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8 Dog Breeds Most Likely to Steal Your Lunch (with No Shame!)

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
| October 17, 2024

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When you own a dog, one thing is for sure: your food is never truly safe. While many dogs might sneak the occasional bite, some breeds are particularly notorious for their talent at stealing lunches. Whether it’s their curiosity, never-ending appetite, or boldness in swiping snacks without getting caught, these dogs will stop at nothing to taste your meal. Their irresistible charm might make you forgive them, but you’ll still be left scratching your head, wondering where your sandwich disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are not only one of the most popular dog breeds but also one of the most food-motivated. Labs are known for their love of food, and they don’t discriminate—whether it’s your lunch, a snack, or anything that even remotely resembles food, they’re ready to make it disappear. Labs can smell food from a distance and are resourceful when it comes to getting what they want. Their size and agility allow them to reach unattended countertops, tables, and even bags. While their enthusiasm for food can be endearing, it also makes them prime candidates for stealing your lunch with zero regrets.

Beagle

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Beagles have some of the most powerful noses in the dog world, and they aren’t shy about using them to sniff out food. Originally bred for hunting, their sense of smell is exceptional, and they have the tenacity to match. Beagles are persistent and won’t hesitate to climb furniture or use their cunning to reach the food they’ve detected. Once they’ve got a whiff of your lunch, there’s no stopping them from plotting to get it. Their compact size and agility make them experts at sneaking around and snatching snacks without getting caught, leaving you with an empty plate and an innocent-looking Beagle.

Dachshund

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Dachshunds may be small, but they make up for their size with determination and a healthy appetite. Their long bodies and short legs may not seem to threaten your food, but don’t be fooled—Dachshunds are clever and persistent when stealing a bite. Originally bred to hunt badgers, they are fearless and won’t hesitate to go after something they want, including your lunch. They can wiggle into tight spaces, jump surprisingly high for their size, and use their adorable eyes to convince you they’re completely innocent. Dachshunds have no shame when grabbing a snack, so it’s best to keep your food out of reach when they’re around.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, loving nature but also have an insatiable appetite that makes them prime suspects when your food goes missing. Their large size and strong noses make it easy for them to sniff out and swipe food when you’re not looking. Golden Retrievers are also very social and often use their charm to beg for a bite—or simply help themselves when you’re not paying attention. Their love for food knows no bounds, and they can be quite creative in their attempts to steal a meal, whether off the counter, the table, or straight from your hand.

Cocker Spaniel

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Cocker Spaniels are known for their adorable faces and sweet demeanor, but don’t let that fool you—they are also notorious food thieves. With their floppy ears and soulful eyes, they can easily distract you while making a grab for your lunch. Cocker Spaniels are naturally curious and have a knack for sneaking around undetected, especially when food is involved. Their size allows them to jump onto tables or counters with surprising ease, and once they’ve located something tasty, they won’t hesitate to snatch it. Cocker Spaniels have no shame regarding food, making them one of the most likely breeds to steal your lunch.

Pug

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Pugs may be small, but their appetite is anything but. These lovable little dogs are known for their passion for food and their ability to sniff a snack from across the room. Pugs will stop at nothing to get a bite of whatever you’re eating, using their adorable faces and snorts to distract you while they inch closer to your plate. They may not have the speed or agility of larger breeds, but their determination makes up for it. Once a Pug sets its sights on your lunch, it’s only a matter of time before they make their move. Their shameless food-stealing antics are part of their charm, but they’ll leave you hungry if you’re not careful.

Boxer

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Boxers are playful, energetic dogs with a mischievous side, which often extends to stealing food. Their athleticism and agility make them experts at swiping food from countertops or tables, especially when you’re not paying attention. Boxers are known for their exuberance and curiosity, which can lead them to investigate anything that smells remotely edible. Their size and strength give them easy access to food left unattended, and they won’t think twice about helping themselves to your sandwich. While their goofy personalities may win you over, they have no shame when taking your lunch from under your nose.

Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack Russell Terriers are small, but their energy and bold personalities make them fierce competitors in stealing food. These dogs are incredibly agile and quick, often darting around the kitchen or dining room for an unattended snack. Jack Russells are clever and resourceful, using their intelligence to outwit their owners and make off with a meal. Their strong prey drive, combined with their love for food, makes them relentlessly pursue your lunch. Once they’ve locked onto a target, they’ll stop at nothing to get it, leaving you with an empty plate and a smug Jack Russell.

The Real Meal Stealers

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Whether it’s the determined Beagle or the sneaky Pug, these breeds have mastered the art of stealing food with no shame whatsoever. Their boldness, intelligence, and unwavering love for anything edible make them the ultimate lunch thieves, often leaving you both hungry and entertained. While these dogs may swipe your meal, they’ll win your heart with their irresistible charm and mischievous behavior. So, the next time your sandwich goes missing, remember that with these crafty canines around, no meal is truly safe—but their antics will always keep you smiling!