Dog Shelter’s Longest Residents That No One Wants To Adopt

1. The longest residents

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Based on studies carried out that analyzed the data of animal shelters across the US, there are clearly certain breeds of dogs that are not as popular as others.  This may be due to certain biases or misconceptions about the breeds or the laws surrounding the domestic ownership of certain dogs.

2. American Pit Bull Terrier

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If you visit an animal shelter, you will probably see an American Pit-Bull Terrier or other Put-Bull type dogs.  And this is because they make up the majority of purebred dogs in shelters.  This could be due to common stereotypes that make many believe that these are an aggressive breed.  But, the truth is, for the right home, an American Pit-Bull Terrier can make a charming companion.

3. Beagle

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Unfortunately, so many Beagles end up in animal shelters because their owners didn't do their research.  Beagles are particularly popular because of how adorable they are as puppies, but as they age, they can be prone to some strange behavior, including constant howling or barking.  But they can make wonderful friends to patient and clued-up owners.

4. Dalmatian

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Dalmatians are selectively bred for their spotty coats and although this makes them look

striking, the unfortunate truth is that it makes them more prone to health problems.  And vet bills can become super expensive, leaving some owners no choice but to give them up.

5. Australian Shepherd

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People tend to be attracted to owning an Australian Shepherd dog because they are so aesthetically beautiful.  They want to own one for their looks alone.  But these working dogs end up in shelters because can become rather destructive when bored so need lots of exercise and attention.  Grooming can be expensive too as their long, flowing coats will need regular grooming throughout their lives.

6. German Shepherd

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German Shepherds are incredibly popular across the United States and the enormous demand for these canine pets has led to extensive breeding across the country, and not always by reputable breeders.  And, unfortunately, this has led to a huge amount of German Shepherds being thrown into shelters, or even onto the streets.

7. Great Dane

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Great Danes are huge dogs that are incredibly loyal, and as puppies, they're super cute.  But because of their size, they are not the best in families with small children.  They can also be prone to health problems because of some of their physical characteristics, including their floppy ears making them more at risk of ear infections and so on.

8. Doberman Pinscher

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Doberman Pinschers are highly intelligent and love to be around people.  But because of their loyalty and the loving nature of their owners, they can be quite protective and have got a bit of a reputation for being a bully breed.  But insufficient training and irresponsible training tend to be factored into their aggression.

9. Boxer

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Boxers are commonly found in shelters across the country, and even across the world, because their needs are rather demanding and way more than their owners are capable of giving, or willing to give.  They need a lot of exercise, and a LOT of training due to their adorably excitable nature and sheer strength that many people struggle to manage!

10. Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus make such loving pets and they are so cute to look at, as well as being quite easy to live with because they are originally lapdogs.  But because they're so cute, they've become quite fashionable which has led to excessive breeding and people buy them without putting too much thought into the fact that they're buying a dog who needs care and attention for its whole life.

11. Jack Russell

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Jack Russells are so cute.  They are little, smiley, and playful as puppies but as they grow, people don't realize that they can be quite hard to handle as adults.  They're not great at getting on with other dogs, cats, other small pets, and even children but in the right home, they can be excellent pals.

12. Newfoundland

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Newfoundland dogs are enormous animals and are traditionally large working dogs with a sweet temperament.  But if they find themselves in shelters, they're usually there for a long time because of their need for regular grooming which can be expensive, and, usually, they've come from an unsuitable environment without proper training.

13. Rottweiler

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In the right home, Rottweilers can be absolutely amazing companions.  But their reputation of being quite aggressive can make them long-staying residents at animal shelters.  But their behavior is due to their need for activity and because they're powerful dogs, early and efficient training needs to happen to make sure the dog doesn't become uncontrollable.

14. Border Collie

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Like many of the dogs found in shelters nowadays, Border Collies are also traditionally working dogs that are amazing at herding and can be trained well.  But Border Collies do have big personalities and even bigger demands and many inexperienced owners find them too difficult to live with in the end.

15. Bloodhound

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Bloodhounds have an amazing sense of smell and usually work in law enforcement search and rescue departments.  They're gentle and placid and are super energetic so make excellent pets for active families.  But unfortunately, they seem to stay in shelters because of their loud and deep voice and because they're more than a little drooly.

16. Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas make the cutest puppies, and even just by looking at them, seem to retain their puppy-like features as they age.  But this is only half of the story and many owners find that their pampered pooch actually turns into an uncontrollable adult because they have been usually raised without any training.

17. Blue Heelers

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Blue Heelers are commonly cattle herding dogs, but because they are super cute when they are puppies, people don't realize how difficult their temperaments can be.  So when they start trying to herd the kids around, people dump them in shelters.  However, with enough attention and training, these can make a wonderful family dog.

