Every year, millions of dogs go missing, leaving their owners heartbroken and worried. Approximately 10 million pets are lost or stolen in the U.S. annually.1
While any dog can potentially run away, certain breeds are more prone to this behavior due to their instincts, energy levels, and temperament.
Understanding why dogs escape and which breeds are more likely to do so can help pet owners take preventive measures. Here are the top 15 dog breeds most likely to run away.
1. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies top the list of canine escape artists. These beautiful, blue-eyed dogs were bred to run long distances, pulling sleds across vast Arctic landscapes.
Their endurance and love for exploration make them prone to wandering off at any given opportunity.
Huskies are also incredibly intelligent and resourceful. They can figure out how to open gates, dig under fences, or even climb over obstacles.
Their strong prey drive and independent nature further contribute to their tendency to run away, often ignoring calls to return once they’ve set their minds on an adventure.
2. Beagle
Beagles, with their adorable floppy ears and friendly demeanor, might seem like unlikely runaways. However, these scent hounds have a powerful nose that can lead them astray.
Their keen sense of smell, combined with a strong hunting instinct, makes them prone to following interesting scents without a second thought.
Once a Beagle catches a whiff of something intriguing, they can become single-minded in their pursuit. This breed’s curiosity and determination often override their training, making them challenging to recall.
Beagles are also known for their vocal nature, which can be both a blessing and a curse when they decide to embark on an unauthorized expedition.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small but mighty escape artists. These energetic and intelligent dogs were originally bred for fox hunting, which explains their strong prey drive and tendency to chase after small animals.
Their compact size allows them to squeeze through small openings that larger dogs couldn’t dream of passing through.
Jack Russells are also excellent diggers, a skill they often employ to create escape routes under fences. Their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation can lead to boredom if not properly addressed, further increasing their likelihood of seeking adventures beyond their designated boundaries.
4. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, were actually developed in the United States as herding dogs. Their intelligence and work ethic make them excellent companions, but these traits can also contribute to their escape artist tendencies.
Aussies are problem-solvers and can quickly figure out how to open gates or climb fences.
Without proper mental and physical stimulation, Australian Shepherds may become bored and seek out their own entertainment. Their herding instincts can also kick in, causing them to chase after cars, bicycles, or other moving objects.
This breed requires a secure environment and plenty of engaging activities to keep them content and less likely to run off.
5. Greyhound
Greyhounds are known for their incredible speed, capable of reaching up to 45 miles per hour. This innate ability to run fast makes them prone to bolting when given the chance.
Their slender build also allows them to slip through small gaps in fences or gates.
While Greyhounds are often calm and gentle indoors, their prey drive can be triggered by small animals or moving objects. Once they start running, it can be extremely difficult to catch up with them.
Owners of these graceful dogs need to be extra vigilant about secure enclosures and always use a leash during walks.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers might surprise some by making this list, given their reputation for loyalty and obedience. However, their friendly and outgoing nature can sometimes lead them to wander off in search of new friends or exciting experiences.
Labs are also highly food-motivated, which may cause them to follow their noses in pursuit of tasty treats.
These intelligent dogs can be quite resourceful when it comes to escaping. They may learn to open doors or gates, and their strong swimming abilities mean that even bodies of water won’t necessarily contain them.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for keeping Labradors happy and less likely to seek adventures elsewhere.
7. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds, with their regal appearance and flowing coats, are not just beautiful but also skilled escape artists. Originally bred for hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, these dogs have a strong prey drive and excellent speed.
Their independent nature means they often act on their own instincts rather than following commands.
The Afghan Hound’s intelligence allows them to problem-solve their way out of enclosures. Their tall, lean build gives them the ability to jump over high fences with ease.
Once an Afghan Hound starts running, their incredible speed makes them difficult to catch, emphasizing the need for secure containment and vigilant supervision.
8. Vizsla
Vizslas are energetic and affectionate dogs that form strong bonds with their families. However, their high energy levels and hunting background can make them prone to running off.
These dogs have a strong desire to explore and can become easily distracted by interesting sights, sounds, or smells.
