10 Dogs That’ll Dig Up Your Yard—and 10 That Won’t Touch a Tulip

Your backyard might be your personal oasis—but to some dogs, it’s just one big excavation site waiting to happen.

Whether it’s to chase a scent, bury a bone, or escape a boring afternoon, many pups just can’t resist the urge to dig. And while a freshly dug hole might give your dog a thrill, it’s usually less fun for your lawn—or your patience.

Some breeds are hardwired for this kind of behavior. Terriers, for example, were bred to hunt rodents and burrow into the earth, so digging is second nature. Others, like sled dogs, dig to stay cool or create a comfy nap spot in the shade.

But not all pups are dirt devils. Some dogs are perfectly content to keep their paws clean and their energy focused elsewhere. These low-effort landscapers would rather nap in the grass than tear it to shreds.

So how do you know which side your dog falls on?

Whether you’re house-hunting with a backyard in mind or trying to figure out if your pup’s digging is breed-related, this list can help. We’re breaking down the top 10 dog breeds that live to dig—and the 10 that probably won’t even try.

From determined Dachshunds to zen-like Cavaliers, you’ll get the scoop on which dogs could moonlight as gardeners and which ones won’t touch the tulips.

If you’ve ever come home to find your pet covered in dirt and your flowerbed destroyed, this guide might give you some clarity.

And if you’re still in the decision phase of picking your furry companion, this might save your landscaping budget before it even takes a hit.

Ready to find out which breeds are backyard destroyers—and which are not-so-diggy dogs? Let’s dig in.

1. Dachshund

Bred for hunting badgers, Dachshunds have an innate passion for digging. These long-bodied, short-legged dogs find joy in burrowing into the earth, fulfilling their ancestral instincts.

Whether in pursuit of a scent or simply for fun, they can turn any garden into a dig site.

Their playful nature makes them delightful companions, but their love for digging means they need supervision outdoors. To curb this habit, engaging their sharp minds with toys and games can redirect their energy.

Known for their loyalty and courage, Dachshunds bring both charm and challenge to pet ownership.

Their stubborn streak can make training a task, but patience and consistency win the day. A Dachshund’s determination is unmatched, making them both endearing and occasionally exasperating.

2. Jack Russell Terrier

Energetic and clever, Jack Russell Terriers are born to dig. Their terrier roots drive them to explore underground, and their boundless energy finds an outlet in the soil. This breed’s spirited nature often leads them to create elaborate tunnels in the yard.

Jack Russells are small dogs with big personalities, making them both entertaining and a bit of a handful. Keeping them busy with agility training or interactive toys can help mitigate their excavation efforts.

These dogs form strong bonds with their families and thrive on attention and stimulation. A Jack Russell’s relentless enthusiasm ensures there’s never a dull moment, but their digging might require a little extra patience.

3. Beagle

Guided by their exceptional noses, Beagles are natural diggers. Their strong sense of smell pulls them toward the earth, where they often follow intriguing scents. While their digging can be charming, it can also lead to some unexpected landscaping.

Beagles are known for their friendly and curious demeanor, making them wonderful family pets. However, their independent streak means they often follow their own path, especially when a scent catches their interest.

Training a Beagle requires understanding their motivations and using positive reinforcement to guide them. Their love for exploring new scents can be harnessed with scent-based games, turning a potential nuisance into bonding time.

4. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies dig for adventure, escape, and even comfort. Their history as sled dogs means they’re accustomed to creating shelters in the snow, a habit that translates to your lawn.

This breed’s independent spirit often leads them to dig deep trenches.

Playful and intelligent, Huskies need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to curb their digging urges. Enrichment activities and regular walks can help satisfy their adventurous nature.

Known for their striking looks and friendly disposition, Siberian Huskies make engaging companions. Their tendency to dig can be managed with proper training and understanding of their needs, turning a potential problem into a fun challenge.

5. Border Collie

Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence, and sometimes that sharp mind turns to digging. When bored, this breed might channel its energy into landscaping, creating unexpected holes in the yard.

Highly trainable and eager to please, Border Collies thrive on tasks and challenges. Engaging them in sports like herding or agility can help redirect their energy away from digging.

