Some dogs are loved at first sight, while others are overlooked again and again.
Animal shelters are full of dogs waiting for a second chance, but some breeds have an especially hard time finding a home. Whether it’s because of unfair stereotypes, behavioral quirks, or simply bad luck, certain dogs sit in shelters much longer than others. Some are surrendered due to circumstances beyond their control, while others are abandoned because owners fail to understand what they’re getting into.
For many of these breeds, their time in the shelter isn’t just temporary—it’s a waiting game that could last months or even years. These are the dogs that get passed over the most, and the reasons may surprise you.
1. Labrador Retrievers may be popular, but they are also frequently abandoned.
Labs are one of the most beloved dog breeds, but their popularity comes at a cost. Many people adopt them without fully understanding how much exercise and attention they need. When they grow from an adorable puppy into a high-energy adult that demands daily physical and mental stimulation, many owners find themselves overwhelmed and surrender them to shelters.
As stated by Found Animals, lifestyle changes are one of the biggest reasons Labs are relinquished. Whether it’s a new baby, a move, or simply a lack of time, these dogs often find themselves in shelters through no fault of their own. Their friendly nature means they usually get adopted quickly, but because so many end up in shelters, there’s always another waiting for a home.
3. Chihuahuas are often surrendered because of unrealistic expectations.
Chihuahuas may be small, but they come with big personalities—and that’s exactly why they end up in shelters so often. Many people adopt them thinking they’re easy, low-maintenance pets, only to realize they require just as much training and attention as larger breeds. Their strong-willed nature can lead to behavioral issues if they aren’t properly socialized, which often results in them being surrendered.
According to Cuddle Clones, overbreeding is another reason Chihuahuas fill shelters. Because they are so popular, many end up in the hands of irresponsible breeders or impulse buyers who later abandon them. Once in a shelter, their feisty attitudes can make them harder to adopt out, as many potential owners are looking for a more relaxed, easygoing dog.
3. American Pit Bull Terriers face unfair stereotypes that make adoption difficult.
Pit Bulls are one of the most misunderstood breeds in the world. Despite being loving, affectionate, and loyal, they are often seen as dangerous due to negative media portrayals and breed-specific legislation. Many landlords and apartment complexes have restrictions against them, leaving many owners with no choice but to surrender their pets when they move. Unfortunately, once in shelters, they often stay longer than other breeds simply because of their reputation.
They are also strong, energetic dogs that require experienced owners. Without proper training and socialization, they can develop behavioral issues that make them harder to adopt out. As stated by Adopt-a-Pet, many people hesitate to take in a Pit Bull, even though those who do often find them to be some of the most affectionate and loyal companions. The sad reality is that these dogs suffer from the misconceptions surrounding them, making them some of the hardest to rehome.
4. German Shepherds are often abandoned because their intelligence demands constant engagement.
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and require more than just basic training to stay mentally and physically satisfied. Many owners adopt them for their loyalty and protective nature, but they don’t realize that these dogs need consistent engagement to prevent boredom. Without structured training, socialization, and a purpose, they can become anxious, destructive, and difficult to manage.
As Petfinder explains, their high-energy levels make them a challenge for inexperienced owners. Without enough daily exercise and mental stimulation, they may develop behavioral problems that result in them being surrendered. Many people underestimate how much work it takes to raise a well-balanced German Shepherd, leading to overcrowded shelters filled with abandoned dogs that simply needed more guidance.
5. Huskies are surrendered when owners can’t handle their extreme energy and escape tendencies.
Huskies are independent, high-energy dogs that require significant exercise and supervision. Many people adopt them because of their striking appearance, unaware that these dogs have a strong prey drive and an endless need for activity. Without an outlet for their energy, they become expert escape artists, known for digging under fences, climbing over enclosures, and running off whenever they get the chance.
Their stubborn nature and intense exercise requirements make them unsuitable for inexperienced owners. When their needs aren’t met, they resort to destructive behaviors like howling, chewing, and tearing apart furniture. Many shelters see a high number of Huskies because their owners simply cannot provide the active lifestyle required to keep them happy and well-behaved.
