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These 13 Dog Breeds Are Masters At Escaping

Written by: Scott H
Scott Haiduc is the Director of Publishing for iHeartDogs, iHeartCats and The Hero Company. When not working, Scott spends his time on the farm, taking care of his animals and crops.Read more
| Published on August 1, 2016

Most dogs need supervision from time to time, but certain breeds are better at staying home than others. All dogs are opportunists that like to escape, but some have a lot of determination when it comes to getting out of the yard. If you’re looking for a breed that’s low maintenance, especially in terms of dog-proofing your house and yard, you might want to avoid these breeds. They are known for being Houdini-like escape artists that always need a watchful eye. When it came to figuring out which dogs escape most often, Fido Finder, a lost dog database, compiled the breeds they’re most often looking for.

#1 – Labrador Retriever

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America’s most popular dog breed is also one that goes missing often. Labs are very social dogs that enjoy the company of all people, family and stranger alike. This might be why so many of them are willing to escape the yard and go on their own daily stroll.

#2 – Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas can squeeze through just about anything, so keeping them contained can be a bit difficult. They are friendly but can be difficult to catch once they escape, so making sure they’re secured inside your home is important.

#3 – American Pit Bull Terrier

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Pit Bulls and other Pit Bull-type dogs are extremely athletic animals, which means that most fences are gates are no match for a motivated dog. Active and intelligent, they are masters at escape and need to be supervised when left outside.

#4 – German Shepherd Dog

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German Shepherds are very active and intelligent dogs that can become escape artists if left alone too often or too long. These dogs get bored and anxious easily and will find a way out to entertain themselves.

#5 – Yorkshire Terrier

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 Yorkies, like Chihuahuas, are great escape artists because of their size. These dogs can fit through the tiniest cracks in a door or fence and have no problem taking themselves on a walk around town.

#6 – Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are extremely social and goofy dogs that love attention from anybody, even strangers. This also means that they think getting out on their own and exploring the neighborhood is a grand old time.

#7 – Beagle

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Beagles are very cute, very affectionate dogs that are pretty good at escaping any kind of enclosure. Although they aren’t the most active at times, they will find a way to entertain themselves if they are bored or lonely and this often means escaping from their home.

#8 – Siberian Husky

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Huskies are known escape artists of the dog world. They are very active dogs that do not do well when left alone in a house or yard for an extended period of time. They were bred for a lot of exercise and will escape and find ways to roam around if not provided enough attention at home.

#9 – Boxer

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Boxers are active, intelligent dogs that are admired for their goofy, affectionate personalities. They are excellent jumpers and climbers so have no problem escaping yards or bolting out of doors.

#10 – Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack Russells are feisty little terriers that generally need proper supervision. They are often a poor choice for dog with cats and other small animals around and will escape a yard if the chase warrants it.

#11 – Poodle

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Toy and Miniature Poodles are lost more often than their Standard sized cousins, probably because it is easier for them to escape through fences and gates. They are friendly dogs that enjoy being around people and will go look for company if left unattended for too long.

#12 – Dachshund

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The Dachshund is a master digger and will have no problem escaping from an enclosed yard should the fence allow it. They are also hunting dogs that will chase prey anywhere, so be sure to have a securely fenced yard and don’t leave your pup unattended.

#13 – Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are another very social, loving dog that lives for human companionship. They are active dogs that can escape yards easily, especially if they are bored and lonely.

All dogs can be escape artists, but these breeds are found lost the most often. Part of it is likely due to their popularity, but the other part because of their uncanny abilities to escape! Remember that no dog should be left unattended for extended periods of time, as they will try to get out and look for company. They are social animals and need to be kept in a secure area if you’re going to be away.

If you have a dog door, make sure you have a secure fence outside to prevent your dog from escaping.

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