These dogs are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. Their digging might be a sign of unspent energy, so keeping them engaged with activities is essential. A well-exercised Border Collie is a happy, hole-free companion.

6. Cairn Terrier

With a history as earthdogs, Cairn Terriers are avid diggers. Their instinct to unearth critters makes them enthusiastic gardeners, much to the chagrin of tidy lawn lovers. This tenacious breed sees the ground as a treasure trove of scents and surprises.

Cairn Terriers are spirited and lively, bringing joy and a bit of chaos to any home. Their digging habits can be managed with consistent training and patience.

These dogs love challenges and thrive in environments that provide mental and physical stimulation. Channeling their energy through playtime and positive reinforcement can keep their paws out of the dirt and focused on fun.

7. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes love to dig, whether it’s snow or soil. Their heritage as sled dogs means they’re used to creating shelters, a trait that carries over to your garden. These powerful dogs dig for fun, comfort, and sometimes just because they can.

Malamutes are affectionate and social animals, thriving in active households. Their digging can be a form of play, so providing plenty of exercise can help manage this behavior.

With their majestic appearance and gentle nature, Malamutes make wonderful companions. Understanding their needs and providing enrichment activities can turn digging from a nuisance into an enjoyable part of their personality.

8. Miniature Schnauzer

Despite their small size, Miniature Schnauzers are tenacious diggers. This breed’s terrier heritage drives them to explore underground, and they often find joy in uprooting garden plants.

Miniature Schnauzers are known for their energetic and lively personalities, making them delightful companions. Keeping them entertained with toys and activities can help channel their digging tendencies.

These spirited dogs are intelligent and trainable, but their stubborn streak may require patience.

Engaging them in fun challenges can redirect their energy away from the dirt and into more constructive play. A well-engaged Schnauzer is a happy, dirt-free pet.

9. Fox Terrier

Fox Terriers have a natural prey drive that often leads them to dig. Their energetic nature and love for exploration make them frequent visitors to the garden soil.

These lively dogs are full of personality and thrive on attention and activity. Providing them with physical and mental challenges can help manage their digging behavior.

Fox Terriers are affectionate and bond closely with their owners. Their digging is often a sign of their curiosity, so engaging them in playtime and training can keep their paws busy elsewhere.

With patience and understanding, their digging can be directed into a fun and rewarding activity.

10. Basset Hound

Low to the ground, Basset Hounds follow their noses wherever they lead, often into the dirt. Their strong sense of smell drives them to dig and explore, making them frequent landscapers.

Basset Hounds are gentle and affectionate, known for their laid-back demeanor. Their digging is often a result of their curiosity and can be managed with enrichment activities.

Training a Basset Hound requires patience and understanding of their motivations. Their love for scents can be harnessed with scent-based games and activities, turning potential garden destruction into a bonding experience.

These dogs bring joy and a bit of mischief to any home.

11. Great Dane

Great Danes, with their imposing size and gentle nature, are not diggers by any means. Their leisurely approach to life means they’d rather nap in the sun than dig up your garden.

These gentle giants are known for their loving and calm disposition, making them excellent companions. Their size might be intimidating, but their hearts are pure gold, preferring cuddles over chaos.

Despite their large stature, Great Danes are surprisingly low-maintenance in terms of exercise.

Their preference for lounging makes them unlikely candidates for digging, keeping your yard as pristine as possible. A Great Dane’s presence is enough to fill a home with love and serenity.

12. Bulldog

Bulldogs are the epitome of relaxation. With their short legs and sturdy build, they’re more inclined to enjoy a nap than to engage in strenuous activities like digging.

These charming dogs are known for their wrinkled faces and lovable personalities. Their laid-back nature makes them perfect for families seeking a calm and affectionate pet.

Though they may have bursts of energy, Bulldogs are generally content with a leisurely stroll rather than a digging session. Their preference for comfort over chaos keeps your garden safe from paws.

Bringing a Bulldog into your home offers companionship filled with warmth and tranquility.

13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more likely to be found curled up on a lap than digging in the dirt. Their affectionate nature and elegant appearance make them feel like royalty in any home.

