Have you ever found yourself chasing your dog down the street, hoping they’ll stop before reaching the neighbor’s yard? Some dogs just love to run, no matter how much we try to keep them safe. In fact, certain breeds are more likely to escape, with owners losing them about 1.2 times a month.
But why do some dogs run away so often? Is it their high energy, strong prey drive, or just a love for adventure? Some breeds are natural explorers, always looking for the next exciting chase. Understanding these habits can help owners keep their pets from running off.
This blog will uncover the truth about dog breeds that love to escape. We’ll explore why they run, which breeds are most likely to wander, and how to keep them safe at home. Let’s dive in!
Dog Breeds that Run Away
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, playful, and packed with energy. But what happens when all that enthusiasm turns into a runaway dog? Their adventurous spirit and love for exploring make them one of the dog breeds that run away often.
What makes them likely to run away? PetMD says Labs have a strong prey drive, making them prone to chasing squirrels, birds, or even leaves. Additionally, their love for socialization means they might escape just to greet other dogs or people.
Can they cover long distances? Absolutely! Labs are athletic, with strong legs built for swimming and running. If they escape, they can wander miles before even realizing they’re lost. Their excitement often outweighs their sense of direction.
The biggest struggle for owners? Labs are great at slipping out of collars, jumping over a fence, or squeezing through a backyard gate. Without enough exercise, they become bored and more determined to escape.
Keeping them safe requires proper training, daily mental exercise, and a GPS tracker for added security. Regular walks and interactive games help keep their energy levels in check, reducing their urge to run.
Surprising Fact! |
2. Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds are independent, strong-willed, and built for protection. But why do they run away? Their guardian instincts make them highly territorial, and they often wander to patrol areas beyond their home, thinking they’re expanding their “territory.”
What makes them prone to escape? These dogs are bred to guard livestock, so they naturally roam. Without enough exercise or a clear job, they get restless. Additionally, their protective nature means they may chase anything they see as a threat.
How far can they go? With incredible endurance, Anatolian Shepherds can travel for miles without tiring. Owners often find their dogs far beyond the fence line, still on high alert and unaware they’ve strayed too far.
Keeping them contained is tough! They are intelligent escape artists known to jump over high fences, dig under enclosures, or break through weak barriers. Without strong boundaries, they’ll find a way out.
To prevent escapes, Anatolian Shepherd owners need high fences, regular training, and activity tracking to keep their dogs mentally engaged. A secure leash and GPS tracker add an extra layer of safety.
Did You Know? |
3. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are natural herders with sky-high energy levels. But what happens when that energy has nowhere to go? They find a way out! These intelligent dogs run because they crave adventure and mental challenges.
What causes them to escape? Their strong prey drive makes them chase anything that moves—cats, birds, even falling leaves! Additionally, Australian Shepherd owners often struggle with keeping them entertained, and boredom is a big escape trigger.
How fast can they run? These dogs are built for agility, capable of reaching speeds over 30 mph. If they get loose, they can cover long distances quickly, often following trails without looking back.
Owners face a real challenge keeping them inside. These dogs jump high, squeeze through gaps, and even learn to open doors. If left alone for too long, their intelligence makes them restless and determined to escape.
The best way to prevent an Australian Shepherd from running away is to provide enough exercise, structured training, and engaging tasks like agility courses or herding games. A GPS tracker is also a must!
Ever Heard This? |
4. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are expert trackers with an unstoppable hunting instinct. When their nose picks up an interesting scent, they follow it, often ignoring commands or boundaries along the way.
Why are they prone to running? VCA reports that this breed was developed for hunting, meaning their sense of smell is stronger than their desire to stay home. If they catch a scent, they’ll chase it for miles without hesitation.
How far can they wander? With strong endurance, they can travel long distances in pursuit of prey. Some owners report their dogs running away 1.2 times a month, especially in areas with a high population of deer or small animals.
The biggest challenge for owners is recall training. Once a scent takes over, it’s nearly impossible to call them back. They also excel at slipping out of collars and digging under fences.
Keeping them safe requires proper leash training, a secure yard, and plenty of hunting-style activities. A GPS tracker helps locate them quickly if they chase after something exciting.
Strange But True! |
5. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers may be small, but their energy levels are through the roof! These fearless dogs run because they are built for action, and staying still just isn’t their style.
What makes them escape artists? The Jack Russell Terrier is small but incredibly determined. They have a strong prey drive and will chase after birds, squirrels, or even a blowing plastic bag. If they spot movement, they’re gone in a flash.
How far can they go? These little speedsters can sprint up to 25 mph and won’t stop until they’ve satisfied their curiosity. Their small size lets them slip through tiny spaces or dig under fences with ease.
Owners often struggle with containment. Jack Russells are expert climbers and jumpers, capable of clearing barriers much taller than expected. Leaving them alone in a yard is a risky game!
To keep a Jack Russell from running away, owners need daily mental exercise, interactive toys, and training that reinforces staying close. A leash is non-negotiable on walks!
Unexpected But True! |
6. Border Collie
Border Collies are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and their brains need just as much exercise as their legs. If they don’t have a job to do, they’ll find one—like escaping!
Why do they run? According to WebMD, their herding instincts make them chase after anything that moves, from cars to kids. Without enough mental exercise, boredom kicks in, and they become determined to break free.
How fast can they go? Border Collies are known for their speed, reaching 30 mph with ease. Once they escape, they don’t just run—they zigzag, making them even harder to catch.
The biggest issue for owners? These dogs learn quickly, sometimes figuring out how to unlatch backyard gates or turn doorknobs. If left alone for too long, their curiosity leads them to make escape attempts.
The best way to prevent them from running away is through structured training, engaging in tasks like agility or herding, and ensuring they get mental and physical challenges daily.
Would You Believe This? |
7. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are strong, athletic, and full of energy. These dogs don’t just run for fun—they run because they were bred for intense physical work. Without an outlet, they’ll escape to stay busy!
What triggers their escape behavior? Their protective instincts make them hyper-alert. If they see something unfamiliar, they’ll chase after it. Additionally, without enough exercise, they’ll run purely out of frustration.
How far can they run? They can cover extreme distances with elite stamina and strength without slowing down. They’ve been used in military operations because of their ability to travel far at high speeds.
Owners face serious challenges in keeping them contained. These dogs can jump over 6-foot fences and break through weak barriers. Their intelligence also makes them experts at finding escape routes.
To prevent them from running away, owners must provide structured training, daily high-intensity workouts, and an enclosed, escape-proof yard. A GPS tracker helps ensure they never get too far.
Unbelievable But True! |
Conclusion
Some dogs just can’t resist the call of adventure; honestly, we can’t blame them! From the highly intelligent German Shepherd to the ever-curious Beagle, these breeds have a knack for escaping—whether it’s chasing a squirrel, patrolling their “territory,” or simply following their instincts. If you own a Great Pyrenees, you already know they think fences are mere suggestions, while a Siberian Husky treats every backyard like a personal sledding course.
Of course, we couldn’t cover every escape artist. Dogs like the Catahoula Leopard Dog, Pit Bull, and American Bulldog also have a strong drive to explore. Even the playful Cavalier King Charles and the towering Great Dane can surprise their owners with unexpected escapes. Whether your pup has a high prey drive or just loves to roam, keeping them safe is key.
At the end of the day, we adore these four-legged escape artists—even when they leave us scared and breathless, chasing them down the street. So, tell us, has your dog ever pulled off a daring escape? Share your funniest runaway stories!
