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Top 10 Dog Breeds Most Likely to Steal Your Food

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
| August 10, 2024

Dogs are known for their love of food, but some breeds take their food obsession to the next level. These dogs are not only motivated by their appetites but are also incredibly resourceful and determined when it comes to getting their paws on a tasty snack. Whether it’s sneaking food off the counter, raiding the trash, or swiping food right out of your hand, these breeds are notorious for their food-stealing antics. This article highlights the top ten dog breeds most likely to steal your food, offering insights into their behavior and tips for managing their mischievous tendencies.

10. Beagle

Beagles are small to medium-sized hounds known for their incredible sense of smell and insatiable curiosity. These traits make them particularly adept at sniffing out and stealing food. Beagles were originally bred for hunting, and their keen nose can detect food from a great distance. Their intelligence and determination often lead them to creative ways of getting to food, whether it’s sneaking onto countertops or rooting through garbage. Beagles are also very food-motivated, making them more likely to steal food if given the opportunity. Despite their mischievous nature, Beagles are loving and loyal pets that bring a lot of joy to their families.

9. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, but they are also infamous food thieves. Labs have a strong appetite and are highly motivated by food, which can sometimes lead them to steal from counters, tables, or even the hands of unsuspecting owners. Their size and agility make it easy for them to reach high places, and their intelligence allows them to figure out how to open cupboards or containers. Labradors are wonderful family pets, but their love for food means that owners need to be vigilant about keeping food out of reach and ensuring that they get plenty of exercise to manage their weight.

8. Dachshund

Dachshunds may be small, but their determination and resourcefulness make them notorious food thieves. Originally bred for hunting badgers, these little dogs have a strong prey drive and an incredible sense of smell. Dachshunds are known for their ability to squeeze into tight spaces and climb onto furniture to reach food. Their stubborn nature means they won’t give up easily if they think there is a tasty treat within reach. Dachshunds are charming and affectionate pets, but their love for food requires owners to be diligent about keeping food secured and out of their reach.

7. Boxer

Boxers are energetic and playful dogs with a knack for getting into mischief, including stealing food. These dogs are intelligent and curious, often using their paws and mouths to explore their environment. Boxers are strong and agile, making it easy for them to jump onto counters or tables to grab food. They are also known for their persistence and will keep trying if they think there’s a chance of getting a snack. Boxers are loving and loyal companions, but their tendency to steal food means that owners need to be careful about where they leave their meals and snacks.

6. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic dogs with a strong prey drive and a love for adventure. These traits make them skilled food thieves. Jack Russells are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, often figuring out how to open doors or containers to get to food. Their agility allows them to climb onto furniture or counters to reach treats. Jack Russells are also very determined and won’t give up easily if they think there’s food to be had. Despite their mischievous nature, Jack Russells are affectionate and loyal pets that bring a lot of energy and fun to their families.

5. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are known for their independent and mischievous nature, making them likely to steal food if given the chance. Huskies are intelligent and resourceful dogs that often use their problem-solving skills to get into food. Their agility and strength allow them to reach high places, and their thick coats can sometimes make them look even bigger than they are. Huskies are also very food-motivated, which can lead to them stealing food from counters, tables, or even the hands of their owners. Despite their tendency to get into mischief, Huskies are loyal and loving pets that make wonderful companions.

4. Border Collie

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs known for their incredible work ethic and problem-solving abilities. These traits also make them adept at stealing food. Border Collies are quick learners and can figure out how to open doors, cupboards, and containers to get to food. Their agility allows them to jump onto counters or tables with ease, and their determination means they won’t give up easily if they think there’s a chance of getting a snack. Border Collies are loyal and loving pets, but their intelligence and resourcefulness mean that owners need to be vigilant about keeping food secured.

3. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are known for their incredible sense of smell and laid-back demeanor, but they can also be sneaky food thieves. These dogs were bred for hunting and tracking, and their keen nose can detect food from a great distance. Basset Hounds are known for their persistence and will keep trying to get to food if they think there’s a chance of success. Their long bodies and short legs allow them to reach low tables and countertops with ease. Basset Hounds are affectionate and loyal pets, but their love for food means that owners need to be careful about keeping food out of their reach.

2. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, but they also have a strong love for food, making them likely to steal if given the chance. These dogs are intelligent and resourceful, often using their paws and mouths to explore their environment. Cocker Spaniels are known for their ability to jump onto counters or tables to grab food, and their strong sense of smell means they can detect food from a distance. Despite their mischievous nature, Cocker Spaniels are loving and loyal pets that bring a lot of joy to their families.

1. Pug

Pugs may be small, but their love for food makes them skilled at stealing snacks. These dogs are known for their strong appetite and can be quite determined when it comes to getting food. Pugs are intelligent and resourceful, often figuring out how to open containers or get onto furniture to reach treats. Their small size makes them less intimidating, but their persistence means they won’t give up easily if they think there’s a chance of getting a snack. Pugs are loving and affectionate pets, but their tendency to steal food means that owners need to be careful about keeping food secured and out of their reach.

These dog breeds are known for their love of food and their resourcefulness in getting to it. While their tendency to steal food can be a challenge for owners, it’s also a testament to their intelligence and determination. By keeping food secured and providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation, owners can help manage their dog’s food-stealing tendencies. Despite their mischievous nature, these breeds make wonderful and loving pets that bring a lot of joy to their families.