6. Jack Russell Terriers are too much dog for many owners to handle.
Jack Russells may be small, but their energy levels are off the charts. These dogs were bred to work, and they require an incredible amount of mental and physical stimulation. If they don’t get it, they can become destructive, loud, and difficult to control—traits that often lead to them being surrendered.
Their high energy levels also mean they aren’t ideal for every household. Families looking for a calm lap dog often adopt Jack Russells without realizing what they’re in for. Their need for near-constant activity makes them challenging for first-time dog owners, and as a result, they frequently end up back in shelters when their new families can’t keep up.
7. Mixed-breed dogs are often overlooked in favor of purebreds.
Purebred dogs tend to get adopted faster, while mixed-breed dogs can wait much longer for a home. Some adopters believe that purebreds are more predictable in temperament and behavior, while others assume that mixed breeds are more likely to have health issues. This misconception leads to shelters being overcrowded with mixed-breed dogs that are just as loving and trainable as their purebred counterparts.
Ironically, mixed breeds often have fewer genetic health problems due to their diverse lineage. They can be just as intelligent, loyal, and affectionate as any purebred dog, but many people still prefer dogs with a pedigree. This preference leaves countless mixed-breed dogs languishing in shelters, waiting for someone to look past labels and see the incredible companions they could become.
8. Greyhounds can be difficult to rehome due to health and temperament concerns.
Greyhounds are commonly found in shelters after being retired from racing, but not every adoption story is a happy one. Some greyhound rescues have been known to misrepresent dogs, passing off ill or aggressive greyhounds as healthy and friendly to increase adoption rates. While many retired racing greyhounds make wonderful companions, some come with serious medical conditions or behavioral challenges that inexperienced owners are not prepared for.
Their thin skin, high prey drive, and history of living in kennels mean they often require special care and training. Potential adopters may be unaware of the level of commitment needed, leading to some greyhounds being returned to shelters. While they can make calm, gentle pets in the right home, their unique needs and the occasional misleading adoption practices make rehoming them more complicated than many expect.
9. Older dogs are often overlooked in favor of younger puppies.
Many shelter dogs are passed over simply because of their age. Puppies are in high demand, while senior dogs often spend months or even years waiting for a home. Many people assume that older dogs will have more health problems, shorter lifespans, or behavioral issues from past experiences, making them less desirable compared to younger, more energetic dogs.
The reality is that older dogs often make fantastic pets. They are typically house-trained, less destructive, and more predictable in temperament. Despite these advantages, potential adopters frequently choose puppies instead, leaving older dogs to live out their days in shelters. For many of these senior pets, their wait never ends.
10. Black dogs often struggle to get adopted due to outdated superstitions.
There’s an unfortunate phenomenon in shelters known as “Black Dog Syndrome,” where darker-colored dogs get adopted at much lower rates than their lighter counterparts. Some believe this is due to outdated superstitions, while others think black dogs don’t photograph as well, making them stand out less in adoption listings. Whatever the reason, many shelters report that black dogs—regardless of breed or personality—have a much harder time finding homes.
This bias means that even friendly, well-behaved black dogs may stay in shelters far longer than expected. Their color has nothing to do with their temperament, yet many remain unadopted simply because they don’t catch the eye as quickly as flashier-colored dogs.
11. Some dogs may never leave the shelter simply because of bad luck.
Many dogs in shelters are loving, loyal, and deserving of homes, yet they remain unchosen due to factors beyond their control. Whether it’s because of their breed, their color, or simply the circumstances of their previous owners, these dogs wait far longer than others for a second chance. In some cases, they may never leave at all.
Adopting a dog should never be an impulse decision. Understanding the commitment, researching breeds, and ensuring you have the time, space, and resources to care for a pet can prevent another dog from becoming another statistic. For the dogs who are already waiting, a little patience and understanding could mean the difference between life in a shelter and a loving forever home.