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If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely experienced the power of the guilt trip—those big, soulful eyes looking up at you, begging for attention, food, or forgiveness. While all dogs have the ability to make their humans feel a pang of guilt, certain breeds are absolute masters at it. Whether it’s their expressive faces, their sad puppy-dog eyes, or the way they seem to know exactly when you’re feeling guilty, these breeds excel at making their humans give in. Here are the dog breeds that know how to lay on the guilt and use it to their advantage.
Basset Hound
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The Basset Hound is a prime example of a breed that can guilt-trip its owner with just one look. With their droopy eyes and long, sagging ears, Basset Hounds naturally look a bit forlorn even when they’re perfectly happy. This breed has a talent for making you feel bad, whether they’re asking for extra treats or simply begging for attention. Their slow, shuffling movements combined with those mournful eyes can make it hard to resist giving them whatever they want. Basset Hounds know how to tug at their owners’ heartstrings, making them masters of the guilt trip.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, but they’re also incredibly skilled at laying on the guilt when they don’t get their way. With their large, expressive eyes and soft, pleading expressions, Cavaliers can easily make their owners feel bad for leaving them alone or not giving them enough attention. They are very people-oriented dogs, and their ability to convey sadness with just a glance makes them experts at guilt-tripping. Whether you’ve been gone for five minutes or five hours, Cavaliers will make you feel like you’ve been away forever.
Beagle
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Beagles are notorious for their ability to guilt-trip their owners into giving them treats or extra attention. With their big, round eyes and perpetually curious expressions, Beagles have a way of looking at you that makes it hard to say no. They’re also known for their persistence, often following their owners around with a look of longing until they get what they want. Beagles are intelligent and know how to use their expressive faces to manipulate their humans, making them one of the top breeds when it comes to pulling off a successful guilt trip.
Pug
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Pugs are the comedians of the dog world, but they’re also experts at making their owners feel guilty with their sad, wrinkled faces. With their wide eyes and endearing snorts, Pugs can melt even the coldest of hearts. They often use their expressive faces to their advantage, especially when they’re begging for food or trying to get some extra attention. Their ability to look simultaneously pitiful and adorable makes it incredibly difficult to deny them anything. Pugs are masters of the guilt trip, using their unique charm to get exactly what they want.
Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus may be small, but they have a big talent for making their owners feel guilty. These little dogs love being the center of attention, and if they’re not getting it, they’ll be sure to let you know with their soulful eyes and sad expressions. Shih Tzus are known for their ability to look deeply into their owner’s eyes, making it almost impossible to resist their demands for more cuddles or playtime. Their long, flowing coats and regal appearance only add to their ability to pull off a convincing guilt trip.
Dachshund
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Dachshunds are determined and strong-willed dogs, but they also have a softer side that they know how to use to their advantage. With their big, expressive eyes and long, droopy ears, Dachshunds can make their owners feel guilty with just a look. These dogs are known for their loyalty and love of being close to their humans, and if they’re feeling neglected, they’ll make sure you know it. Whether they’re begging for a spot on the couch or a bite of your dinner, Dachshunds are masters at making you feel guilty enough to give in.
Border Collie
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Border Collies are highly intelligent dogs that are incredibly in tune with their owners’ emotions. While they’re more often recognized for their working abilities, they also know how to lay on the guilt when they’re not getting the attention or exercise they need. With their intense, focused stare, Border Collies can make their owners feel guilty for not engaging with them as much as they’d like. Their keen awareness of their surroundings and ability to pick up on human emotions make them experts at using guilt to their advantage, whether they’re asking for more playtime or simply wanting some affection.
Havanese
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Havanese dogs are affectionate and love to be close to their humans, but they’re also skilled at making their owners feel guilty when they’re not getting enough attention. With their expressive eyes and soft, fluffy appearance, Havanese can quickly turn on the guilt when they feel ignored. They’re known for their sweet and loving nature, and they have a way of making you feel bad for even the smallest of slights, like not inviting them onto the bed or leaving them at home alone. Their gentle nature combined with their ability to pull off a sad face makes them masters of the guilt trip.
The Art of Guilt-Trip Mastery
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These breeds have perfected the art of the guilt trip, using their expressive faces, soulful eyes, and endearing behavior to get exactly what they want from their owners. Whether it’s an extra treat, more attention, or a coveted spot on the couch, these dogs know how to make their humans feel just guilty enough to give in. With their unique abilities to manipulate our emotions, it’s no wonder these breeds are masters at making us melt, even when we know we shouldn’t.
Toledo, United States.
