Dogs have been well-known as loyal companions for centuries; however, some breeds take advantage of their highly spirited nature to flee when the owner is not watching them. Certain breeds are very high jumpers and have taken this gift from nature, and they never forget to take advantage of this trait whenever they get a chance.
From Border Collie to Siberian Husky, these dog breeds have high levels of energy and very strong prey drive, which leads them to escape enclosures by jumping over the fence. Of course, it’s possible to stop them from fleeing by providing proper training and attention.
This article explores the top dog breeds that are popular for their fence-jumping abilities and running away from home, so you can keep a special eye on them.
Fence Jumping Dog Breeds
1. Border Collie
Border Collies are highly energetic dogs with a wavy double coat. This short-haired dog breed jumps over fences very well due to their energetic aura. Although they have a double coat but it’s medium in length, and some Border Collies even have short-haired coats, which makes them easy and free to move without hair being an extra layer of burden to prevent their movements like jumps.
They are smart and alert, which makes it easy for them to find out the escape routes. They fall into the category of medium-sized dog breeds, although they are moderately tall in size. But don’t think that their size would make it difficult for them to run or escape your fence, because they have a very smooth and athletic build and muscular legs, enabling them to run very fast and jump easily. In fact, they are one of the fastest dog breeds.
They became excellent pets for active singles because of their high-spirited nature. As per PetMD, they can also be good friends with children and families due to their loving and energetic nature. You can make them your ally in various games, including Frisbee, and they are good to go on hiking as well. If you are struggling to find your partner, they can become the best one for you.
2. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois was produced in the 1800s to be used as guardians. These dogs are popular and well-known due to their intelligence and strength. Britannica mentions that this combination of qualities made them win a prize from the military, and even today, they are used as police dogs in various operations.
In addition to these qualities, this dog is full of life, so bounding it and expecting it won’t utilize its boundless energy and strength to jump over the fence is unrealistic. But providing them with various tasks or engagement would divert their mind and energy from escaping home to do something meaningful.
AKC points out that active homes are best suited for their personality, so before owning this guard dog, make sure to assess your abilities and be ready to take full responsibility to keep them engaged; otherwise, they’ll run away from you in the blink of an eye.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier, also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, originated in England. Due to its legs, which are a little longer than other terriers, it is easy for them to catch their targeted prey. Their hunting desires lead them to evade enclosures and engage in the search for their target.
Moreover, they are confident and fearless, which may cause them to challenge physical barriers easily without any hesitation, so hopping your fence won’t be difficult for them. Furthermore, UKC states that their personality revolves around being bold as well as friendly. They have strong hunting instincts and energy, due to which they need physical activities like long walks and hikes. They love to be engaged in tugging, catching, fetching, and various other sports as well.
Britannica warns that be extra prepared for this fox-sized dog breed because they can not only climb over your fence and escape home, but can also dig under the fence behind your back, so providing training is essential to stop them from running to catch the prey and remain playful and affectionate with their owner.
4. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are yet another breed well known for their herding instincts. They were used to herd sheep initially, but now they need a high level of commitment and activities from their owners. They need mental stimulations as well as physical stimulations to be completely engaged, otherwise, they will find their escape route either through your fence or through your gate.
You can take these herding dogs with you on long jogs; they are quite good companions and won’t let you get bored. You can also get engaged with them in other activities, including swimming and running. For busy owners, they are not a good option because they need guardians who can devote their time, even several hours daily, to them. At times, they can be too demanding.
They also enjoy various dog sports due to their high requirements of activity, so they enjoy sports and obedience training, and other tasks. Otherwise, you need a fully fenced yard to stop this breed from running away from you.
5. German Shepherd
As their name indicates, Max von Stephanitz developed German Shepherds in Germany. These dogs possess a dense but medium-length coat, with curly outer hairs and short, soft inner hairs. They have a naturally athletic body, which enables them to encounter challenges and be active physically as well as mentally. They are even used in search and rescue work by police and the military.
They love to do exercises and challenging tasks; they also serve as watchdogs. But don’t assume they will stick with you even if they get a chance to be free. These dogs jump high, so you don’t just need to keep an eye on them, but also keep your fence higher.
Britannica adds that if you love your German Shepherd and want to keep it close to you, here’s some advice for you: keep your fence minimally 122 cm or 4 feet high, and a six-foot fence is best so they can protect you and do their work as a guardian instead of finding ways to run away.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are well-known in the USA, and it is among the most popular breeds. Their grooming requirements are high as well, due to their double coat; they need brushing frequently. Additionally, they are well known to shed heavily, which further makes grooming a challenge.
They are the best type of companions for families who love to dedicate their time to outdoor activities, including hiking. They become great family pets and are quite friendly with children and even other pets. What’s astonishing is that they get along well with strangers as well; now you must have understood their reason for popularity.
But as with other breeds, you need to supervise your children or kids while they are playing with Labradors, otherwise your children can get accidentally hurt, and Labs may knock them over and escape from your yard while you are just standing looking at it.
7. Australian Kelpie
Australian Kelpie comes in three types of coat, including smooth coat, rough coat, and short coat, which range in colors from black to cream. It is best not to leave them alone because they are very sharp.
If you wish to keep your Kelpie happy and easy to live with, you need to assign them some work. But some work for Kelpie is a lot of work for its owner to think about. They are best suited for experienced owners who have experience handling active and energetic dog breeds.
If you have a small house, Purina states that it’s better to have higher fences before it’s too late and Kelpie leaves your home; they need large empty ground or land to keep them moving freely. If you live in a rural area and have a lot of time to commit to this companion of yours, Kelpie will be happiest with you.ou.
8. Siberian Husky
Siberian huskies have thick coats, so their grooming requirements are also high. This breed type originated in Siberia to be a good companion. It’s a graceful dog well known for its intelligence and kind temperament.
Their medium size and physique support their overall movements. They have well-proportioned body structure with moderate bones, which further support agility and make it convenient for them to hop from the fences, so keeping an eye on them is essential.
AKC notes that they have a history of working in various areas of life, including pulling light weights across snowy areas, which evokes a desire to roam that at last manifests as fleeing over the fence of your home.
9. Weimaraner
Weimaraners were originally bred to be used by royal families to hunt deer, rabbits, and bears. They were used for fox hunting as well. They are obedient and loving by nature with their human partner. Their love for exercise comes from their highly energetic personality; they also make excellent watchdogs.
These hunting dogs are among the highest jumping dog breeds and can be referred to as escape artists because they can easily unlatch gates as well as doors to break free from homes. Jumping fences is the easiest task for them due to their combination of smartness and natural agility.
However, they are eager to please, and they can be easily trained to follow instructions and participate in agility competitions. Providing training and agility courses is important not only to keep them obedient and prevent running away from home, but also to keep them safe with other animals at home.
Conclusion
Most dogs have kept their title of loyalty for centuries, but some breeds behave mysteriously sometimes. These dog breeds are just waiting for a chance to run away and flee over your fence while you are looking at the gate.
While providing essential training and keeping them engaged keeps them by your side, however, whether it’s a Belgian Malinois or a Weimaraner these breeds may turn invisible in the blink of an eye. There are many other breeds not discussed here but they also top this list including rat terrier and pit bulls. Learning about their personality traits will be helpful for you in preventing their escapes.
