There is no feeling like the moment you realize your dog is lost. The immediate panic is followed by the fear that your furry companion will never be found. And while most pup parents will – unfortunately – experience this feeling at some point in their life, some dogs take it to another level and are actually skilled escape artists.
Dogs run away for many reasons. Some become bored, lonely, or suffer from separation anxiety while others run away because they are afraid of a storm or fireworks. Working with a trainer based on your pup’s behavior can help keep your pup safe and sound at home.
Nonetheless, there are certain breeds that have the escape artist gene. Here are 12 of them.
Labrador Retrievers
According to FidoFinder.com, Lab’s received the “most likely to get lost” honor. This happy-go-lucky, energetic, curious breed just wants to be around people. Their curiosity often leads them away from homes in search of other people – especially if they suffer from separation anxiety.
Chihuahuas
Despite their small size, Chihuahuas actually require quite a bit of exercise, attention and training. Because some Chihuahua parents don’t know this, this breed can become bored due to lack of exercise and flee their home. Their love of running certainly doesn’t help either.
Boxers
This breed is known for their exceptional jumping skills. Combine that with their playful nature and you’ve got yourself an escape artist. They even have their own term for escaping: “Boxer Bolting”.
Huskies
Probably one of the most notorious escape artists are Siberian Huskies. This breed was literally bred to run and if they don’t get enough in at home, they’ll seek it elsewhere. They also love to dig and climb – the winning combination for escape artists.
Beagles
These scent hounds love to follow their instinct – the nose – all the way out of the yard. Their strong desire to track a scent makes them the perfect escape artist.
Jack Russell Terriers
This speedy breed may be small, but they’re powerful and spunky. Jack Russell Terriers need plenty of exercise to be happy. Plus, their strong prey drive causes them to bolt at the mere sight of a squirrel across the street.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Known for their jumping ability, Staffordshire Bull Terriers need plenty of exercise to keep them happy. And don’t think a tall fence will keep them in, this is one breed that loves to dig and jump.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds were bred to herd and have a strong instinct to chase other animals. They are a stubborn breed that also loves to dig – a perfect combination for a true escape artist.
Golden Retrievers
You may not think Golden Retrievers want to escape often – especially since they are a the tried and true “family dog” – but this breed was bred to accompany hunters. They require a lot of exercise to stay happy and if they don’t get it, they’ll go looking for it elsewhere, right out of your yard.
Cocker Spaniels
Thanks to this breeds loyalty and devotion to their humans, it makes them prone to separation anxiety. This can lead to escaping in an attempt to find their owners. Furthermore, their origin as retrievers has them longing to run after squirrels or rabbits.
Dachshunds
Bred to chase badgers into underground dens, Dachshunds are excellent diggers. They are super aware of their surroundings and will run after smaller animals in an instant. Dachshunds are extremely protective of their owners and stubborn, which can lead to separation anxiety and a non-stop attempt to find their human.
Poodles
Although the Poodle is extremely intelligent and trainable, they also require a lot of physical and mental exercise in order to be happy. They also have a predisposition to separation anxiety which causes them to escape and look for their owners.
CESARSWAY.COM
Even if you don’t have a breed on this list, any dog can escape and become lost. Always make sure you keep your dog on a leash or in a secure backyard and never leave them outside alone.
Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.