Known for their athleticism, Vizslas can jump over or dig under fences with surprising ease. Their intelligence also allows them to figure out latches and other containment mechanisms.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for keeping Vizslas content and less likely to seek thrills beyond their designated boundaries.
9. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers, often called the “King of Terriers,” are known for their intelligence and independent streak. These traits, while admirable, can also contribute to their tendency to run away.
Airedales were originally bred for hunting and have a strong prey drive that can lead them to chase after small animals without hesitation.
Their problem-solving abilities make Airedales adept at finding ways to escape from yards or homes. They can climb, dig, and even manipulate simple locks or latches.
Airedales require consistent training and a secure environment to prevent unauthorized adventures.
10. Border Collie
Border Collies are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. This intelligence, combined with their high energy levels and strong herding instincts, can make them prone to escaping.
Border Collies need constant mental and physical stimulation to stay content and, if not properly engaged, may seek out their own entertainment.
These dogs are excellent problem-solvers and can quickly figure out how to open gates or find weak spots in fences. Their agility and speed make them difficult to catch once they’ve gotten loose.
Owners of Border Collies need to provide ample exercise, training, and mental challenges to keep these brilliant dogs happy and less likely to run off.
11. Weimaraner
Weimaraners, often called “Gray Ghosts” due to their distinctive coat color, are athletic and energetic dogs with a strong hunting background. Their high energy levels and prey drive can make them prone to chasing after small animals or interesting scents, often ignoring calls to return.
These intelligent dogs can be quite resourceful when it comes to escaping. Weimaraners are known for their ability to open doors and gates, and their strength allows them to push through weak spots in fences.
Their speed and endurance mean that once they’ve gotten loose, they can cover large distances quickly, making it crucial for owners to provide secure containment and plenty of exercise.
12. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes, like their cousins the Siberian Huskies, were bred for endurance and strength in pulling sleds. This background contributes to their love of running and exploring.
Malamutes are known for their independent nature and can be stubborn about following commands, especially if something more interesting catches their attention.
These powerful dogs are also skilled diggers and can create escape routes under fences. Their thick coats make them resistant to cold weather, allowing them to stay out for extended periods if they manage to get loose.
Malamutes require secure fencing and consistent training to curb their wanderlust tendencies.
13. Brittany
Brittanys are energetic and athletic dogs originally bred for hunting. Their strong prey drive and keen sense of smell can lead them to follow scents or chase after small animals without a second thought.
These dogs have a natural inclination to range far from their handlers, a trait that served them well in hunting but can be problematic in a home setting.
Despite their medium size, Brittanys are excellent jumpers and can clear fences with surprising ease. Their intelligence also allows them to figure out latches and other containment methods.
Owners of Brittanys need to provide ample exercise and mental stimulation to keep these active dogs content and less likely to seek adventures on their own.
14. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are scent hounds with a powerful nose and a strong desire to follow interesting smells. Originally bred for hunting raccoons and other small game, these dogs have an instinct to chase and tree their quarry.
This hunting background makes them prone to following their noses, often disregarding boundaries or recalling commands.
Once a Treeing Walker Coonhound picks up an interesting scent, they can become singularly focused on following it. Their stamina allows them to cover large distances quickly, and their loud, distinctive bark can make them easy to hear but challenging to catch.
Secure fencing and consistent training are essential for keeping these determined dogs safely at home.
15. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, or “Shelties,” might seem like unlikely escape artists due to their small size and loyal nature. However, these intelligent and agile dogs were bred for herding and have a strong instinct to chase moving objects.
This can lead them to pursue cars, bicycles, or other animals, sometimes ignoring boundaries in the process.
Shelties are also known for their sensitivity to sounds and movements. Loud noises or unfamiliar situations might spook them, causing them to bolt.
Their small size allows them to squeeze through tight spaces, and their agility enables them to jump or climb over obstacles. Proper socialization and a secure environment are crucial for preventing Shelties from running off due to fear or curiosity.
While these 15 breeds may have a higher propensity for running away, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual. Proper training, socialization, and environmental management are key to preventing escapes, regardless of breed.
By understanding your dog’s unique needs and instincts, you can create a safe, engaging environment that reduces their urge to roam.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.