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Top 10 Dog Breeds Most Likely To Steal Your Snacks

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| July 30, 2024

Dogs are notorious for their love of food, and some breeds are particularly skilled at sneaking snacks when their owners aren’t looking. Whether it’s their keen sense of smell, intelligence, or sheer determination, these dogs are experts at finding and stealing food. Owners of these breeds must be vigilant and ensure that food is kept out of reach, as some human foods can harm dogs. Here are the top 10 dog breeds most likely to steal your snacks, listed in descending order from the least likely to the most notorious snack thieves.

10. Dachshund

Dachshunds are small, playful dogs with a big personality and a love for food. Known for their long bodies and short legs, they are surprisingly agile and persistent when getting what they want. Dachshunds are notorious for their ability to sniff out snacks, and their curiosity often leads them to counter-surf or root through bags and cabinets. Their strong prey drive and tenacity make them relentless when they catch the scent of something tasty. Owners must be vigilant and keep food out of reach, as Dachshunds are also prone to obesity, which can exacerbate back problems common in the breed.

9. Beagle

Beagles have an excellent sense of smell and a strong food drive, making them one of the most food-motivated breeds. Originally bred as scent hounds, Beagles are experts at sniffing food, whether hidden in a cupboard or unattended on a counter. They are known for their determination and will go to great lengths to get to food, often using their paws or noses to open doors and containers. Beagles’ love for food can make them prone to obesity, so owners need to monitor their diet and ensure they get plenty of exercise.

8. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, but they are also famous for their insatiable appetite. Labs are highly food-motivated and are often willing to do anything for a treat. This breed is notorious for counter-surfing and raiding trash cans for snacks. Their strong sense of smell and eagerness to please can make them experts at finding hidden food. Labrador Retrievers are also prone to obesity, so owners need to manage their diet and provide regular exercise. Despite their love for food, Labs are generally well-behaved and can be trained to avoid stealing snacks.

7. Pug

Pugs are small, charming dogs known for their expressive faces and love of food. They have a voracious appetite and are often relentless in pursuing snacks. Pugs are not as agile as other breeds, but they make up for it with determination and persistence. They are known for begging at the table and can be resourceful when finding food. Pugs are prone to obesity, so owners must monitor their diet and avoid overfeeding. Despite their food obsession, Pugs are affectionate and loyal companions.

6. Boxer

Boxers are energetic, playful dogs known for their exuberant personalities. They are also known for their love of food and the tendency to steal snacks whenever possible. Boxers are athletic and agile, making them adept at reaching high places to get to food. They are also very clever and can be persistent when they want something. Boxers have a strong prey drive and can be very food-motivated, so owners must train them properly and keep food out of reach. Despite their mischievous nature, Boxers are loyal and loving companions.

5. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are known for their sweet and gentle nature, but they are also known for their love of food. These dogs have a strong sense of smell and are often very food-motivated. Cocker Spaniels are notorious for counter-surfing and raiding the trash for snacks. They can be quite persistent and clever when getting to food, often using their paws to open doors and containers. Cocker Spaniels are also prone to obesity, so owners need to monitor their diet and provide regular exercise. Despite their love for food, Cocker Spaniels are affectionate and loyal companions.

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs known for their friendly and playful nature. They also have a strong love for food and are often determined to get their paws on any available snacks. Shih Tzus can be resourceful when finding food, often using their keen sense of smell to locate hidden treats. They are known for begging at the table and can be very persistent when they want something. Shih Tzus are prone to obesity, so owners need to monitor their diet and avoid overfeeding. Despite their food obsession, Shih Tzus are loving and loyal companions.

3. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic dogs known for their intelligence and tenacity. They have a strong prey drive and are often very food-motivated. Jack Russells are notorious for their ability to find and steal food, whether it’s left unattended on a counter or hidden in a bag. They are agile and clever, often using their paws or noses to open doors and containers. Jack Russells can be very persistent when they want something, making them notorious snack thieves. Despite their mischievous nature, Jack Russells are loyal and affectionate companions.

2. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and independent nature. They are also known for their love of food and the tendency to steal snacks whenever possible. Huskies are intelligent and resourceful, often finding creative ways to get to food. They are agile and athletic, making them adept at reaching high places to get to food. Huskies have a strong prey drive and can be very food-motivated, so owners must train them properly and keep food out of reach. Despite their mischievous nature, Huskies are loyal and loving companions.

1. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are known for their long ears, droopy eyes, and incredible sense of smell. They are also known for their love of food and the tendency to steal snacks whenever possible. Basset Hounds are notorious for their ability to sniff out food, whether it’s hidden in a cupboard or left unattended on a counter. They are not as agile as some other breeds, but they make up for it with determination and persistence. Basset Hounds are prone to obesity, so owners need to monitor their diet and provide regular exercise. Despite their food obsession, Basset Hounds are affectionate and loyal companions.

In conclusion, these ten dog breeds are known for their love of food and tendency to steal snacks. While their food-motivated nature can be endearing, it’s important for owners to be vigilant and ensure that food is kept out of reach. Many human foods can harm dogs, so keeping them safe and healthy is crucial. Despite their mischievous tendencies, these breeds are loving and loyal companions that bring joy and laughter to their owners’ lives. Their food obsession can be managed with proper training and management, making them delightful family members.