These Dog Breeds and Mixes End Up in Shelters More Than Any Others
Adopting a dog is supposed to be forever, but sadly, that’s not always the case. Every year, thousands of dogs are surrendered to shelters, often because owners didn’t fully understand the breed’s needs or challenges. Some breeds are surrendered more than others due to high energy levels, size, or health issues. Here are the 15 dog breeds most commonly found in shelters and the surprising reasons they end up there.
1. Siberian Huskies Are Too Much Dog for Many Owners
Huskies are stunning, but their high energy and tendency to escape make them challenging pets. Many owners fall in love with their looks but underestimate their need for constant exercise and mental stimulation. Husky mixes often inherit their love for adventure, making them just as difficult to manage for owners who aren’t ready for an active, escape-prone companion.
2. Pit Bulls Face Discrimination and Misunderstanding
Pit Bulls are affectionate and loyal, but their misunderstood reputation often works against them. Many owners surrender them due to housing restrictions, breed-specific legislation, or behavioral challenges stemming from improper training. Pit Bull mixes face similar struggles, often ending up in shelters due to the same stigma, even when their personalities are nothing but sweet and loving.
3. Dachshunds Can Be Stubborn and Territorial
These adorable sausage dogs often come with a side of sass. Dachshunds are prone to behavioral issues like excessive barking and aggression toward other pets or strangers. Their mixed-breed counterparts often carry on the breed’s strong-willed, bossy nature, surprising owners who expect a calmer, more adaptable dog.
4. Rottweilers Are Misunderstood Giants
Rottweilers are loyal and loving, but their size and strength can intimidate unprepared owners. They require firm training and socialization, and when those needs aren’t met, they can develop behavioral problems. Rottweiler mixes, while sometimes smaller in size, can still inherit the same protective instincts and energy levels, making them a handful for inexperienced families.
5. Labrador Retrievers Are Victims of Their Popularity
Labs are America’s most popular breed, but their high energy and need for exercise often surprise owners. Families who adopt them for their friendly reputation sometimes surrender them when they realize they can’t meet their physical or mental needs. Mixed-breed Labs may be just as energetic and mischievous, especially if they’ve inherited the breed’s enthusiasm and need for stimulation.
6. Cane Corsos Are Too Powerful for Inexperienced Owners
Cane Corsos are majestic and protective, but their strength and independent streak make them challenging for novice owners. They require experienced handlers who can provide proper training and structure. Even Cane Corso mixes can carry the breed’s dominant tendencies, making them better suited to confident, skilled owners who understand their needs.
7. Border Collies Are Workaholics in Need of a Job
Border Collies are brilliant herding dogs, but their energy and drive make them difficult pets for average families. Without a job to do or lots of mental stimulation, they can develop behavioral issues. Mixed Border Collies often inherit their parents’ intelligence and herding instincts, which can be just as challenging to manage without enough engagement or structure.
8. Great Danes Are Too Big for Many Families
Their size alone makes Great Danes a challenge for many families. They eat a lot, require plenty of space, and can be expensive to care for. Great Dane mixes might seem like a more manageable option, but their large frames and appetites can still surprise owners who aren’t prepared for the responsibilities of a giant breed.
9. Beagles Can Be Too Loud for Comfort
Beagles are lovable and adorable, but their signature howling can drive some owners up the wall. They also tend to follow their noses into trouble, which frustrates those unprepared for their independent streak. Mixed-breed Beagles often inherit the same loud, scent-driven personalities, making them just as prone to wandering or vocalizing.
10. Australian Shepherds Are Too Smart for Their Own Good
Australian Shepherds are brilliant, which is both a blessing and a curse. Their intelligence and energy demand a lot of time, attention, and training. Without it, they can become destructive or unruly, leading to their surrender. Aussie mixes often combine the breed’s smarts and boundless energy, making them equally tricky for owners who don’t have the time or knowledge to keep them engaged.
11. German Shepherds Are a Handful Without Proper Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and protective, but their high energy and need for stimulation can overwhelm inexperienced owners. When these dogs aren’t given proper training and exercise, they can become destructive or aggressive, leading to their surrender. Mixed-breed Shepherds often retain the breed’s loyalty and guarding instincts, which can be a challenge if owners don’t understand how to manage these traits.
12. Shih Tzus Are Small Dogs with Big Needs
Shih Tzus are adorable and loving, but their grooming requirements and occasional stubbornness can overwhelm their owners. Many are surrendered when people realize just how much time and money it takes to maintain their luxurious coats and manage their health issues. Mixed Shih Tzus can sometimes inherit lower grooming needs but often still bring the same stubborn attitude to the table.
13. Jack Russell Terriers Are Hyperactive Tornadoes
These little dogs are full of energy and mischief. Jack Russells require constant stimulation and exercise, and without it, they can become destructive and hard to manage. Their mixed-breed counterparts often surprise owners with the same fiery energy and need for engagement, making them just as demanding as their purebred relatives.
14. Chihuahuas Are Too Much Personality in a Small Package
These tiny dogs come with huge personalities, and that’s not always a good thing. Chihuahuas are often surrendered because of their bossy attitudes, high energy, or biting tendencies. When mixed with other breeds, they often retain their spunky, stubborn nature, which can be a surprise for owners expecting a more laid-back pet.
15. Boxers Have Energy That’s Hard to Keep Up With
Boxers are playful and energetic, but their high energy can overwhelm families who aren’t prepared for their constant need to play and exercise. When their needs aren’t met, Boxers can become destructive, which sadly lands many in shelters. Boxer mixes often carry the same goofy charm and activity levels, making them equally exhausting for unprepared owners.