Have you ever wondered if your beloved family dog could pose a risk to your tiny pets or neighborhood critters? It’s a surprising and sometimes unsettling fact: some dog breeds, despite being loyal and loving with humans, have instincts that make them dangerous for smaller animals. Whether it’s a squirrel in the yard or a pet rabbit in the home, certain breeds are more likely to chase, hunt, or even harm small creatures. Understanding which breeds have these tendencies is crucial for anyone who loves animals and wants to keep peace in a multi-pet household. Let’s uncover the top 15 dog breeds you need to watch out for when it comes to the safety of small animals.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers may be pint-sized, but their energy and hunting instincts are enormous. Originally bred in England to hunt foxes, these dogs are famous for their boundless enthusiasm and curiosity. Unfortunately, this means they tend to see smaller pets like hamsters or guinea pigs as prey. Their lightning-fast reflexes make them expert chasers, so even a secure cage might not be enough to keep small animals safe. Jack Russells require lots of exercise and mental stimulation, but their high prey drive is not easily trained out. Families with small pets should think twice before bringing home this lively breed, no matter how charming those big brown eyes may be.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are known for their striking looks and friendly natures, but beneath that fluffy exterior lies a powerful predatory instinct. Huskies were bred to pull sleds across frozen wilderness, and part of their survival skills includes hunting small mammals. It’s not uncommon for a Husky to view cats, rabbits, and even small dogs as potential prey, especially if they dart or run away. Their independent streak means they may not listen when you call them off a chase. For this reason, it’s risky to leave a Husky unsupervised around small animals, no matter how well they seem to get along at first.
Greyhound
Greyhounds might be gentle giants with people, but their history as racing dogs means they have a laser focus on anything that moves quickly. These dogs are built for speed and were originally bred to hunt hares and other fleet-footed animals. Even in a modern home, a Greyhound’s urge to chase can be triggered by a running rabbit or a flitting bird. While some Greyhounds can live peacefully with small pets, many cannot resist their natural instincts. It’s essential to use caution and never leave them alone with vulnerable animals, no matter how calm they may appear.
Border Collie
Border Collies are often celebrated as the smartest dogs in the world, famous for their work herding sheep. But that intense focus and drive can spell trouble for smaller animals. Their herding instinct is so strong that they may nip, chase, or attempt to control anything that moves, whether it’s a kitten or a pet ferret. Border Collies love having a job to do, and in the absence of sheep, they may turn their attention to your other pets. Their energy and persistence make it tough to redirect their attention once they lock onto a target, so vigilance is key if you have both Border Collies and small animals under one roof.
Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers were bred for one purpose: to hunt and flush out foxes from their dens. That sharp hunting drive remains alive and well in today’s playful terriers. Fox Terriers are bold, curious, and sometimes stubborn, which can spell disaster for rodents or birds in the home. They love to dig and explore, so even well-secured cages may not be enough to deter these determined dogs. Their small size can be deceiving—don’t let it fool you into thinking they’re safe with tiny animals. Supervision and careful introductions are a must, but even then, their instincts can be overwhelming.
Weimaraner
With their sleek silver coats and soulful eyes, Weimaraners are a striking breed. However, they’re also known as the “Gray Ghost” because of their history as hunting dogs. Weimaraners were originally bred to hunt large game, but their instincts often extend to smaller creatures as well. Fast, strong, and energetic, they can be relentless pursuers, making them dangerous to rabbits, birds, and other small pets. Training can help manage their behavior, but it rarely erases their deeply ingrained hunting instincts. If you have small animals at home, extra caution is needed around this breed.
Whippet
Whippets look like miniature Greyhounds and share a similar history. These dogs were bred to chase rabbits and other small game, and they haven’t forgotten those skills. Whippets are gentle and affectionate with people, but the sight of a small animal can trigger their instinct to chase at breathtaking speeds. Their slim build allows them to dart into tight spaces, so even a quick escape may not be enough for a frightened hamster or bird. If you value the safety of your tiny pets, it’s best to keep them well separated from a Whippet’s reach.