18. Weimaraner

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Weimaraners are beautiful, loving, and energetic dogs and they are perfect for active families.  But, unfortunately, despite their loyal bond to their humans, Weimaraners can be aggressive toward other dogs which has been attributed to their history of being developed to hunt small mammals.  They're also quite highly strung and owners struggle to deal with their severe separation anxiety.

19. Shar Pei

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Shar Peis can be found in shelters up and down the country despite being considered a great family dog in households with slightly older children.  But Shar Peis are quite high maintenance and need consistent training throughout their lives to remind them that they're not the boss of the household!

20. Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Rhodesian Ridgebacks spend quite a long time in shelters and this is usually because they have come from a home that was unsuitable for them.  If they don't have the training and socializing they need as puppies, they can become quite aggressive as adults and this can be intimidating for people because of their sheer size, muscular frame, and power.  But ultimately, they can make a great company as they're typically loyal and loving pals.

21. Akita

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In spite of their fluffy exterior, Akitas were originally bred to guard and protect and can quickly become aggressive if they haven't been trained properly.  So if they're in a shelter from an unsuitable home, they might remain there for the long haul because people are intimidated by their reputation.  But with the right training and owner, they can be faithful friends.

22. Basset Hound

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If Basset Hounds are well socialized as puppies, they're such gentle, easy-going dogs that can get along with everyone.  But unfortunately, Basset Hounds are prone to lots of health issues, including ear and eye infections from excessive skin, and also joint and limb diseases due to their bodily structure.  And, unfortunately, this can get expensive.

23. Chinese Crested

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Chinese Cresteds are a small breed of dog, perfect for smaller homes, and they are commonly smart and usually easy-going.  They don't need as much exercise as other breeds and can be pretty easy to care for.  But some sources believe that these dogs are handed over to rescue and stay there for a while because of problems with their shyness/nervousness.

24. Saint Bernard

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Saint Bernards are loyal and protective of those they love and they're easy to train too because they love to please their humans.  But they're often handed over to shelters because, unfortunately, their vet bills can be extortionate and they are prone to many health issues like hip dysplasia and at higher risk of cancer.

25. Dachshunds

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To look at, Dachshunds are tiny puppy-like dogs, even into adulthood, and many believe that this is what makes them popular.  But, unfortunately, many get dumped at animal shelters because of their behavior and strong personalities that many inexperienced owners struggle to handle.

26. Chow Chow

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Chow Chows get a bit of a bad rep because they're not actually as cuddly as they look.  In fact, they're not comfortable around strangers at all and it shows.  This is probably why they seem to get stuck in shelters long after they arrive.  But if they're given a chance to get used to you, they'll show that they're loyal and loving friends.

27. American Staffordshire Terrier

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American Staffordshire Terriers are a lot like Pit-Bulls, in the sense that they can be amazing companions for the right person.  But they seem to be becoming even more popular in animal shelters because people are not doing proper research before they acquire their pets and find that they are unable to manage them.

28. American Bulldog

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American Bulldogs are as strong as they look, but many owners think that they can actually handle this.  How wrong they are... If American Bulldogs are not trained properly from a young age, they can become uncontrollable.  But for the right owner, you can end up with a sweet, playful, and loving pal that anyone would be grateful for.

29. Importance of adopting a dog

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Adopting a dog rather than buying a new puppy is such an amazing opportunity for you both.  You're not only gaining a new companion or family member in life but you are also helping that animal by giving it a second chance at a life that it deserves.

30. Benefits of adopting rather than buying

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There are so many benefits to adopting a dog from an animal shelter.   First off, you're going to save some money as new pups are expensive!

  But that's not all, you're also saving a life, helping to eradicate puppy farms and irresponsible breeders, benefitting your family, including your children, you could improve your health and mental health, and ultimately gaining unconditional love from a wonderful new friend.

31. Things you need to know about your new shelter dog

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Every dog is different, and it can take a while for a rescue pup to understand its new home. If you've never had a dog at all before, and/or never had a rescue dog, you might not know what signs to look for about whether they're comfortable, happy or otherwise.

32. The 3-3-3 rule, and what to know

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A general talked-about rule is the "3-3-3 rule", where some people advise the dog will likely be closed off for the first 3 days, take 3 weeks to settle in and 3 months to likely get really comfortable. While this might be true of some dogs, it's important to remember that every dog is different - and your recuse might take much less time to get used to it!

33. Think about your dog's backstory

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In your eyes, you know that you're providing love and care in a safe home, so it can be confusing why your dog might not take to that so quickly. But think about what a rescue pup might have been through - they might have had a million different homes, been on the streets or even moved from country to country.

