Furry escapees: The top 10 dog breeds most likely to run away in Australia

For some dog owners, their furry friends may double as highly skilled escape artists and it can be a major headache.

Even the most secure gardens or the highest fences are no match for some of the flightiest dogs.

According to new research conducted by PureProfile on behald of Life360, nearly half (42 per cent) of Aussie pets have gone missing at one point and one in seven are repeat offenders with some breeds more likely to run away than others.

Here's a look at the 10 most flighty dog breeds, according to Aussie dog owners.

1. Labradors

Labradors are incredibly social and curious creatures, meaning they're likely to head off on their own adventures to mingle with new friends.

They are also highly intelligent, meaning they can easily find ways to escape.

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2. Border collies

Border collies are quick and intelligent making them excellent backyard fugitives.

Originally bred for herding sheep, they are very observant and can easily find their way out of any enclosure.

"I have known Border collies who have figured out how to open crates and unlock gates," veterinarian Katrina Warren previously told nine.com.au.

3. Staffordshire bull terriers

With their muscular buil, high energy levels and athleticism, these pups are born escape artists.

With their strong bodies and powerful jaws, Staffies can easily use force to get their way through fences or dig under barriers.

"They may take confinement as a challenge," Warren said.

"They love to seek new adventures, leading them to test the limits of enclosures with relentless determination."

4. Golden retrievers

Golden retrievers are famously very loyal pups who love to spend time with their owners.

So, it may surprise many that they have made this list.

These loveable pups, however, can get bored or anxious very easily, leading them to all sorts of mischief like running away.

5. Dachshunds

They may be small but they are mighty.

A Dachshund's long body is incredibly powerful making it very easy for them to dig with impressive speed, often burrowing under fences or barriers.

"These tenacious little dogs will work hard to pursue freedom, whether it's squeesing thrugh a gap or tunneling under a fence," Warren said.

World-famous Valerie the dachshund would know a thing or two about this.

She gained wide-reaching attention after surviving more than 500 days on the run on Kangaroo Island.

6. Maltese cross

Coming in at number six is the Maltese cross.

These loveable lap dogs can be prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to all sorts of mischief including running away.

Their small bodies can also make it easy for them to escape enclosures.

7. Cavoodles

Just like the Maltese cross, this popular breed is also prone to separation anxiety.

Cavoodles are also very curious and can become bored easily, leading to undesirable habits.

8. French bulldogs

The same can be said for French bulldogs.

These curious pups may run after other animals or run away from anything that causes them anxiety like loud noises or unfamiliar environments.

9. Jack Russells

These tiny terriers are as agile as they are cheeky.

Having been originally bred for fox hunting, Jack Russell Terriers have an inherent drive to explore and chase and are notorious escape artists.

"Jack Russells are problem solvers who are constantly seeking opportunities for adventures," Warren said.

"Their compact size enables them to squeeze through narrow openings, while their agile bodies can scale fences.

"Their small size won't stop them as they can also dig under barriers with remarkable speed."

10. Kelpies

Kelpies were bred as herding dogs and are very fit and switched on.

These means they can get bored very easily and often find themselves getting up to all sorts of mischief.

"Their sharp minds and problem-solving abilities enable themto assess their environment and identify potential escape routes," Warren said.

They are also incredibly agile, meaning they can jump fences without even breaking a sweat.

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