Home Animal Tales The Most Abandoned Dog Breeds in the United States

The Most Abandoned Dog Breeds in the United States

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Instagram_kcpetproject

Thousands of dogs are abandoned in shelters across the United States every year, but some breeds are left behind more often than others. These breeds are frequently misunderstood and might stay in shelters longer than they would like. Researching some “unwanted” breeds might change your mind about adopting.

Pitbull

Canva_chaivit
Canva_chaivit

Pitbulls are one of the most misunderstood breeds due to the stereotypes built around them. They are unfairly labeled as aggressive or dangerous, but in reality, they are known for their loving nature, strong bond with their families, and protective instincts. Unfortunately, their reputation often leads to restrictions on ownership and fewer adoptions, leaving them more likely to end up in shelters. With proper training and love from their family, pitbulls can be as lovable as any other breed.

Dachshund

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Canva_Olga Volkova

These cute little dogs with long bodies are sometimes abandoned due to their strong-willed temperament and tendency to become stubborn if not properly trained. Dachshunds are also prone to back issues, which can require extra care and attention, and their small size can sometimes make them seem less desirable to potential adopters looking for a more “easy-going” pet. Dachshunds are such gentle, loving dogs, and most of the time, they are just misunderstood.

Siberian Husky

Canva_format35
Canva_format35

These stunning blue-eyed fluffballs sadly fall on the list of the most abandoned dog breeds in the US. These dogs have so much energy and love to give, but when placed in the wrong environment and not given the attention they need, they can be pretty destructive and prone to escaping. They do need larger spaces to live in and have a tendency to howl, which can make them unsuitable for apartment life.

Jack Russel

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Canva_Lazy_Bear

These small dogs have tons of energy, and they are brilliant. While their small size may make them seem like the perfect lap dog, they are far from low-key. Jack Russells are incredibly active and require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Without the proper exercise and training, they can quickly become bored and destructive, which leads many owners to surrender them. They also love digging, which can often become a problem for pet owners.

Chihuahua

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Canva_annegeierphotos

These dogs might be small, but they sure are feisty. Many people are unprepared for their big-dog attitude in a tiny body. Chihuahuas are known for their strong-willed and sometimes territorial nature, which can lead to behavioral issues if not properly trained and socialized. They have an excessive need for barking and can even get separation anxiety if left alone for too long, which can cause a problem for some owners. With the proper care and attention, they make for very loving dogs, and they often have very strong bonds with their families.

Boxer

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Canva_Mary Swift

These precious dogs have tons of energy and love being mentally stimulated and doing lots of exercise. Boxers can become anxious or destructive so that some owners might get overwhelmed. They are such loving dogs, but their overbearing personalities can sometimes be mistaken for behavioral issues.

German Shepherd

Canva_Jennifer_Sharp
Canva_Jennifer_Sharp

These dogs are highly intelligent and need constant mental and physical stimulation. They might not be as low maintenance as most people think, and they tend to get bored quickly, often leading to destructive behavior. They are also very protective of their owners, and if this isn’t managed from a young age, it can eventually turn into behavioral issues.

Beagle

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Canva_christina0chiz

These medium-sized dogs might have a keen sense of smell but must maintain high energy levels. When they aren’t given enough attention, they start barking excessively or even trying to escape. They also have a strong prey drive, making it difficult for owners to keep them safe off-leash.

Labrador Retriever

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Canva_Bigandt_Photography

Labs are popular in the United States, but unfortunately, this makes them just as likely to be surrendered. Due to their gentle manner and high intelligence, Labs are often chosen as family pets. However, they have a lot of energy and must be constantly stimulated, which can be overwhelming for some owners. Labs also tend to strongly desire to please, leading them to develop undesirable behaviors if not properly trained.

Shar Pei

Canva_Thierry Rossier
Canva_Thierry Rossier

These wrinkled pups are known for being calm, loyal, and protective. Their thick coats and skin folds require regular cleaning to prevent infections, which can be a significant commitment. They are also very aloof compared to other breeds, making them less approachable for some families.

Dalmatian

Canva_Pixelshot
Canva_Pixelshot

These pretty, unique, spotted dogs are loving, playful, and perfect for any family. They can be needy as they need much attention and mental stimulation. They can be stubborn occasionally and tend to get destructive if left without the proper stimulation. This can be a major problem for some people and often leads to them being surrendered. With the proper training and stimulation, these dogs can make a perfect addition to any family.

Rottweiler

Canva_NioleNina
Canva_NioleNina

These dogs might seem intimidating, but they are very loving and devoted dogs that have become a big part of your family. Without the proper guidance, their natural protectiveness can turn into territorial or aggressive behavior, leading some owners to surrender them when they feel overwhelmed. They also need a lot of physical exercise and stimulation as they can become bored and turn to destructive behaviors.

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