Belgian Malinois
Highly intelligent and incredibly energetic, Belgian Malinois are often used as police and military dogs. Their working background means they have a strong prey drive and enjoy chasing moving objects—sometimes including small animals in the house or yard. Malinois need constant stimulation and can become fixated on anything that catches their eye. While they’re fiercely loyal to their families, their instinct to chase can make them a danger to rabbits, ferrets, or other pets that might run or scurry. Owners should provide plenty of exercise and always supervise interactions with smaller pets.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are adorable, fox-like dogs with big personalities and even bigger hunting instincts. Originally bred in Japan to flush birds and small game, Shibas love to chase and pounce on anything that moves. Their independence and stubborn streak make them difficult to train out of these behaviors. Even if a Shiba has grown up around small animals, their natural instincts can suddenly kick in, putting your tiny pets at risk. Secure enclosures and constant supervision are essential if you want to keep both a Shiba Inu and small animals.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are tireless workers, bred to herd cattle across long distances. Their sharp minds and boundless energy can make them excellent companions, but also a danger to smaller animals. These dogs often see smaller pets as something to control or chase, and their herding instincts can quickly turn rough. Fast, agile, and determined, they don’t give up easily once they set their sights on a moving target. This makes them a risky choice for homes with rabbits, birds, or rodents unless very careful management is in place.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are one of the most powerful and majestic breeds, built for hauling heavy loads across snowy landscapes. Like Huskies, they have a strong prey drive from their working dog background. Malamutes are particularly prone to chasing and catching small animals, including cats and even smaller dogs. Their sheer strength means that barriers and cages may not be enough to keep small pets safe. Owners should always be cautious and never leave a Malamute alone with vulnerable animals, no matter how gentle they may seem.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for their loving nature with people, especially children, but their history as bull-baiting dogs gives them a strong prey drive. They’re powerful, muscular, and tenacious, which can make them a danger to smaller animals. While many Staffies can learn to coexist peacefully with other pets, it often requires extensive training and close supervision. Their instinct to chase and grab is deeply rooted, so it’s important to be realistic about the risks involved in a multi-pet household.
Miniature Schnauzer
Don’t let the bushy eyebrows and cheerful disposition fool you—Miniature Schnauzers are fierce little hunters. Originally bred to catch rats and other vermin on farms, these dogs have a strong prey instinct that persists today. They’re quick, alert, and determined, which can make them a hazard to small animals in the home. Even if they seem friendly, a sudden dart from a hamster or bird can trigger their hunting response. Secure housing and constant supervision are crucial if you have both a Miniature Schnauzer and small pets.
Dachshund
Dachshunds might look cute and comical, but their long bodies hide a determined hunter’s heart. Bred to dig into burrows and take on badgers, Dachshunds have a tenacious spirit and a love for chasing anything that moves. Their small size means they can easily get into cages or enclosures meant for small pets. Dachshunds are clever and persistent, so simple barriers are often not enough. If you cherish your tiny animals, be sure to keep them out of reach of these little hunters.
Basenji
Basenjis are one of the oldest dog breeds, known for their cat-like independence and almost complete lack of barking. But make no mistake—the Basenji is a true hunter with a strong prey drive. These dogs were bred in Africa to flush game into nets and can be relentless when they spot a small animal. Their agile bodies and sharp minds make them expert escape artists, so even secure enclosures may not be enough. If you’re considering a Basenji and already have small pets, think carefully about how to keep everyone safe and happy.
Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers have “rat” in their name for a reason. These small but mighty dogs were bred to hunt and kill rodents, and their instincts remain strong today. Rat Terriers are quick, clever, and always alert, making them formidable predators for any small animal in the home. Even with socialization, their urge to chase and catch can be overwhelming. If you have pocket pets, birds, or rabbits, it’s important to provide very secure housing and never leave them alone with a Rat Terrier.
Esther is from India; the heartbeat of South Asia, holding a Master’s degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Animal Welfare. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare drives her passion and dedication to working for animals, ensuring their well-being, and advocating for their rights. With a solid academic background and hands-on experience, she is committed to making a positive impact in the field of animal welfare. In her free time, she enjoys embroidery and sewing. As a Chennaite from Tamil Nadu, Esther loves Bharathanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
