9 Dog Breeds That Should Stay On-Leash for Safety

Understanding Dog Behaviour
By Liam Hartwell

Walking your dog is one of the most enjoyable activities for both pet and owner. However, not all dog breeds are suited to roam freely without a leash. Some breeds possess strong instincts, high energy, or specific traits that make leashing a necessity for their safety and the safety of others. Here, we explore nine dog breeds that should ideally stay on-leash during walks. Understanding the reasons behind this can help ensure not just their safety, but also more pleasant outings.

Siberian Husky

© project_pooch

Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and energetic nature. Their strong prey drive, inherited from their sled-pulling ancestors, can lead them to chase after small animals. This makes them prone to running off if not leashed.
Huskies are also escape artists, skilled at finding ways out of their homes or yards. Their independent spirit makes it challenging to recall them once they are distracted.
Keeping them on a leash ensures their safety in urban environments, where traffic and other hazards abound. This way, they can enjoy their walks without running into trouble.

Beagle

© thedogist

Beagles are scent hounds with an incredible nose. Their natural instinct is to follow scents, often leading them far from home. This trait can be dangerous in unfamiliar areas.
Beagles are friendly but can become easily distracted when they catch a scent trail. This makes it hard to keep their focus on commands.
Using a leash is crucial to prevent them from wandering into unsafe zones. It also helps in managing their curious nature, allowing them to explore safely while staying close to their owners.

Greyhound

© roamwilderco

Greyhounds are known for their incredible speed and agility. While they are generally calm and gentle, their instincts to chase can activate suddenly. Without a leash, they may sprint after a moving object.
Their slim bodies and powerful legs make them fast runners, often outpacing their owners’ ability to catch up. This can be risky in open or urban areas.
Leashing ensures they enjoy their surroundings without posing a danger to themselves or others. It helps control their sudden bursts of energy and keeps them safe from traffic.

Jack Russell Terrier

© thedogist

Jack Russell Terriers are small yet incredibly energetic dogs. Known for their lively and inquisitive nature, they have a strong prey drive and love to chase.
These terriers are fearless, often getting themselves into tricky situations. Their size does not deter their adventurous spirit, which can lead them into dangerous areas.
Keeping them on a leash provides a balance between allowing them to explore and ensuring they don’t get into trouble. It helps manage their enthusiastic energy while keeping them safe and close to their owners.

Dalmatian

© mother_of_dalmatians_

Dalmatians are known for their distinctive spots and high energy levels. They thrive on physical activity, often requiring long walks to expend their energy.
Their strong will and curiosity can lead them to wander if left off-leash. In urban settings, this can pose dangers due to traffic and other hazards.
Leashing a Dalmatian helps in channeling their energy positively, keeping them focused during walks. It ensures they don’t stray into unsafe areas, allowing them to enjoy their exercise in a controlled manner, keeping them and others safe.

Border Collie

© benji.bordercollie

Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence and herding instincts. These traits can lead them to try and “herd” moving objects, including vehicles, if not leashed.
Their high energy levels require ample mental and physical stimulation. Without a leash, they may dash off in pursuit of perceived herding opportunities.
Keeping them on a leash during walks helps in managing their instincts and energy. It ensures they stay safe while enjoying outdoor time, preventing them from becoming a hazard to themselves and others.

Chow Chow

© justin.veenema

Chow Chows are known for their lion-like appearance and aloof nature. They tend to be independent and can be wary of strangers.
Their protective instincts can lead them to be assertive if they feel threatened, making a leash essential to control interactions.
A leash helps manage their behavior in public spaces, ensuring they don’t react unpredictably. It provides a sense of security for both the dog and owner, allowing them to enjoy walks without any incidents.

Akita

© otck9_academy

Akitas are large, powerful dogs with a strong protective instinct. They are naturally loyal but can be reserved with strangers.
Their independent nature means they might not always respond to recall commands, especially if they perceive a threat.
Keeping them leashed is crucial to prevent potential altercations with other dogs or people. It ensures their protective instincts don’t lead to unintended confrontations, allowing their owners to maintain control and ensure everyone’s safety during walks.

Rottweiler

© vumi_rottweilers

Rottweilers are known for their strength and loyalty. They are protective of their families, which can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior if not controlled.
Their size and power mean that keeping them leashed is essential, especially in public spaces where other dogs and people are present.
A leash provides control and helps manage their protective instincts, ensuring they interact safely with others. This allows Rottweilers to enjoy their walks without posing a risk to themselves or those around them.