Dogs have always had a sense of adventure, but some breeds are natural-born escape artists. They just can’t help themselves! A study published in Springer Nature Link highlights how dogs with high energy levels or intense prey drives are more likely to show escape behaviors, driven by their instincts and need for stimulation. Whether it’s digging, climbing, or simply finding a way through the fence, certain breeds are experts in making a break for it. Let’s dive into the dog breeds that are known for their love of freedom and why they’re so good at giving us a run for our money.

1. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are famous for their adventurous spirit and high stamina, a trait inherited from their sled-pulling ancestry in the cold regions of Siberia. These dogs have an innate drive to run long distances, which can translate into a desire to explore their surroundings. Huskies are known for their impressive agility—they’ll climb, dig, and even chew their way out of enclosures if they’re bored or restless. A bored Husky will turn into an escape artist in no time, which is why they need lots of exercise and mental challenges to stay satisfied. If you’ve got a Husky, make sure you’re prepared to give them the mental and physical outlets they crave, or you might just find yourself chasing them down the block.

2. Border Collie

Border Collies are brilliant problem solvers, often ranking among the most intelligent dog breeds. They’re natural herders with a strong instinct for movement, which makes them a bit restless if they don’t have enough to do. This breed’s brainpower means they can figure out how to unlatch gates, squeeze through small spaces, or even jump fences if something catches their interest. Known to be escape-prone, they thrive in environments where they have lots of tasks to keep them mentally engaged. If you own a Border Collie, make sure they’re busy with agility training, herding activities, or puzzles. Otherwise, they might just take matters into their paws and set off on their adventure!

3. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers may be small, but they are determined and full of energy. Originally bred for hunting, these little dogs have a strong prey drive, which often fuels their need to explore beyond the boundaries of the yard. Jack Russells are notorious for digging under fences and slipping through tight spaces, and their tenacity means they won’t give up easily. They’re constantly on the lookout for an adventure and love to chase anything that moves. To keep a Jack Russell happy and safely contained, give them plenty of opportunities to burn off energy, either with vigorous play sessions or by introducing activities like agility training that tap into their natural hunting instincts.

4. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are the quintessential family dog, known for their friendly nature and loyalty. However, they’re also curious and adventurous, which sometimes leads them to seek out new experiences beyond the backyard. Labs have a keen sense of smell, and if they pick up a whiff of something interesting, they’re likely to follow it—right out of the yard if there’s a way out. They’re strong and can be surprisingly agile for their size, especially when they’re motivated. Keeping a Labrador entertained with play, training sessions, and plenty of walks can help curb their tendency to wander off on their explorations.

5. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence and versatility as working dogs, which also means they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Left to their own devices, these dogs might get a bit too inventive with ways to escape the yard. German Shepherds are excellent climbers and can often jump higher than expected, so standard fences may not always be enough to contain them. They need structured activities, like obedience or agility training, to keep their minds sharp and reduce the desire to roam. For an adventurous and clever dog like a German Shepherd, giving them a purpose is key to keeping them happy at home.

6. Beagle

Beagles are lovable, food-motivated dogs, but they also have an incredible sense of smell that can get them into trouble. Originally bred as scent hounds, Beagles are wired to follow their noses, often ignoring everything else around them. This curiosity, combined with their compact size, makes them particularly skilled at finding gaps in fences or sneaking out of enclosures. Beagles need secure, well-fenced yards and regular mental stimulation to keep them from sniffing their way to freedom. Providing them with puzzle toys or activities that engage their tracking abilities can be a great way to satisfy their instincts.

7. Dachshund

Despite their small size, Dachshunds are determined little diggers. With their long bodies and strong front legs, they were bred to chase burrowing animals, which gives them an instinctive drive to dig and explore. A bored Dachshund is more than likely to start tunneling under the fence in search of an adventure. These little escape artists thrive on attention and need both mental and physical outlets. A solid fence and plenty of interactive toys are essential if you want to keep a Dachshund safely contained and happy at home.

8. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs with a natural herding instinct, and they need a job to feel fulfilled. If left unstimulated, these clever dogs can become escape artists, using their agility and intelligence to find ways out. Aussie owners quickly learn that these dogs are skilled climbers and can jump higher than expected. They love being active and working alongside their humans, so keeping them busy with tasks like agility training or herding activities is key. With an Aussie, it’s all about keeping them engaged so they don’t look for adventures beyond the fence.

9. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a powerhouse of agility and intelligence, often seen in roles that demand high levels of skill, like police or military work. This breed has a boundless need for exercise and mental challenges, and when they’re bored, they’re more than capable of finding an escape route. They’re known to be jumpers and climbers, making them particularly adept at escaping confinement. If you have a Malinois, prepare for plenty of exercise, training, and interactive play to keep their minds and bodies engaged. A well-fenced yard is a must, and it’s wise to keep a close eye on them during playtime!

10. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees might be calm and composed dogs, but their roots as livestock guardians make them independent thinkers. Bred to protect livestock over large areas, they often see fences as mere suggestions rather than restrictions. If they sense a threat or catch an interesting scent, they’ll find a way to investigate, even if it means scaling or pushing through a barrier. This breed needs a secure and tall fence and a vigilant owner to ensure they stay safe. Regular walks and opportunities to fulfill their protective instincts can also help to keep them content and less likely to wander.