34. The stress 'shut down'

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A lot of shelter dogs can go through a 'shut down' when they come to a new home, which is exactly what it sounds like - your rescue pup might be too stressed to do anything at all, including going to the bathroom or eating properly. Your vet can advise what's best in this situation, and

35. Don't be so quick to think they're well-behaved

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Some rescued dogs may still need training in a new home, but their initial behavior can be misleading. If your dog is being calm and amicable, like letting you stroke them, and not doing anything in terms of misbehaving, new owners might think they've just adopted the most well-behaved pup in the world! But this behavior might just be because they're stressed, and in time - when less stressed - they might start being a little naughty!

36. Coming out of their shell is different for every dog

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You can't base your shelter dog on how early you expected them to be comfortable, or if you've had rescues before, how easy it was for them. Every dog is individual so there's no set rule of thumb for how long it might take them to come out of their shell! Just be patient.

37. They might sleep a ton

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As we know when we're stressed, it's exhausting and all we want to do is sleep! Your shelter dog might sleep a huge amount in that initial time getting used to everything, so don't be alarmed. A good sign they might be feeling less stressed is when they start sleeping less.

38. You might see an increase in activity

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As your dog starts to feel more comfortable, they might have bursts of energy or spurts of activity that might be seen as misbehaving, but really it's just them finally feeling more comfortable to show their true feelings. So don't be so quick to punish them if they randomly try to jump on the couch, kitchen counter or start barking at everything - but in time, use positive training to make them not do things you don't want!

39. Tackle these behaviors sooner rather than later

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You might feel worried about trying to train or discipline your shelter dog too soon when they start to be be more energetic, and you might let them get away with a whole load of things because you don't want them to feel stressed again! But it's really important you begin training sooner rather than later to encourage healthy behavior for them.

40. Many people forget the area outside the home

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When bringing a new shelter dog home, you probably go straight from the car, up the drive and into the house. You focus on them getting used to inside rather than the million new things they just saw on the way in! You might want to first let them wander around the front yard or even up and down the street to let them first see their new surroundings.

41. Quiet neighborhood areas will be key

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Those initial walks will be key in making your shelter pup more confident about their new surroundings, so you don't want to take them somewhere highly populated with so much going on. Pick out a quiet spot to walk them at first, ideally without any other people or other dogs.

42. Encourage them to do their business outside ASAP

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One of the biggest things that should be priority is trying to find a spot they feel comfortable to do their business outside, ideally when you first bring them home. This will encourage them not to go inside the house, as well as eliminate any stress the dog might feel about not going and holding it in!

43. Don't introduce other dogs too quickly

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It's not a nice thought to think you have to shut your current dogs out for a bit, but for the sake of easing your shelter dog into things, it's a good idea to put your dogs outside or in another room while your shelter dog comes home for the first time and has a little look around!

44. Don't have a welcoming party for the pup

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If you have friends and family eager to welcome the new member of the family home, don't be tempted to invite everyone around to be there when the new dog arrives. If you can, make sure nobody else is there at all, as too many new people will be overwhelming!

45. The key signs of stress

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We already know it'll be a stressful time for them, but there are some key indicators you should watch out for to make sure they don't get any worse. These include: trembling body, flattened ears, a tucked tail, body posture which is stiff and lowered and panting or salivating.

46. Be with them for 24 hours a day initially

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There'll be a point when they're settled that you'll have to leave them alone at some stage, but for those first few days, be with them completely so that they're never alone. Don't even leave them inside while you spend 5 minutes in the garden! Give them your undivided attention and just be a presence close to them where they can see you.

47. Get started with the routine straight away

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Before you even bring the shelter dog home, think about what they're allowed/not allowed to do, and what routine you want to have. You should implement that straight away. For instance, if you're strict about the dog going on the couch, then don't be tempted to let them on the couch for the first day because you feel bad for them!

48. Don't be tempted to fuss over them

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You want your new dog to be happy, and you're so excited they're home - so you might be tempted to be overly affectionate every second, and try to encourage them to reciprocate. But try to give them space based on the vibe you're getting from them. If they want to sit alone across the room, let them, but stay in the space with them.

49. Make them a den they can observe from

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For the first few days, your shelter pup might feel like they want to retreat and watch the routine of the house from a safe corner. Prepare them a dog den ahead of time, where their bed and some comfy cushions and covers will be, and let them lie there undisturbed while you go about your business. Let them watch you relax on the couch, or sort the laundry... anything, so they can observe!

50. Use food for encouragement

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As your dog explores your home and new things, using food and treats for encouragement is a good idea. If they're not confident with people yet, you could even leave some treats out and about in key areas for them to find on their own, instead of trying to feed from your hand.