9 Dog Breeds Often Returned To Shelters

1. Pit Bull Terrier

Pit Bull Terriers are among the most often returned breeds to shelters, mainly because of misunderstandings about their temperament and the impact of breed-specific laws in certain areas. While these dogs can be loving and loyal companions, people frequently adopt them without being fully aware of their strength, intelligence, or high energy levels. Without proper training and mental challenges, Pit Bulls can become restless or display unwanted behaviors, which often results in them being surrendered.

There is also a societal bias against Pit Bulls, with many landlords and insurance companies banning them, leaving owners with no choice but to give them up. First-time dog owners may also find the breed’s determined nature difficult to manage, especially if the dog has experienced trauma or neglect. Despite the challenges, Pit Bulls can be affectionate and well-behaved when raised in stable, structured homes. However, they are not always suitable for novice owners, which leads to their high return rate.

2. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts, but these same qualities can be overwhelming for some dog owners. Many adopt this breed hoping for a dependable family pet but later realize that German Shepherds require intensive training, consistent mental engagement, and daily physical activity. Without these, the dogs can become nervous, destructive, or even aggressive.

Their instinct to guard can lead to territorial behavior if not properly managed, and their heavy shedding and potential health issues—such as hip problems—can result in costly vet bills. These factors can catch unprepared families off guard. Additionally, their cautious attitude toward unfamiliar people might not be ideal in homes that see frequent guests. These dogs do best with owners who understand their needs and can commit to their care, which is not always the case, leading to many being surrendered.

3. Labrador Retriever

Though Labrador Retrievers are widely considered the perfect family pet, they are frequently returned to shelters. This is often because adopters don’t realize how much energy and attention Labs require. They are social dogs that need daily exercise and stimulation. When left alone or under-exercised, they may become bored and act out through behaviors like digging, chewing, or constant barking. Labs also have a strong chase instinct, which can be problematic if they are not properly trained.

Obesity is a common concern in Labradors, especially when they aren’t given adequate physical activity or are overfed. Their playful and sometimes hyper behavior, particularly when they’re young, can be overwhelming for new dog owners. While they are undeniably affectionate and loyal, Labs thrive in homes where their need for engagement and movement is met every day.

4. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are commonly returned to shelters because many people mistakenly believe that their small size means they are easy pets. In reality, these little dogs can be headstrong, noisy, and sometimes even aggressive if they haven’t been properly socialized. They often form strong attachments to one person and may not get along well with strangers or other pets. This can result in defensive behaviors such as growling or snapping.

Chihuahuas are also quite delicate, making them a risky match for homes with small children who might handle them too roughly. They frequently suffer from separation anxiety and may become disruptive when left alone. In addition, their small bladders can make house-training more difficult than expected. Their long life span also means they require a long-term commitment. Chihuahuas can be excellent companions, but they need patient, experienced owners who understand their quirks and care needs.

5. Husky (Siberian Husky/Alaskan Malamute)

Huskies are striking dogs with a distinctive appearance, but their high energy and independent nature make them difficult for many families to handle. Bred to pull sleds, they have incredible endurance and need vigorous daily exercise. Without this outlet, they can become destructive or engage in escape behavior, as Huskies are well known for their ability to break free from fenced yards or enclosures. Their natural prey drive also makes them risky around small animals.

They are vocal dogs that tend to howl instead of bark, which can cause tension in close living conditions. Huskies are also known for being independent thinkers, which makes training more difficult. Their heavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes, requires significant grooming, which many adopters overlook. These challenges can quickly become overwhelming, especially for those who are not used to caring for such demanding breeds, resulting in a high rate of returns.

6. Dalmatian

Dalmatians became widely popular due to their appearance in popular films, but this popularity often leads to ill-informed adoptions. These dogs are intelligent, full of energy, and have a strong will, requiring daily physical activity and mental challenges. Without proper engagement, they can develop behavior problems like restlessness or destructive habits. They are also at risk for health conditions like deafness and urinary issues, which can lead to unexpected medical expenses.

Dalmatians tend to be protective, which can turn into aggressive behavior if they aren’t properly socialized. They also shed a lot, which surprises many first-time owners. Their high energy and need for space make them a poor choice for apartment dwellers or homes without access to a yard. While they are loyal and loving pets, they need structure and experienced handling. Many people are unprepared for the demands of this breed and end up surrendering them.

7. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small in size but have an abundance of energy and a bold personality, which often leads to them being returned. Originally bred for hunting, they have a strong prey drive and need constant mental and physical stimulation. When they don’t have a way to expend their energy, they can turn to destructive behaviors like digging, chewing, or non-stop barking. They are quick learners but can be too clever for their own good, outsmarting inattentive owners.

These terriers are also assertive and might not get along well with other animals or children if they haven’t been trained and socialized properly. Because of their spirited nature, they require clear boundaries and a consistent routine. Many people adopt them for their cute looks without understanding the level of responsibility they require. This gap between expectation and reality often leads to their return to shelters.

8. Beagle

Beagles are sociable and playful, but their strong sense of smell and hunting instincts can make them difficult to manage. As scent hounds, they are easily distracted by smells and tend to follow their noses, sometimes ignoring commands or even escaping enclosed spaces. Their love of exploration makes them one of the breeds most likely to run off if not properly supervised. Beagles also have a tendency to bark and howl, which can create problems in densely populated neighborhoods.

While they usually get along with kids and other animals, their stubborn personality can make training more difficult than anticipated. Beagles are also very food-driven, which puts them at risk for weight gain if they’re not given enough exercise. Their natural behaviors like chewing or digging can become issues if not addressed early. New pet owners often find themselves overwhelmed by these challenges and may end up returning the dog to the shelter.

9. Border Collie

Border Collies are widely regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds, but that intelligence comes with a need for constant activity and stimulation. Bred for herding livestock, they have strong instincts and high energy that must be managed with both physical exercise and mental tasks. If a Border Collie doesn’t get enough engagement, they can develop anxiety, become destructive, or even show obsessive behaviors such as shadow chasing or repetitive barking. Their sharp minds mean they pick up habits quickly—good or bad.

Because of their high maintenance, Border Collies are not a good fit for homes with little space or owners who prefer a sedentary lifestyle. Many people adopt them because of their reputation or appearance but aren’t prepared for the level of commitment they require. Without a plan to meet their unique needs, families often feel overwhelmed and return the dog. In the right environment, however, Border Collies can be amazing companions and excel in many tasks.

Bottom Line

Bringing a dog into your home should be a lifetime commitment, but when expectations don’t match reality, returns to shelters increase—especially for breeds with higher demands. The nine breeds discussed above are not inherently problematic, but they require specific care, structure, and in many cases, experienced handlers.

By learning about the needs and challenges of each breed, future dog owners can make informed decisions and avoid the heartbreak of returning a pet. Always take the time to research and reflect on your own lifestyle before adopting. When you choose a dog that fits well with your habits and home, both you and your new pet are far more likely to enjoy a happy and lasting relationship.