The American Pit Bull Terrier and various Pit Bull-type dogs make up the vast majority of purebred dogs found in shelters. Nearly 18,000 dogs are waiting for their forever homes listed on the website. That’s a huge number of homeless animals for just a single breed.
The Labrador Retriever has just about as many dogs listed on Petfinder’s website as Pit Bulls do – almost 18,000.
Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mix make up a huge portion of dogs available in shelters and rescues around the country. These popular dogs are often raised without any training, making the cute puppies turn into obnoxious, uncontrollable adults who end up homeless when their owners give them up.
Boxers are cute, sweet, goofy little dogs that end up in shelters because they often need far more exercise and attention than new owners are capable and/or willing to give. They are very excitable, strong dogs that can be difficult to manage without proper training and often leads to their presence in shelters.
German Shepherds are a very popular pet in the United States and prolific breeding has brought about an excess number of dogs getting dumped in shelters or found as strays roaming neighborhoods. These often come from poor backgrounds and lack both the proper health and temperament of a dog out of a reputable breeder.
Beagles are popular little dogs that are brought home because of their adorable puppy looks. As these dogs age, owners often learn that they are prone to barking and howling and don’t want to manage the dog the way it needs to be managed. Beagles make excellent family companions for those prepared to work with their behavior.
The American Staffordshire Terrier isn’t as commonly found as the American Pit Bull Terrier, but the breed is becoming more popular in homes which means that it is unfortunately becoming more popular in shelters. Like Pit Bulls, they make great companions for the right person.
Dachshunds are very popular pets and very often get turned into shelters because of their behavior. Dachshunds are badger hunting dogs and despite their size are filled with a strong personality that can be troublesome for the uneducated or inexperienced owner. Those familiar with the breed, however, should have no problems at all.
American Bulldogs are large, powerful dogs that many people don’t realize will become quite so big and strong. They are very sweet dogs but have strong temperaments that need to be managed from an early age. When owners don’t seek proper puppy training, they will end up with an uncontrollable animal.
Border Collies are one of the most prominent working dogs of today. They excel at their original purpose of herding and also at sports such as obedience, agility, dock diving, disc dog and even dancing. People often watch videos of well-trained dogs and think they want a dog like that, thinking they’re very smart.
Australian Cattle Dogs, or Queensland or Blue Heelers, are cattle herding dogs that are often bought as cute puppies. These puppies more often than not turn into very strong-willed dogs with tough temperaments, and they’re capable of working cattle and chasing children around.
Jack Russell Terriers are popular dogs for pets because they’re such cute, playful puppies. These puppies, however, turn into adult terriers with a terrier personality. They sometimes do not do well with other dogs, cats, small animals and children and are often turned in to shelters because of their personalities.
Australian Shepherds are beautiful herding dogs that many people get because of their looks alone. Although they do have gorgeous, flowing coats, these coats need regular grooming that can become very expensive. On top of that, this is an active and intelligent breed that will become destructive when bored – leading to a high number of dogs in shelters.
Shih Tzu make wonderful pets and were intended to be lapdogs when they were created. Unfortunately, their popularity has led to an influx of money-making breeders and puppy mills pushing out an outrageous number of puppies to satisfy impulse buyers.
Rottweilers are very commonly found in shelters for a variety of reasons. They are active dogs that need regular exercise to prevent them from becoming destructive.