Are you constantly finding your snacks mysteriously disappearing? Ahh! You are not alone. There are many dog breeds that are too good at grabbing your snack when you least expect it. So if you ever turn around and find your food gone, with your dog looking just a little too innocent, you know who’s the culprit here.
Some dogs are natural snack thieves, whether it’s because they are smart, curious, or always hungry, these breeds know exactly how to sneak a treat when no one is looking.
This article walks you through the world of the sneakiest dog breeds known for their clever tricks and pure determination. They have figured out how to get their paws on anything tasty. Let’s meet the top 9 food thieves who just might be plotting their next food heist.
Sneaky Dog Breeds that will Steal your Snacks and Heart
Here you will read in detail about our 9 clever pups who’ve turned sneaking snacks into a true talent. It’s time to guard your lunch as these dogs are always on the lookout!
1. Beagle
Beagles are friendly and full of energy, but they are always on the hunt for food. With powerful noses and strong instincts, they can sniff out snacks no matter where you hide them.
These dogs were originally bred for hunting, and that strong tracking drive hasn’t faded.
Beagles are commonly known as small dogs famous for digging through plastic bags, slipping under tables, jumping on counters, and even opening containers and backpacks. If there’s an unattended sandwich lying somewhere in the pantry, they will surely find it.
Key Traits: According to PetMD, they possess an excellent sense of smell. They’re playful, persistent, and adventurous.
Consideration: Requires secure fencing due to their hunting instincts.
2. Labrador Retriever
The beloved Labrador Retriever is known for its friendly and eager-to-please nature, but don’t let that fool you; they are also surprisingly adept at food theft. Their love for food is legendary, and they’ll happily employ charm and sneaky tactics to get their paws on a tasty treat.
Labs are quick learners and can figure out how to reach snacks with remarkable efficiency because they are tall enough to reach the counter and access food. They are quick to steal snacks. It’s no surprise that they are popular choices for families, they are always ready to play retrieving games.
Labradors are not only great family pets but also famously obsessed with food, often requiring careful feeding routines.
Key Traits: Food motivated, intelligent, eager to please, adaptable.
Consideration: Prone to weight gain if overfed.
3. Border Collie
Border Collies are dogs with brains that love solving problems, and if that problem involves getting to food, they’ll figure it out. That’s why they are often referred to as food-motivated border collies.
This determined Border Collie isn’t just clever; they’re strategic. They’ve been known to move chairs, open cabinets, and pull off full-on snack missions.
If your Collie is bored, watch your lunch as it might disappear. Purina mentions how Border Collies thrive on mental stimulation and are quick learners, which makes them experts at sneaky snack retrieval.
Key Traits: Intelligent, energetic, focused, medium-sized dogs, problem-solvers.
Considerations: Requires significant mental and physical stimulation.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers may be small, but they’re fearless and fast. They’ll zip up onto the couch or kitchen chair to reach that cookie you left behind. According to Chewy, their intelligence and energy levels often get them into mischief, including unauthorized snack breaks.
Jackies need plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation, so they suit active owners. They’re also more prone to separation anxiety than other terriers, which can lead to destructive behavior if left alone too long.
They’ve got tons of energy and love anything that seems like a game, including sneaking snacks. These small dogs also get bored easily, so they’ll find ways to entertain themselves… even if that means stealing your food.
Key Traits: Energetic, agile, determined, curious.
Considerations: Requires consistent training due to their independent nature.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are sweet and gentle, but also super sneaky when food is involved. They’ll act innocent while slowly creeping toward your snack like it’s no big deal.
They’re family dogs, and they love attention. Sometimes, grabbing your sandwich is just their way of joining the fun. They’re generally easy to train and can be good first dogs for new dog owners, provided you’re prepared for the needs and responsibilities of a larger breed.
Their lovable personality makes them hard to scold, even when they’re caught red-pawed. Their eagerness to please can sometimes lead them to be overly enthusiastic about food acquisition.
Key Traits: Friendly, intelligent, eager to please, food-motivated.
Considerations: Prone to weight gain if not exercised adequately.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
These charming little herding dogs are surprisingly adept at getting their paws on food. Their intelligence and determination turn into clever snack-stealing skills when they are hungry. Corgis are quick thinkers and aren’t afraid to employ clever tactics to secure a tasty treat.
Corgis are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do need plenty of mental stimulation and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
In a funny real-life example shared by SCMP, a police-trained Corgi stole sausages while on patrol, proving, no snack is safe!
Key Traits: Intelligent, determined, alert, playful.
Considerations: Can be prone to barking.
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds love to stay busy, and if they’re bored, they’ll look for something fun, like stealing a treat. They’re athletic and focused, so it’s easy for them to snatch a snack right off the counter.
Some are even known for jumping high or opening doors just to get to food. Their determination makes them one of the best at pulling off a good food heist.
Because of their intense work ethic, Aussies can be too challenging for owners with a laid-back lifestyle. Their sharp intelligence often allows them to outthink and outmaneuver novice handlers.
Key Traits: Smart, work-oriented, exuberant.
Considerations: Show an uncontrollable instinct to herd anything that moves.
8. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are adventurous, independent, and always on the lookout for something exciting, including your snacks. They have wolf-like characteristics, so their natural instincts are strong.
Huskies aren’t always obedient, especially when food is involved. If it smells good and it’s not locked up, they’ll probably go for it.
According to the AKC, Huskies can be expert escape artists who “love running” and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, so a snack left out in a busy household could easily become their next target
Key Traits: Independent, energetic, clever, adventurous.
Considerations: Needs plenty of exercise and secure spaces; may ignore commands when distracted or food is involved.
9. Dachshund
These little dogs might look innocent, but don’t be fooled, Dachshunds are bold and clever. They’ll dig through bags, climb furniture, and do whatever it takes to grab a tasty bite.
Their short legs don’t slow them down. Once they pick up a scent, there’s no stopping them until they’ve found what they’re looking for. Keep your snacks high up and your eyes open.
They can become vocal and a bit snappy if play gets too rough, so they’re generally better suited for households with slightly older children.
Key Traits: Bold, curious, determined, scent-driven.
Considerations: Prone to digging and climbing; needs supervision around food and consistent training to manage stubborn behavior.
Conclusion
If you’ve got a sneaky snack thief at home, don’t worry, there are simple ways to protect your lunch. Keep bags zipped, backpacks off the floor, and food off low tables. Beagles are clever enough to sneak into open purses or even a fridge if they catch a whiff of something tasty. Dachshunds? They’ll burrow straight into a bag of chips if given the chance.
Jack Russells will leap onto tables or climb furniture just for a single crumb, and Siberian Huskies will explore every corner of the house like furry detectives. To stop this from becoming a regular mistake, store snacks high up and keep cabinets locked or blocked to make them strictly off limits. These canines can’t resist the smell of food hanging in the air, especially if you’re distracted by your phone.
Dogs are lovable, loyal, and incredibly entertaining, until food enters the picture. From sneaky Beagles to brainy Aussies, these four paws can turn into snack-stealing masterminds the moment your back is turned. Even that innocent-looking Cavalier? Yeah, don’t fall for the big eyes; actually, they’re plotting.
You can outsmart them with a bit of training from a dog trainer, some locked cabinets, and hiding your sandwich like a national treasure can help. Still, let’s not kid ourselves, as these furry little con artists are always one step away from launching a snack party.
