hours creating their own excavation projects.
Providing puzzle toys, agility training, or a designated digging spot can help channel their energy and prevent mischief. Keeping their minds and bodies engaged is key to a happy and well-behaved Jack Russell.
4. Border Collie
Known for their exceptional intelligence and herding skills, Border Collies may surprise you with their penchant for digging. While they aren’t natural burrowers like terriers, these clever dogs may dig to create a cool resting spot or as an outlet for boredom.
Their high energy levels demand plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them content.
To prevent unnecessary digging, engage your Border Collie in herding activities, obedience training, or agility courses. When their minds are occupied with purposeful tasks, they’re less likely to channel their energy into unearthing your backyard.
5. Siberian Husky
Snow is a Siberian Husky’s natural playground, and digging is one of their favorite pastimes. These Arctic sled dogs often dig to create burrows in the snow for warmth, a behavior deeply rooted in their survival instincts.
Even in warmer climates, Huskies retain their love of digging, often using it as a way to cool off or simply for fun.
To keep your Husky happy and your garden intact, provide them with a designated digging area or fill a sandbox with snow-like materials.
This way, they can indulge their natural behaviors without causing chaos in your yard.
6. West Highland White Terrier
With their bright eyes and cheerful disposition, West Highland White Terriers—or Westies—are spirited diggers with a purpose.
Originally bred to hunt vermin, these little terriers are experts at chasing small animals underground. Their zest for life is often channeled into enthusiastic digging sessions.
Offering a specific area for digging, such as a sandbox, can help satisfy their instincts while protecting your landscaping. Westies also enjoy interactive games, which can keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
7. Australian Terrier
Always ready for an adventure, Australian Terriers are lively little dogs with a natural affinity for digging. Bred to control pests, these terriers use their paws to explore and uncover hidden treasures.
Their independent and curious nature ensures they’re always on the move, often leaving a trail of dug-up dirt in their wake.
Providing buried toys or engaging them in enrichment activities can help redirect their digging tendencies into more constructive outlets. Their playful nature makes them a joy to be around, especially when their energy is well-managed.
8. Cairn Terrier
With a history of working in the rugged landscapes of Scotland, Cairn Terriers are natural diggers. These small but determined dogs were bred to hunt small animals, and their digging skills remain sharp to this day.
Whether they’re chasing a scent or just satisfying their curiosity, Cairn Terriers love to dig.
Encouraging their instincts with a designated digging pit or interactive games can help keep them entertained while preserving your yard. Their lively personalities and endless curiosity make them delightful companions.
9. Alaskan Malamute
Big, powerful, and full of energy, Alaskan Malamutes have a natural love for digging. As sled dogs in the Arctic, they often dug burrows in the snow to create shelters from harsh weather.
Even in warmer climates, this instinct remains, and they’ll happily dig to create a cool spot or simply for fun.
Providing them with a safe space to dig or snow-like materials to play with can keep their natural behaviors in check. Their playful digging is a reflection of their vibrant personalities and love for the outdoors.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are small but mighty, with a digging instinct rooted in their history as rat hunters.
Their energetic and playful nature often leads them to dig in search of hidden treasures or to burn off excess energy.
A digging box filled with toys or treats can provide a fun and constructive outlet for their instincts. Engaging them in interactive games helps keep their active minds and paws busy, ensuring a happy and well-behaved Schnauzer.
11. Basset Hound
Low to the ground with an extraordinary nose, Basset Hounds are natural trackers who often dig to follow scents.
Their long ears and strong sense of smell make them excellent hunters, and digging becomes part of their scent-tracking adventures.
Nose work games or scent trails can satisfy their hunting instincts while keeping them entertained. Their laid-back demeanor makes them lovable, but their enthusiasm for digging keeps life interesting.
12. Parson Russell Terrier
Parson Russell Terriers are lively and intelligent, with digging ingrained in their DNA. These little dynamos were bred to flush out foxes from their dens, and they still love to dig as part of their instinctual behavior.
Providing them with puzzle toys, agility training, or a designated digging spot helps channel their energy into positive activities.
Their lively personalities make them delightful companions when their instincts are well-managed.
13. Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Wirehaired Fox Terriers are spirited and adventurous, with a love of digging that’s hard to match. Bred to hunt foxes, their instinct to dig is driven by curiosity and a need to explore their environment.
Creating a sandbox or engaging them in activities like agility courses can keep their active minds stimulated while protecting your yard.
Their zest for life and enthusiasm for exploration make them a joy to have around.
14. Norwegian Elkhound
Independent and robust, Norwegian Elkhounds love to dig. Originally bred as hunting and herding dogs, they dig to explore their surroundings or create comfortable resting spots.
Their inquisitive nature often leads them to dig out of curiosity or boredom.
Structured activities like scent work or hiking can keep them engaged and minimize destructive digging. Their lively spirit and loyalty make them wonderful companions.
15. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are determined diggers with a history of hunting vermin. Their independent streak and strong will mean they often dig for fun or to chase small animals.
Encouraging this behavior in a controlled way, such as through interactive toys or a designated digging area, ensures they can indulge their instincts while keeping your garden intact.
Scotties bring a unique charm to their digging adventures, making them endlessly entertaining companions.