All dogs are special. Some have an independent streak that makes them notorious escape artists. You have probably seen a few videos of the dogs bolting off the moment their leash is unclipped, and trust us! It is not just bad training.
Some dog breeds have an innate drive to roam, chase, or just do their own thing. These dogs are smart, full of energy, and often have a strong desire to catch prey. They adore their humans (we’re sure of that), but sometimes, the call of adventure can be too strong for them to resist.
Read about seven such dogs that are best kept on a leash (or in a well-fenced yard) if you want to avoid a game of catch-me-if-you-can.
Dog Breeds That Can’t Be Trusted Off Leash
Some breeds were bred for hunting, herding, or working independently, which means they might prioritize their instincts over human commands. These dogs may include the following:
1. Beagle
Key Traits that Make Beagles Runners:
Strong scent drive, can follow scent for miles
Stubborn and easily distracted by smells
Needs a securely fenced yard and a leash on walks
Beagles are small, cheerful dogs, often described as “merry” by their owners, as mentioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They have a big nose, literally and figuratively. Originally bred as scent hounds to track game, Beagles have a strong sense of smell and an innate drive to follow scents.
Once they lock onto an interesting scent trail, they will follow it, completely ignoring their surroundings, including their human’s calls.
If you own a Beagle, be prepared for a lifetime of “sniff-and-dash” behavior. They thrive with mental stimulation and scent games, which can help channel their energy in a safe setting.
2. Greyhound
Key Traits that Make Greyhounds Runners:
Incredible speed and prey drive
Easily distracted by fast-moving animals
Needs a safe enclosure and leash during exercise
Greyhounds are the epitome of speed and grace. These tall and slender dogs are known for their incredible sprinting ability as they can reach a speed of up to 45 miles per hour, as mentioned by Britannica.
Though they are often calm and gentle indoors (hence earning them the nickname “fastest couch potatoes”), their prey drive is hardwired. If a Greyhound spots a rabbit, squirrel, or anything small and moving, it is off leash and to the races.
Owners should always be aware that Greyhounds have thin skin and little body fat, so they could be prone to injuries if they dash into unsafe zones.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Key Traits that Make Terriers Runners:
High prey drive and natural curiosity
High energy and independence
Needs constant supervision and secure play areas
A small-sized dog bustling with energy, the Jack Russel Terrier is the classic example of a breed that cannot be trusted off leash. They were originally bred for fox hunting and they excelled at the job because of cleverness, quickness, and an unrelenting prey drive.
They have high energy and are always alert for something to chase, be it a squirrel, bird or even a blowing leaf.
Jack Terriers are also notorious for their digging abilities. They can disappear under a fence in seconds if they smell something exciting. Owners should provide enough mental stimulation to keep their curiosity in check.
4. Afghan Hound
Key Traits that Make Afghan Hound Runners:
Independent, loyal hound not strongly motivated by treats
Fast and agile runners
Needs high fences and secure play areas
Elegant, silky-coated, and regal, Afghan Hounds might look like supermodels (among the most eye-catching doggos, as noted by AKC). However, underneath that glamorous exterior is a free spirit of a sight hound bred to chase prey in open areas.
Their independent nature means they prefer to follow their instincts instead of caring for human commands, when they are off leash.
If you are thinking of getting an Afghan Hound, be prepared to invest in high-quality fencing and practice recall training regularly. Yes, they may forget paying attention to your pleas while running.
5. Border Collie
Key Traits that Make Border Collies Runners:
Strong herding desire
Easily distracted by stimulating situations
Needs structured training and mental challenges
Border Collies are renowned for being intelligent and agile dogs, presenting a strong work ethic. They were originally bred for herding livestock and have an instinct to control things around them, whether sheep, cows, or even cars and bicycles.
Mix their high energy levels with a strong herding drive, and you have a dog that will dart off if they see something worth “herding”.
These doggos are highly trainable, but their high energy and instincts may override commands if they get overstimulated. They are often too smart for their own good as they find creative ways to escape a yard or ignore a call when distracted by something moving.
6. Siberian Husky
Key Traits that Make Siberian Huskies Runners:
Strong desire to roam and high endurance
Clever and determined escape artists
Needs secure fencing and supervision
Ask any Husky owner, and they will tell you, Huskies have wanderlust in their DNA. Bred to pull sleds over long distances and in harsh temperatures, they are naturally inclined to run far and fast.
They are also incredibly intelligent and resourceful, as you might find them thinking about figuring out a way to open a gate or climb a high fence.
They are social and affectionate but they are also fiercely independent and driven by curiosity. Their stamina and strength make them capable of traveling long distances before tiring. Once off leash, they will hit the ground running and may ignore calls until they have satisfied their urge to explore.
Regular exercise, long walks, and mental challenges are a high priority for Huskies to help curb their urge to run away.
7. Shiba Inu
What makes the Shiba Inu a Runner?
Strong-willed, curious, and independent
Fast, agil,e and hard to catch, but a bit aloof
Needs secure enclosures and supervision outdoors
Shiba Inus are small and fox-like dogs known for their independent and stubborn nature. Originally bred in Japan for hunting, they are curious, obedient and agile dogs. They are not the easiest dogs to train for recall as they often find the outside world far more interesting than lounge naps or listening to their humans.
Consider your dog off-leash! They can quickly bolt after a bird or an interesting scent, and ignore calls to return. Their agility and speed make them difficult to catch, and they are notorious for slipping out of harnesses and dashing through open doors.
You need to train your Shiba Inu off leash, at least 15 minutes daily in a dog park, in the hope they listen to your calls without aggression.
Final Thoughts
Dogs love freedom and exploration but some breeds are eager to go out and should be kept on leash or within a secure parameter for their safety…. and your peace of mind because you cannot be running off for rescue all the time (phew!). No matter if it is a scent-driven Beagle, Doberman, Greyhound, Poodle, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, or stubborn Shiba Inu, these dogs can decide to run away at any moment.
Be prepared for extra training, secure fencing, and creative ideas to be protective of your dog’s lifestyle and lead their desire and energy. Remember! A safe dog is a happy dog.
