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We’ve all heard the classic excuse, “The dog ate my homework!” While it’s often used as a lighthearted attempt to explain a missing assignment, some dog breeds might make this excuse more of a reality than fiction. Certain breeds are notorious for their mischievous tendencies and natural curiosity, often finding their way into anything that isn’t nailed down—including schoolwork. Whether it’s due to boredom, teething, or an insatiable desire to chew, these dogs can turn your important papers into a shredded mess in no time.
Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retrievers are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world, known for their loyalty, friendliness, and energetic nature. However, they are also notorious for their love of chewing. Labs have an innate tendency to mouth and chew on things, especially when they’re bored or anxious. Their high energy levels require lots of physical and mental stimulation, and if they don’t get enough, they might turn to household items for entertainment—homework included. A bored Labrador will likely grab anything within reach, so those piles of papers on your desk may not be safe around this curious and energetic breed. Their love for food and anything chewable makes them prime suspects when homework goes missing.
Beagle
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Beagles are small, curious dogs with a strong sense of smell and a stronger desire to explore their surroundings. Bred to be hunting dogs, beagles love to sniff out anything that might be interesting, including important papers left unattended. Their curiosity often leads them to investigate objects with their mouths, and once they find something to chew on, they’re unlikely to stop until it’s completely torn apart. Beagles are also known for their love of food, and if your homework has any scent of snacks or crumbs, this breed will likely see it as a tasty treat. Their playful and inquisitive nature makes them one of the most likely breeds to snack on your homework when you’re not looking.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly nature, but they also have a strong inclination to chew. Like their close relatives, the Labrador Retriever, Goldens are mouthy dogs, often using their mouths to explore the world around them. Golden Retrievers are intelligent and energetic, and if they’re not given enough mental or physical stimulation, they can turn to chew on household items, including homework. Their friendly, happy-go-lucky personality makes it hard to stay mad at them, even after they’ve destroyed a pile of papers. Their playful and curious demeanor and love of chewing means they could easily find themselves munching on your school assignments.
Border Collie
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Border Collies are among the smartest dog breeds, known for their incredible work ethic and intelligence. However, their high intelligence and need for constant mental stimulation can lead to mischievous behavior if they become bored. Border Collies are natural problem-solvers, and if left to their own devices, they might decide that a stack of homework is the perfect puzzle to investigate and shred. These dogs are highly energetic and need a job to do, and when they don’t have enough activities to keep them busy, they might start looking for ways to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, your homework could become their next project. Their intelligence and curiosity make them prime candidates for homework mishaps.
Dachshund
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With their long bodies and short legs, dachshunds might not seem like the type to get into much trouble, but they should not be fooled by their size. Dachshunds are notorious for their stubbornness and curiosity, often getting into things they shouldn’t. Bred to hunt small animals, Dachshunds have a strong prey drive, and they love to dig, chew, and tear apart anything that catches their interest. A stack of papers on the floor or a low table is an easy target for a determined Dachshund. Their persistent and sometimes mischievous nature means they won’t hesitate to chomp on your homework if it looks like a fun challenge. Their size might make them seem innocent, but Dachshunds are full of surprises.
Boxer
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Boxers are energetic, playful dogs with a goofy and mischievous side. Known for their boundless enthusiasm and love of play, Boxers are always looking for ways to entertain themselves, and if your homework is within reach, it might just become their next chew toy. Boxers are known for their exuberant personalities, often jumping, bounding, and using their paws to explore objects. Their playful nature can sometimes lead to destruction, especially when they’re left alone for too long. Boxers love to chew, and they’re not too picky about what they gnaw on, making them a top contender for homework-related disasters. With their playful energy and curious nature, they might see your schoolwork as a new toy to destroy.
Australian Shepherd
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Australian Shepherds are another highly intelligent and energetic breed that can sometimes get into trouble if they’re not properly stimulated. Aussies are known for their work ethic and need for mental challenges, and if they don’t have enough tasks to keep them busy, they might turn to chewing on anything within reach, including their homework. These dogs love to be busy, and their strong herding instincts make them prone to getting involved in anything happening around them. If your homework is left out, an Australian Shepherd might see it as an opportunity to channel their energy and curiosity, leaving you with a shredded mess. Their intelligence and energy levels mean they need constant activity, or they might decide to make their own fun.
Cocker Spaniel
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Cocker Spaniels are known for their affectionate and friendly personalities, but they also have a mischievous side. These dogs are highly curious and often get into things they shouldn’t, including papers, books, and homework. Cocker Spaniels are also known for being food-motivated, so if your homework has any trace of food or crumbs, it’s at risk of being chewed up. Their playful and curious nature means they’re always looking for something to investigate, and their love for chewing makes them likely to turn your schoolwork into confetti. Cocker Spaniels might look sweet and innocent, but their playful side can lead to unexpected homework destruction.
Homework’s Worst Enemy
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These dog breeds, with their curious, playful, and sometimes mischievous personalities, are the most likely culprits when homework goes missing or turns into a shredded mess. Whether it’s a Labrador Retriever’s love for chewing, a Beagle’s curiosity, or a Dachshund’s determination, these dogs have a way of getting into things they shouldn’t. While it can be frustrating to find your hard work destroyed, their lovable personalities make it hard to stay mad for long. Ultimately, these dogs bring joy and laughter to their owners’ lives, even if it comes at the cost of a few homework assignments.
Toledo, United States.
