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12 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 31, 2024

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and a natural love for food, which can sometimes lead to sneaky behavior when it comes to snacks. While all dogs might occasionally swipe a treat, some breeds are particularly notorious for their food-driven antics. These breeds are not only highly motivated by food but also possess the intelligence and determination to steal snacks from countertops, tables, and even your hand if you’re not careful. Here are 12 dog breeds most likely to steal your snacks, listed in descending order from the least to the most notorious snack thieves.

12. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are small, fluffy dogs known for their cheerful and playful personalities. While they are not as notorious for food thievery as some other breeds, their curious nature can lead them to explore their surroundings, including countertops and tables where snacks might be left unattended. Bichons are highly motivated by treats, which makes them willing to go the extra mile to get a tasty morsel. Their small size makes them less capable of reaching high places, but their persistence can lead them to find creative ways to get what they want.

11. Dachshund

Dachshunds are small, long-bodied dogs known for their playful and adventurous spirit. They have a strong prey drive and are naturally curious, often leading them to investigate anything that might be a potential food source. Dachshunds are known for their determination and can be surprisingly good at finding ways to access food, whether jumping onto furniture or using their paws to open cupboards. While they might not be the most obvious snack thieves due to their size, their cunning and persistence make them a breed to watch out for.

10. Beagle

Beagles are scent hounds with an exceptional sense of smell, often leading them to food. Known for their determination and tenacity, Beagles are highly food-driven and will go to great lengths to get a snack. They are notorious for their ability to sniff out food, even if it’s hidden or in a sealed container. Beagles’ strong sense of smell and food motivation makes them excellent at counter-surfing and raiding trash cans. Their love for food can sometimes lead them into trouble, so it’s important to keep food out of their reach.

9. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most food-motivated dog breeds, known for their love of eating and willingness to work for treats. Labs are notorious for counter-surfing and scavenging, often using their size and strength to access food. They have a keen sense of smell and are always looking for something tasty. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent and quick learners, which means they can easily figure out how to open doors or containers to get to food. Their love for food can sometimes lead them to overeat, so it’s important to monitor their diet and keep snacks out of reach.

8. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, but they are also highly food-motivated. These dogs have a strong sense of smell and are always looking for snacks. Cocker Spaniels are known to counter-surf and scavenge, often using their agility to reach high places. They are also known for begging, often using their expressive eyes to get treats from their owners. Cocker Spaniels’ love for food can sometimes lead to weight issues, so it’s important to monitor their diet and ensure they get regular exercise.

7. Pug

Pugs are small dogs with big appetites. They are known for their love of food and will do almost anything for a treat. Pugs are notorious for begging and can be quite persistent when they want something. Despite their small size, they are surprisingly good at finding ways to access food, whether it’s jumping onto furniture or sneaking into the kitchen. Pugs’ love for food can sometimes lead to obesity, so it’s important to monitor their diet and keep snacks out of reach. Their charming and expressive faces can make it hard to resist giving them treats, but moderation is key.

6. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are friendly and outgoing dogs known for their love of food. They are highly motivated by treats and are known to counter-surf and scavenge for snacks. Golden Retrievers have a keen sense of smell and are always on the lookout for something tasty. They are intelligent and quick learners, which means they can easily figure out how to access food that is left unattended. Golden Retrievers’ love for food can sometimes lead them to overeat, so it’s important to monitor their diet and keep snacks out of reach. Their friendly and eager-to-please nature makes them great companions, but it also means they are always ready for a treat.

5. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic dogs known for their intelligence and determination. They have a strong prey drive and are highly food-motivated, often going to great lengths to get a snack. Jack Russells are known for their agility and can easily jump onto counters or tables to access food. They are also known for their scavenging behavior and can be quite persistent when they want something. Jack Russell Terriers’ love for food can sometimes lead to weight issues, so it’s important to monitor their diet and ensure they get regular exercise.

4. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and independent nature, but they are also highly food-motivated. Huskies have a strong prey drive and are known to scavenge for food. They are intelligent and quick learners, often using their smarts to access food that is left unattended. Siberian Huskies are known for their ability to open doors and containers, making them notorious snack thieves. Their love for food can sometimes lead them to overeat, so it’s important to monitor their diet and keep snacks out of reach. Despite their independent nature, Huskies are loyal and affectionate companions.

3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs with big appetites. They are known for their love of food and will do almost anything for a treat. Corgis are notorious for counter-surfing and scavenging, often using their short stature to sneak under tables and into cupboards. They have a strong sense of smell and are always on the lookout for something tasty. Pembroke Welsh Corgis’ love for food can sometimes lead to weight issues, so it’s important to monitor their diet and ensure they get regular exercise. Their charming and expressive faces can make it hard to resist giving them treats, but moderation is key.

2. Boxer

Boxers are energetic and playful dogs known for their love of food. They are highly motivated by treats and are known to counter-surf and scavenge for snacks. Boxers have a keen sense of smell and are always on the lookout for something tasty. They are intelligent and quick learners, which means they can easily figure out how to access food that is left unattended. Boxers’ love for food can sometimes lead them to overeat, so it’s important to monitor their diet and keep snacks out of reach. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them great companions, but it also means they are always ready for a treat.

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 their 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 it’s important for owners to monitor their diet and provide regular exercise. Despite their food obsession, Basset Hounds are affectionate and loyal companions.

In conclusion, these 12 dog breeds are known for their love of food and their 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 be harmful to dogs, so it’s crucial to keep them safe and healthy. Despite their mischievous tendencies, these breeds are loving and loyal companions that bring joy and laughter to their owners’ lives. With proper training and management, their food obsession can be managed, making them delightful members of the family.