These small dogs are known for their gentle and loving demeanor, thriving on companionship and cuddles. Their preference for relaxation over excavation ensures your garden remains untouched.

Playful yet calm, Cavaliers are excellent family pets, content with moderate exercise and plenty of affection. Their low maintenance nature when it comes to digging makes them an ideal choice for those who cherish their landscaping.

A Cavalier brings love and serenity to any household.

14. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are the aristocrats of the dog world, and digging simply isn’t part of their royal repertoire. These small, affectionate dogs prefer the comforts of home to the chaos of a garden.

Known for their plush coats and charming personalities, Shih Tzus thrive on attention and companionship. Their preference for relaxation over landscaping makes them unlikely to disturb your flower beds.

These dogs are perfect for those who value elegance and ease, providing love and companionship without the need for extensive outdoor activities. A Shih Tzu’s presence brings a touch of elegance and warmth to any household.

15. Maltese

Maltese dogs are the embodiment of grace and poise, and digging just isn’t their style. Their delicate build and luxurious coats keep them far from the dirt, preferring indoor comforts.

These elegant dogs are known for their playful yet gentle personalities. Their love for people and attention makes them ideal companions who value cuddles over chaos.

Maltese are perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, as their low-maintenance nature when it comes to exercise keeps your garden safe.

Bringing a Maltese into your home offers a touch of sophistication and endless affection, making every day feel a little more special.

16. Greyhound

Known for their speed and grace, Greyhounds are more likely to sprint across a field than dig it up. Their sleek bodies and gentle demeanor keep them far from the garden soil.

These dogs are calm and affectionate, enjoying a relaxed lifestyle that involves more lounging than landscaping. Their need for speed is satisfied with a good run, leaving your garden intact.

Greyhounds form strong bonds with their families, providing love and companionship without the need for intense outdoor activities.

Their preference for relaxation makes them ideal pets for those who value tranquility. A Greyhound’s presence brings elegance and serenity to any home.

17. Newfoundland

With a heart as big as its paws, the Newfoundland is every child’s gentle guardian. These massive dogs are more inclined to lounge by the water than to dig up your yard.

Known for their sweet and patient nature, Newfoundlands are perfect family companions. Their preference for relaxation ensures that your garden remains untouched by curious paws.

Despite their size, these dogs are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. Enjoying a swim or a gentle walk is often enough to keep them content.

A Newfoundland brings warmth and protection to any family, offering love and companionship without the mess of digging.

18. Pomeranian

Pomeranians, with their small stature and lively personalities, are more likely to be found on a cushion than in the dirt. Their dainty nature keeps them far from the garden soil.

These dogs are known for their fluffy coats and spirited demeanor, making them delightful companions. Their love for people and attention keeps them indoors, away from any digging temptations.

Pomeranians thrive in homes that appreciate their vibrant personalities and low-maintenance exercise needs.

Their preference for comfort makes them ideal for those who value a tidy garden. Bringing a Pomeranian into your home adds a touch of charm and cheer to everyday life.

19. Chow Chow

Aloof and independent, Chow Chows are unlikely to engage in garden excavations. Their dignified demeanor keeps them more interested in observing the world than in digging it up.

These dogs are known for their distinctive appearance and reserved nature. They bond closely with their families but maintain a sense of independence that steers them away from destructive behaviors like digging.

Chow Chows enjoy a serene lifestyle, making them suitable for homes that appreciate their calm presence. Their preference for relaxation over chaos ensures your garden remains undisturbed.

A Chow Chow’s regal presence brings a sense of peace and grace to any household.

20. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers, with their curious yet composed nature, are unlikely candidates for digging. Their playful spirit finds expression in games and interactions rather than garden adventures.

These dogs are known for their friendly and adaptable personalities, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. Their love for people and play keeps them more focused on fun than on digging.

Boston Terriers enjoy moderate exercise and thrive in environments that appreciate their cheerful disposition.

Their preference for play over digging ensures your garden remains pristine. Bringing a Boston Terrier into your home offers joy and companionship, with plenty of personality to spare.