Adopting an overseas street dog can be incredibly rewarding — but it’s not the same as rescuing a UK-based dog. Whether it’s a Romanian street dog, a Cypriot street dog, or a Greek street dog, these dogs have had very different life experiences, and understanding their unique needs is crucial if you want to set them up for success in a home environment.

While it may be tempting to rescue a street puppy you know has suffered hardship, it’s vital — for both your sake and theirs — to understand what you’re taking on. These dogs often require far more patience, preparation, and understanding than many adopters anticipate.

Although research in the U.K is sparse, a Danish study found that overseas street dogs present with more behaviour problems than domestic Danish dogs. Vets reported more serious problems than owners, presumably because either the owners wanted to underplay, or because vets do experience more aggression as they are strangers who need to get closer to these dogs than they feel comfortable with. 

Many of my behaviourist colleagues and dog trainers also report similarly that street dogs are often more problematic than domestic rescue dogs. I am basing my comments on personal experience with many dozens of owners of overseas street dog rescues. 

What Makes a Street Dog Different from a UK Rescue Dog?

Street dogs from overseas typically haven’t grown up in a human household. In many cases, they’ve lived their entire lives on the streets, where they’ve had to avoid danger, find shelter, scavenge for food, and defend themselves from threats — sometimes from people.

Whereas UK rescue dogs may have previously lived in homes, overseas street dogs, including many foreign street dogs from countries like Romania, Cyprus, and Greece, are more akin to semi-feral animals than traditional pets.

Common Street Dog Behaviour That Is Problematic:

Street dogs can be hardwired for survival. This means they may display behaviours that can be challenging in a home environment:

   •   Fearfulness – A street dog may be scared of people, noises, unfamiliar objects, or even everyday household items. Anything unfamiliar may be perceived as a threat.

   •   Territorial behaviour – Protecting home space is key to a street dog’s survival. Aggressive displays (usually noise rather than physical aggression) can be a common way of keeping others at bay.

   •   Resource guarding – Food is a precious resource for a street dog. Many will guard food, toys, or resting spaces with growls, snarls, or even bites.

   •   High prey drive – A strong instinct to chase or hunt is common, particularly for smaller animals. This can pose risks around cats or small dogs, and makes off-lead walking risky.

   •   Frustration and anxiety – Being confined or restricted (e.g. always on a lead or indoors) can cause distress. Street dogs are used to roaming and choosing their own routines.

   •   Unusual sleep patterns – Many street dogs are crepuscular — most active at dawn and dusk. Unlike domesticated dogs, they may not naturally adjust to your sleep schedule.

But What If I Adopt a Street Puppy? Won’t They Adapt?

Not necessarily. Even a street puppy may retain the behaviours of a true street dog. These traits can be inherited from their parents or shaped by stressful early experiences. It is not legal to import before the age of fifteen weeks because of the requirement to vaccinate and titre test against rabies. Therefore, the pup is outside the ideal socialisation window.

The import process itself can be traumatic. Many street puppies are reared in shelters or kennels overseas and miss out on critical early socialisation. By the time they arrive in the UK, they may already be wary of people, noise, and novelty — despite their young age.

“But My Street Dog Has Settled in Really Well!”

It’s possible your dog isn’t a genuine street dog, or they were flexible enough to adapt despite their less than ideal background.

In many countries, owned dogs are allowed to roam freely during the day. Some of these animals are picked up by rescue organisations mistakenly believing them to be strays. Sadly, such dogs may be transported to the UK and rehomed, separating them from their original families.

If your foreign street dog seems particularly well-adjusted, there’s a chance they weren’t truly feral but a lost or displaced pet.

Things to Consider Before Adopting a Street Dog

Rescuing a foreign street dog is a major commitment. These dogs often struggle to meet the expectations placed on them in a typical UK home. As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, I’ve worked with many overseas street dogs who have become overwhelmed and frightened in domestic settings.

Before adopting, ask yourself:

   •   Do you have a space your street dog can call their own?

They may need weeks or even months of minimal interaction. A quiet, safe room with access to food, water, toileting and enrichment activities (like foraging boxes) is ideal.

   •   Can you prevent escapes?

Overseas street dogs are expert escape artists. Secure fencing and internal barriers are essential, and never underestimate their determination to bolt.

   •   Are you okay not walking them at first?

For some, the world outside is just too overwhelming. Wait until trust is built before attempting walks — and consider whether your area (especially if it’s urban) suits a dog from a rural background like a Romanian or Cypriot street dog.

   •   Can you manage potential guarding behaviours?

Keep high-value items — food, toys, hiding spots — out of reach until they feel secure and understand there’s no competition.

   •   Have you prepared a den or safe hideaway?

Think of a large covered crate left open, a quiet alcove, or a low-traffic room where they won’t be startled by sights and sounds from the outside.

   •   Are you avoiding busy group training classes?

These can be overwhelming and counterproductive for street dogs. Instead, for street dog training, look into specialised street dog training programmes that focus on rescue or semi-feral dogs — like our Raising Pawfection packages for Rescue and Rehomed Dogs. 

Can a Street Dog Become Like a “Normal” Dog?

In all honesty — if they arrive with these kinds of behaviour problems, there is usually a reasonable amount of management forever. 

Even when adopted as puppies, most genuine street dogs require some lifelong support and understanding. They often retain survival behaviours and may never be fully at ease in a typical pet lifestyle.

But that doesn’t mean they can’t live happy, fulfilling lives. With the right care, patience, and environment, these remarkable animals can thrive. The bond you build with a Romanian street dog or a Greek, or any other overseas street dog that learns to trust you is unlike any other — it’s deep, hard-earned, and incredibly rewarding.

A Final Word

Rescuing an overseas street dog isn’t something to do on a whim. They’re not just quirky foreign pets — they’re survivors. They’ve often had to navigate hardship and trauma and they can carry that history with them.

But if you go into the process with open eyes, a patient heart, forward planning and realistic expectations, offering a second chance to a Cypriot street dog or a street puppy from Greece, Romania, or any other country can be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life.

Just make sure it’s right for both of you — not just right now, but for the many years to come.

If you are looking for hekp with your street dog, why not try our Rescue and Rehomed Dog membership where you will find tailored support to guide you.