12 Breeds That LOVE To Chew (And How To Stop Their Destruction)

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Chewing can be good for dogs because it exercises and strengthens their jaw, cleans teeth, and alleviates boredom. However, chewing on unsafe items can result in large vet bills and even death in extreme cases. All dogs can become chewers, but some breeds are more likely to cause destructive chewing than others. So, keep reading to find out if your furry friend is prone to bad chewing behaviors. Even if your dog’s breed isn’t on the list, it’s still a good idea to provide them with quality chew toys to keep them busy and out of trouble.

Breeds That Love to Chew

1.  Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs easily bond with their humans, and they don’t like being left alone for too long. If they’re feeling lonely or bored, they might resort to chewing to entertain themselves or express their distress. Since this breed is so large, working on training as soon as you bring your dog home is essential to prevent them from destroying something they shouldn’t.

2. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are working dogs, so they’re intelligent and like to be kept busy. If they’re not provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation, they may chew on things that aren’t meant for dogs. For this reason, they do best in active households where they won’t easily become bored.

3. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are typically thought of as lazy because of their droopy eyes, short legs, and floppy ears. However, they were bred to hunt hare, so they do have an active side. If this breed doesn’t have enough to do, especially as a puppy, they will likely find a way to keep themselves busy, which typically consists of chewing on whatever they can find.

4. American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are large with lots of energy, so of course, they love to run and play as much as possible. If they’re not getting enough attention and don’t have enough chew toys, they may decide that other objects around the house are meant for chewing. They’re also prone to separation anxiety, so they may chew out of loneliness too.

5. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve waterfowl, so they like to hold things in their mouths. As a result, many Goldens also love to chew. They like to be kept busy, so if they don’t have enough chew toys to play with or if they’re not trained properly, they may become destructive and chew on shoes, remotes, or anything else they can get ahold of. Goldendoodles tend to share these behaviors since they’re Golden Retriever mixes.

6. Weimaraner

Weimaraners are known for chewing on (and sometimes eating) things that aren’t food or toys. Puppies are especially likely to cause destruction around the home, so providing proper exercise, mental stimulation, and training can help avoid it. Like most hunting dogs, they like to be kept busy as much as possible.

7. Labrador Retriever

Like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers were bred to retriever things, hence the name. They love to pick things up and chew when they’re bored. Lab puppies are especially known for causing destruction, which is why providing chew toys and working on training is crucial. Lab mixes, such as Labradoodles, are likely to share this love of chewing as well.

8. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies love to sink their teeth into everything. Even as adults, they may chew as a way to relieve boredom or stress. With one of these breeds around, you’ll need to make sure you have lots of toys and chews for them to gnaw on so they never have the urge to bite furniture.

9. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs have more energy than you’d expect. These little dogs are one of the most popular breeds at the moment, but they can chew just as much as some big dogs can. They can quickly get into trouble if you’re not paying attention, causing them to destroy belongings. Instead of teaching them not to chew at all, redirect their chewing towards appropriate toys.

10. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are an intelligent breed that was bred to help fishermen. If they don’t have a job to do, they need to find another way to keep busy, which could include chewing on random objects. Make sure you provide your Portuguese Water Dog with lots of exercise and mental stimulation to reduce the risk of chewing. Durable chew toys and interactive puzzle toys can help.

11. English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are typically known as a lazy breed, but as puppies, they’ll chew on everything. If you don’t redirect their behavior with proper chew toys, your slippers, furniture, and more could become a victim to puppy teeth. Make sure you teach your Bulldog the proper items to chew on to prevent bad chewing habits from continuing into adulthood.

12. Mastiff

Mastiffs have a tendency to chew like most dogs, but since they’re so big, their chewing causes a lot more destruction than other breeds. Chewing is most common if this breed is dealing with separation anxiety. Keeping them confined when alone and giving them plenty of chew toys can help deter destruction.

Best Pet Products to Prevent Chewing Destruction

If your dog chews a lot, you’ll need to have plenty of chew toys to redirect their bad chewing behaviors. Below are a few great chew toys to satisfy your dog’s urge to gnaw on something.

1. iHeartDogs Fresh Mint Scented Brushing Dog Bone Toy

The iHeartDogs Brushing Dog Bone Toy is perfect for dogs who love to chew because it not only gives them something to sink their teeth into, but it also benefits their dental health in the process. The unique texture of the toy can help grind away plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth. You can also choose to add toothpaste into the grooves for more effective teeth cleaning. Made of dishwasher-safe, durable rubber, this toy can withstand tough chewers. Plus, every dental toy purchased donates a toy to a dog in need.

2. West Paw Qwizl, Built for Tough Chewers

The Qwizl is made of West Paw’s highly durable and recyclable Zogoflex material. So, it can last long even for bigger dogs with strong teeth. This toy can be used just as something fun to chew on, but you can also put treats inside to give your dog some mental stimulation. You can even insert long-lasting chews, such as bully sticks, inside to make them even more fun. This toy floats on water and is dishwasher-safe, so your pup can enjoy it both indoors and outdoors.

3. Pawstruck Beef Collagen Sticks

Not all dogs like chewing on toys. Some prefer edible chews instead because of the appealing scents and flavors. Pawstruck’s Beef Collagen Sticks are perfect for heavy chewers looking for something tasty to snack on. Collagen is the only ingredient, so you don’t need to worry about what’s going into your furry friend’s mouth. As your dog chews on these sticks, they may experience less anxiety and boredom, making them less likely to cause destruction in your home. Plus, these chews provide health benefits like improved digestion, mobility, skin, coat, and dental health.

4. Redbarn Bully Stick Party Pack

Redbarn’s bully sticks are another healthy, edible option for dogs who love to chew. They’re single-ingredient chews that most dogs can’t resist. Chewing on them can prevent boredom while also benefitting your dog’s muscle development and dental hygiene. Dogs of all sizes can enjoy these products, but large dogs may chew through them faster. For safety reasons, make sure you always monitor your dog while they chew on bully sticks.

5. KONG Classic Dog Toy

KONG’s classic toys are one of most popular chew toys on the market. The bouncy, rubber material can stand up to tough chewers, but you can add to the fun by inserting treats, especially spreadable ones like peanut butter, inside. Then, your dog will have to figure out how to get the snacks out while also gnawing on the tough material. KONG offers several different versions of this toy with slightly different materials. There’s an option that’s tougher than the classic toy for heavy chewers and there are softer versions for seniors and puppies.

6. iHeartDogs Sniff Diggy Nose Work Snuffle Mat

While this product isn’t meant for dogs to chew on, it can help redirect bad chewing behaviors. The iHeartDogs Sniff Diggy Mat is a mental stimulation toy that can keep dogs busy and entertained, reducing chewing related to boredom and stress. This toy is made of lots of colorful fabric pieces that you can hide treats or kibble in. Then, your dog will have to sniff around to find all the snacks. To create a bigger nose work space for your dog, you can buy more than one mat and link them together. Like all iHeartDogs toys, every purchase donates a toy to a shelter dog.

Don’t Let Chewing Get Out of Hand

Chewing is a natural dog behavior that all breeds and breed mixes can display. However, some dogs are more prone to obsessive chewing than others. If your dog constantly tries to chew on things they shouldn’t, it’s time to work on redirecting their behaviors to avoid destruction. Chew toys, puzzle toys, and edible dog chews can keep dogs busy and content, reducing their desire to chew on household objects. Yet, teaching a dog what they can and can’t chew on can take some time, so be patient with your dog to help set them up for success.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.