15 Dog Breeds Most Likely to Escape and Get Lost

Owning a dog is awesome, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their safety. Some dog breeds are notorious for their adventurous spirit and high energy levels, making them more likely to escape and get lost. Here’s a closer look at 15 dog breeds most likely to escape and get lost.

Husky

Huskies are one of the most well-known escape artists in the dog world. Bred to pull sleds over long distances, these pups have an innate need to run and explore. Their intelligence and determination make them excellent at finding weak spots in fences or even opening gates. Their strong prey drive also means they can quickly take off after a small animal, leading them far from home in a short period.

Beagle

Beagles are driven by their powerful sense of smell, which can lead them to wander far from home in pursuit of an exciting scent. As scent hounds, Beagles were bred to hunt small game, and once they catch a scent, they become focused on following it, often ignoring commands or their surroundings.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers may be small but incredibly determined and energetic. Initially bred for hunting foxes, they have a strong prey drive and a love for digging. These traits make them likely to tunnel under fences or find other ways to escape in pursuit of prey. Their intelligence and stubbornness mean they are not easily deterred once they set their mind on something.

Border Collie

Bred for herding, Border Collies need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. If they become bored or under-stimulated, they may seek entertainment by finding a way out of their yard. Their intelligence also means they can figure out how to open doors or gates, making them a breed that requires constant supervision.

Greyhound

Greyhounds are built for speed and have a strong prey drive, meaning they can take off instantly if they spot something interesting. These dogs can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, making it difficult to catch them once they start running. Their slim build also allows them to slip through small gaps in fences.

Dachshund

These pups were originally bred to hunt badgers, and their hunting instincts remain strong. These small dogs are excellent diggers and can quickly tunnel under fences in pursuit of a scent or small animal. Their curiosity and determination make them difficult to contain if they decide there’s something worth chasing. A secure, escape-proof yard is essential for keeping a Dachshund safe at home.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and adventurous nature. Their curiosity can sometimes lead them to wander off if they find an open gate or a weak spot in the fence. Labs love to explore, and their strong sense of smell can easily lure them away from home in search of food or new experiences.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are known for their independence and strong will. Initially bred for hunting small game, Shibas are highly curious and can be pretty stubborn, making them prone to escaping if they spot something that piques their interest. Their agility allows them to jump or climb over fences, and their independent nature means they might not come back when called.

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are smart and energetic pups that love activity and stimulation. Bred for herding livestock, they are natural problem-solvers and can become bored if you don’t give them enough mental and physical challenges. When bored, an Australian Shepherd might look for a way to escape, either by digging, jumping, or even opening gates.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers may be small but have a big personality and a strong prey drive. Originally bred to hunt rats, Yorkies are fearless and will chase after anything that moves, often leading them far from home. Their small size allows them to slip through tight spaces, such as gaps in fences or under gates, making them particularly prone to escaping.

Boxer

Boxers are energetic and playful dogs with a strong curiosity. Their high energy levels and natural athleticism can sometimes lead them to escape if they see an opportunity. Boxers are also known for their impressive jumping ability, so standard fences may not be enough to contain them.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are intelligent, resourceful dogs with a strong protective instinct. They are highly trainable but also independent thinkers who may act on their own initiative. If a German Shepherd perceives a threat or sees something worth investigating outside their yard, they might try to escape to address the situation.

Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees were bred to guard livestock, often by patrolling large, open areas. This breed has a natural tendency to roam and can become restless if confined to a small space. Their strong instinct to wander makes them prone to escape, especially if they believe they are needed elsewhere.

Rat Terrier

Rat Terriers are small but feisty dogs with a strong prey drive. Originally bred to hunt and kill vermin, this breed is highly energetic and determined. Rat Terriers are excellent diggers and can quickly find a way to escape if they catch the scent of a small animal. Their small size and agility allow them to slip through tight spaces, and they can get lost if not carefully supervised.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they have a big attitude and a strong desire to explore. They can be surprisingly bold and will often try to escape if they see something that catches their interest. Their small size allows them to slip through small gaps in fences or under gates, making them one of the breeds most likely to get lost. Despite their size, Chihuahuas require just as much vigilance as larger breeds to ensure they stay safe and secure at home.