Are you ready to adopt a furry friend? Though all dogs have this instinct of making their family members feel happy, especially kids. While certain breeds are bred for the sole purpose of being excellent companions to their family.
Every family with kids knows that the real cleanup crew doesn’t come with a mop; it comes with four paws and a wagging tail. Some dogs have mastered the art of “strategic lounging” under the table, waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for crumbs, spills, and generous little hands.
We have gathered 7 dog breeds that have this instinct of getting under the table during the family meal time and waiting for the kids to finish their food.
Whether they are sitting there to catch scraps of the delicious food on the table or simply wanting to be a part of the family dinner time, these dogs are masters that are not only food-motivated, but they’re family-motivated, as well.
These dogs are also gentle, intelligent, attention-seeking, and love to be involved in all family gatherings. Their presence is not only fun for the kids, but adults also love having them around for a good time.
From playful dogs to energetic companions, read on to learn more about these breeds. These dogs don’t just have a big appetite for food, but also have big hearts that allow them to give and receive all the love in the world.
Dog Breeds That Sit Under Tables While Kids Eat
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the US, and why not? They are intelligent, friendly, loyal, affectionate, and easy to train, which makes them the perfect choice for an active family. PetMD labels Golden Retrievers to be wonderful house pets.
Goldies are great for a noisy house as they love nothing more than being around kids and having a fun playtime with them. Golden Retrievers are obedient, which makes it easier to train them to stay well-behaved during meal time.
Goldies are obsessed with food, which is why they are prone to obesity. However, if trained well from a young age, these dogs do not get jumpy when they see food. They are attracted to table scraps but do not show bad behavior to get their paws on them.
For many families, having their favorite Retriever around means double the fun, and this ensures the dogs are included and receive proper attention.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labs are known to be intelligent, friendly, gentle, and highly energetic dog breeds. The American Kennel Club labels them to be the most popular dog breed in the US, and all for good reason. These pups are perfect for an active family with energetic kids, as they become the perfect companions around them.
Labs are patient, easy-going, and eager to please their favorite humans, which makes it easier to train them in table manners and how to behave around strangers and kids. They love playing games and can spend hours hopping around without getting tired.
Labs love food. They are always hungry and waiting to get under the table just when it is time for you to serve food. They wait with their big, patient eyes for scraps and enjoy them to the fullest. Though they are crazy about food but being around the table does not always mean they are there to eat.
Labs love being around family and like to be included in the fun mealtime.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog with big expressive eyes and a gentle temperament, which allows them to form great bonds with their favorite humans, as noted by Britannica. These dogs have an undeniable warmth, are born to be lapdogs because of their small size, and love snuggling on the couch with you.
These dogs are smart. They can sense feelings of their family members, which allows them to act accordingly. Because of this very reason, these dogs are a great choice for being around kids and helping them grow emotionally.
These dogs are somewhat food motivated and are the perfect size to fit under the table. But this particular behavior is not only driven by food, but the Cavaliers also need and love to be surrounded by family.
They feel relaxed when they are getting attention and love from their pet parents, which is why they sit under or around the dinner table.
4. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are known for their soulful eyes, red silky fur, playful temperament, and high energy levels. These dogs aren’t just great human companions but also add value to your dinner table. These pups love being around family as they think it’s a great way to form close bonds with everyone.
This dog breed is affectionate with their owners and has a loving attitude towards kids. These dogs are gentle. Instead of begging for treats and attention, they wait patiently while you and your kids eat, and then they can spend plenty of time with you playing or cuddling.
Irish Setters are full of energy, they are intelligent, full of life, and are always finding ways to impress their pet parents. However, they can acquire separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
5. Poodle
Poodles are the most beloved dog breed, not just in the US but all over the world. And why wouldn’t they be? They are smart, intelligent, and are also veterinarian-recommended family pets due to their hypoallergenic nature.
Poodles are little bursts of energy. They are gentle, but when with kids, they know how to have fun and run around the house or the yard, blowing off their energy and having a blast.
These dogs are literal balls of goofy antics who know how to make the people around them laugh, which is why they get along well with people of all ages.
These dogs can be trained to be patient during mealtime and not create chaos. They wait for kids to finish their meals and wouldn’t mind a treat afterwards. They have sharp minds, which allows them to learn their family cues quickly, helping them adjust in various settings easily.
6. Boston Terrier
Famous as being the American Gentleman because of the tuxedo markings on their chest, these dogs are affectionate with a touch of silly antics and goofiness, which makes them who they are.
These dogs love to be around family and have fun playtime with kids, which allows them to form great bonds with their owners.
Boston Terriers are very adaptable and can adjust to any situation or living space easily. They learn new things and commands easily, which makes them a good choice for families with an active lifestyle. These dogs are well-behaved and patient.
They love food, but that does not mean they run if something falls off the table; they stare at you with their big, goofy, and emotional eyes, asking for just one bite of the delicious food the family is having. Sitting under the table is their way for showing love and affection to their family. It makes them feel like they matter.
7. Collie
Collies are famous for their sweet and gentle personality, which makes them a loved dog breed. They are sensitive, smart, and clever, but can be stubborn at times, which can be solved by providing obedience training from an early age to ensure they are well-behaved at all times.
These dogs are great with kids, and because of their herding instincts, you may find them keeping a close eye on them even while playing in the yard or inside the house. Sitting under the table for them is not just about food, but a way to be close to their family.
These dogs love having a fun time with kids, but when it’s time to relax, these gentle dogs like to rest their heads on your knees and sleep. They don’t bark a lot, which makes them a great option for people living in apartments.
Conclusion
Meal time and gathering for food is not just an important part of the day for humans; dogs love and enjoy this time equally. All these dog breeds sure do love their food, but their hearts are much bigger than their hunger.
They do sit there, waiting for an opportunity to enjoy table scraps, but more than this, they enjoy the company of their pet parents and love to be involved with the family. These dogs are great with kids of all ages and know how to please the people around them.
However, there is no doubt that all of these dogs possess an affectionate temperament; still, training them to behave in a nice way is immensely important so that accidents may be avoided around mealtimes.
