Are Dogs Burrowing Animals? | Digging Deep Facts

Understanding Burrowing Behavior in Dogs

Dogs digging or burrowing is a common sight for many pet owners. But does this behavior mean dogs are burrowing animals? Not quite. Burrowing animals are species that live primarily underground, creating extensive tunnel systems for shelter, protection, and raising their young. Examples include moles, rabbits, and certain rodents. Dogs, on the other hand, do dig and sometimes create shallow holes or nests but do not construct elaborate burrows as their permanent homes.

Digging in dogs stems from instinctual roots inherited from their wild ancestors. Wolves and wild canids often dig to create a comfortable resting spot or to hide food. In domestic dogs, this behavior manifests as a way to seek comfort, release energy, or explore their environment. So while dogs do dig and sometimes “burrow” into soft materials like blankets or soil, they aren’t classified as true burrowing animals.

Why Do Dogs Dig and Burrow?

The reasons dogs dig are varied and closely linked to natural instincts as well as environmental triggers. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

1. Instinctual Nesting Behavior

Wild ancestors of dogs often dug shallow depressions to create a safe spot for resting or giving birth. This nesting behavior is still present in many breeds today. When your dog digs at the ground or paws at blankets before lying down, it’s mimicking this instinctual action — trying to make its resting place more comfortable.

Dogs may dig holes in the yard or try to burrow under blankets to regulate body temperature. The earth beneath the surface tends to be cooler during hot weather, so digging can provide relief from heat. Conversely, curling up under blankets mimics warmth during colder periods.

3. Boredom and Anxiety

If left alone for long periods or lacking sufficient mental stimulation, dogs might dig out of boredom or anxiety. This can become a compulsive behavior if not addressed properly with exercise and engagement.

4. Hunting and Exploration Instincts

Dogs have keen senses of smell and hearing that encourage them to investigate underground scents—like rodents or insects—leading them to dig holes in search of prey or just curiosity-driven exploration.

Sometimes digging is a way for dogs to get their owner’s attention—especially if they’ve learned that digging results in interaction (even if it’s negative).

Are All Dog Breeds Equal Diggers?

Not all dogs have the same tendency to dig or burrow. Certain breeds are more predisposed due to their genetic background and original purposes.

Breed Group	Digging Tendencies	Reason/Background
Terriers (e.g., Jack Russell Terrier)	High	Bred for hunting small game underground; strong digging instincts.
Scent Hounds (e.g., Beagle)	Moderate	Use digging for tracking prey scents; curious nature.
Sighthounds (e.g., Greyhound)	Low	Bred for speed rather than digging; less interest in burrowing.
Labrador Retriever & Golden Retriever	Moderate to Low	Bred for retrieving rather than digging; some playful digging.

Terriers top the list when it comes to digging because their history involves chasing prey into dens underground. Meanwhile, breeds like Greyhounds show minimal interest in such behavior.

The Difference Between Burrowing Animals and Dogs’ Digging Habits

Burrowing animals live inside tunnels they create underground — these tunnels serve as homes that protect them from predators and harsh weather conditions while also providing breeding grounds.

Dogs’ digging serves different purposes:

• Lack of Permanent Shelter: Dogs don’t rely on tunnels as permanent homes since humans provide shelter.
• Simpler Digging: Most dog digs are shallow holes rather than complex tunnel systems.
• No Extensive Tunnel Networks: Unlike moles or rabbits that build intricate networks spanning meters underground.
• Tied More To Behavior Than Survival: Dog digging is often behavioral rather than survival-driven.

This distinction makes it clear that although dogs engage in some form of “burrowing,” they don’t fit the biological category of true burrowing animals.

The Evolutionary Roots Behind Dogs’ Burrowing Instincts

Domesticated dogs descend from wolves who adapted various survival strategies over thousands of years. Wolves sometimes dug shallow dens for shelter or protection during harsh weather conditions but rarely constructed complex tunnels like specialized burrowers.

Domestication shifted much of this need away because humans provided food and shelter regularly. However, many behavioral traits remained embedded in dogs’ DNA — including digging behaviors related to nesting, hunting instincts, and comfort-seeking actions.

This evolutionary backdrop explains why your dog might scratch at dirt before lying down but won’t spend hours creating an elaborate underground home like a badger would.

The Science Behind Canine Digging: What Research Shows

Scientific studies highlight several key points about canine digging:

• Digging activates dopamine release in dogs’ brains — similar to rewarding activities.
• It serves multiple functions: thermoregulation, nest-building instincts, stress relief.
• Excessive digging correlates strongly with anxiety disorders.
• Breed-specific genetic markers influence frequency/intensity of digging behavior.
• Environmental enrichment reduces compulsive behaviors including unnecessary digging.

One study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that providing designated “dig zones” reduced destructive yard damage by over 60%. This implies that allowing controlled outlets satisfies natural urges without conflict.

Tackling Unwanted Digging: Practical Tips for Dog Owners

If your pup’s penchant for dirt holes has turned into a headache, here are some practical steps:

• Create designated dig areas: Give your dog a sandbox or specific yard corner where they’re allowed to dig freely.
• Adequate exercise: Tire out your dog daily with walks, playtime, and mental challenges.
• Mental stimulation: Puzzle toys and training sessions reduce boredom-driven behaviors.
• Avoid punishment: Negative reinforcement can increase anxiety-related digging rather than stop it.
• Deter problem spots: Use safe barriers or repellents around favorite problematic areas temporarily until habits change.

Understanding why your dog digs helps tailor solutions instead of simply suppressing instincts outright.

The Connection Between Burrowing Behavior and Canine Well-being

Digging isn’t just about soil displacement; it ties directly into your dog’s emotional health:

• Comfort: Creating cozy spots mimics denning instincts.
• Stress Relief: Physical activity reduces cortisol levels.
• Expression: Allows natural behaviors which prevent frustration.
• Bonding: Shared playtime involving supervised digging strengthens owner-dog relationships.

Ignoring these needs can lead to destructive habits elsewhere — chewing furniture or excessive barking — signaling underlying dissatisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dogs Burrowing Animals by Nature?

Dogs are not true burrowing animals. While they do dig and create shallow holes, they do not live underground or build extensive tunnel systems like moles or rabbits. Their digging behavior is mainly instinctual and related to comfort or exploration rather than permanent shelter construction.

Why Do Dogs Exhibit Burrowing Behavior?

Dogs dig and burrow due to instinctual nesting behavior inherited from their wild ancestors. They often paw at blankets or dig shallow spots to create a comfortable resting place, regulate body temperature, or relieve boredom and anxiety.

Can Dogs’ Burrowing Be Linked to Their Wild Ancestors?

Yes, dogs’ burrowing actions stem from instincts passed down by wolves and wild canids. These animals dug shallow depressions for resting or hiding food. Domestic dogs mimic this behavior as a way to feel secure or comfortable.

Do All Dog Breeds Show Burrowing Behavior?

Not all dog breeds burrow equally, but many display some digging tendencies. Breeds with strong hunting or working backgrounds might dig more, driven by instincts to explore, hunt, or create nesting spots for comfort.

Is Burrowing Behavior in Dogs a Sign of Anxiety?

Burrowing can sometimes indicate boredom or anxiety, especially if a dog digs compulsively when left alone. Providing mental stimulation and exercise can help reduce this behavior if it becomes excessive or problematic.