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12 Dog Breeds Most Likely to Steal Your Snacks

By: Ejay Camposano
A college graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Ejay has a diverse background that combines technical expertise with a passion for pets and is now one of the content writers at IHD. Read more
| August 23, 2024

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Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell and a strong love for food, sometimes resulting in sneaky snack-stealing behavior. While most dogs might occasionally grab a treat, certain breeds are particularly infamous for their food-driven antics. These breeds are highly motivated by food and are intelligent and determined, making them adept at swiping snacks from countertops, tables, and even directly from your hand if you’re not paying close attention. Their combination of cleverness and appetite makes them particularly challenging when food is involved.

Bichon Frise

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Bichon Frises are small, fluffy dogs known for their cheerful and playful personalities. While they are not as notorious for food thievery as some other breeds, their curious nature can lead them to explore their surroundings, including countertops and tables where snacks might be left unattended. Bichons are highly motivated by treats, which makes them willing to go the extra mile to get a tasty morsel. Their small size makes them less capable of reaching high places, but their persistence can lead them to find creative ways to get what they want.

Dachshund

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Dachshunds are small, long-bodied dogs known for their playful and adventurous spirit. They have a strong prey drive and are naturally curious, often leading them to investigate anything that might be a potential food source. Dachshunds are known for their determination and can be surprisingly good at finding ways to access food, whether jumping onto furniture or using their paws to open cupboards. While they might not be the most obvious snack thieves due to their size, their cunning and persistence make them a breed to watch out for.

Beagle

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Beagles are scent hounds with an exceptional sense of smell, often leading them to food. Known for their determination and tenacity, Beagles are highly food-driven and will go to great lengths to get a snack. They are notorious for their ability to sniff out food, even if it’s hidden or in a sealed container. Beagles’ strong sense of smell and food motivation makes them excellent at counter-surfing and raiding trash cans. Their love for food can sometimes lead them into trouble, so it’s important to keep food out of their reach.

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are one of the most food-motivated dog breeds, known for their love of eating and willingness to work for treats. Labs are notorious for counter-surfing and scavenging, often using their size and strength to access food. They have a keen sense of smell and are always looking for something tasty. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent and quick learners, so they can easily figure out how to open doors or containers to get food. Their love for food can sometimes lead them to overeat, so monitoring their diet and keeping snacks out of reach is important.

Cocker Spaniel

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Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and affectionate nature but are also highly food-motivated. These dogs have a strong sense of smell and are always looking for snacks. Cocker Spaniels are known to counter-surf and scavenge, often using their agility to reach high places. They are also known for begging, often using their expressive eyes to get treats from their owners. Cocker Spaniels’ love for food can sometimes lead to weight issues, so it’s important to monitor their diet and ensure they get regular exercise.

Pug

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Pugs are small dogs with big appetites. They are known for their love of food and will do almost anything for a treat. Pugs are notorious for begging and can be persistent when wanting something. Despite their small size, they are surprisingly good at finding ways to access food, whether jumping onto furniture or sneaking into the kitchen. Pugs’ love for food can sometimes lead to obesity, so monitoring their diet and keeping snacks out of reach is important. Their charming and expressive faces can make it hard to resist giving them treats, but moderation is key.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are friendly and outgoing dogs known for their love of food. They are highly motivated by treats and are known to counter-surf and scavenge for snacks. Golden Retrievers have a keen sense of smell and are always looking for something tasty. They are intelligent and quick learners, so they can easily figure out how to access food left unattended. Golden Retrievers’ love for food can sometimes lead them to overeat, so monitoring their diet and keeping snacks out of reach is important. Their friendly and eager-to-please nature makes them great companions, but it also means they are always ready for a treat.

Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic dogs known for their intelligence and determination. They have a strong prey drive and are highly food-motivated, often going to great lengths to get a snack. Jack Russells are known for agility and can easily jump onto counters or tables to access food. They are also known for their scavenging behavior and can be quite persistent when they want something. Jack Russell Terriers’ love for food can sometimes lead to weight issues, so it’s important to monitor their diet and ensure they get regular exercise.

Siberian Husky

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Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and independent nature but are also highly food-motivated. Huskies have a strong prey drive and are known to scavenge for food. They are intelligent and quick learners, often using their smarts to access food left unattended. Siberian Huskies are known for their ability to open doors and containers, making them notorious snack thieves. Their love for food can sometimes lead them to overeat, so monitoring their diet and keeping snacks out of reach is important. Despite their independent nature, Huskies are loyal and affectionate companions.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs with big appetites. They are known for their love of food and will do almost anything for a treat. Corgis are notorious for counter-surfing and scavenging, often using their short stature to sneak under tables and into cupboards. They have a strong sense of smell and are always looking for something tasty. Pembroke Welsh Corgis’ love for food can sometimes lead to weight issues, so it’s important to monitor their diet and ensure they get regular exercise. Their charming and expressive faces can make it hard to resist giving them treats, but moderation is key.

Boxer

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Boxers are energetic and playful dogs known for their love of food. They are highly motivated by treats and are known to counter-surf and scavenge for snacks. Boxers have a keen sense of smell and are always looking for something tasty. They are intelligent and quick learners, so they can easily figure out how to access food left unattended. Boxers’ love for food can sometimes lead them to overeat, so monitoring their diet and keeping snacks out of reach is important. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them great companions, but it also means they are always ready for a treat.

Basset Hound

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Basset Hounds are known for their long ears, droopy eyes, and incredible sense of smell. They are also known for their love of food and the tendency to steal snacks whenever possible. Basset Hounds are notorious for their ability to sniff out food, whether it’s hidden in a cupboard or left unattended on a counter. They are not as agile as other breeds but make up for it with determination and persistence. Basset Hounds are prone to obesity, so it’s important for owners to monitor their diet and provide regular exercise. Despite their food obsession, Basset Hounds are affectionate and loyal companions.

Lock Up Your Treats Before These Pups Strike!

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These dog breeds are known for their love of food and tendency to steal snacks. While their food-motivated nature can be endearing, owners must be vigilant and keep food out of reach. Many human foods can harm dogs, so keeping them safe and healthy is crucial. Despite their mischievous tendencies, these breeds are loving and loyal companions that bring joy and laughter to their owners’ lives. Their food obsession can be managed with proper training and management, making them delightful family members.

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