Top 10 Greedy Dog Breeds

by Mary Simpson

Published: April 27th, 2019

Some dogs just can’t get enough… of everything! Here’s our list of the top 10 greedy dog breeds that need more, more, more!

We’ve all known them. That dog or cat that always seems to get their fair share and then some.

Our black Lab would actually pick up his canine brother’s half-full food dish and walk away with it before said sibling had even finished his meal. When presented with Milk Bone treats, this same dog would inspect both being offered up, and reject any that were broken or incomplete, always opting for the larger bone. I had a cat that would cover errant bits of food that had fallen out of her bowl, with her paw so that she could continue eating without any of the other felines noshing down on this bit of kibble before she could.

So, for all those pets that are well taken care of, that have never had to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and who know how to cajole their pet parent out of the maximum allowable treats, I ask “what’s up?”. Why the piggy mentality?

Well, this need for feed may not always be greed. While some breeds seem to be hard-wired to eat… and eat, and eat, others may have more complex reasons. Did you know for instance, that older dogs are typically hungrier than younger dogs? Or that, low-protein / high carbohydrate diets can leave your pooch feeling constantly hungry. Free-feeding multiple dogs can cause them to wolf food out of fear they may lose out, and go hungry. There may even be health-related culprits such as Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes or parasites that are causing his food obsession.

But assuming his diet is right for his size, age and activity level and this obsession with chowing down isn’t new, but is typical of your dog’s dining behavior, where do you go from here?

We’ve put together our top 10 list of dog breeds renowned for having greedy tendencies, along with some tips and tricks as to how to help turn your little moocher around.

Dachshund

While you’ll never have to worry about this low-slung pooch snatching snacks off your kitchen counter, his determined nature means he’s cool with just hanging out and making constant eye contact until you finally offer up a bite of what you’re eating. In fact, his tenacity and strong sense of smell have earned him the title of the only breed certified to hunt above and below ground. Yes, whether he has picked up the scent of a small burrowing animal or that chocolate bar wrapper you just threw in the garbage, he won’t stop until he gets what he wants. Now, he can also be prone to Cushings Syndrome, which means his persistence related to food may need to be examined more closely by your vet. And, if your little wiener dog is part of a multi-dog family, his greedy behavior may be related to a fear that he won’t get his fair share. Consider feeding him separate from other pets. (photo credit: Masarik/Shutterstock)

Labrador Retriever

Surprised? Just kidding. Anyone who has parented a Lab knows this boy loves to chow down. In fact, this dog enjoys his food so much he considers meal-time an all-day event – so you need to be careful about monitoring his intake. That said, a recent study has shown that some (not all) Labrador Retrievers carry a gene that prevents their brain from recognizing the sensation of feeling full after a meal. So, it’s less about being greedy and more about feeling genuinely hungry. Because Labs love an outdoorsy, active lifestyle, its important to ensure his kibble is sufficiently high in protein to help support this output of energy and keep him feeling satisfied. Your vet may also be able to recommend a brand that’s specifically designed to help curb this breed’s voracious appetite. Above all else, avoid allowing him to become obese – which can be common with this breed. Structure his meals and forget about ever free feeding this boy. (photo credit: PixieMe/Shutterstock)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

While some dog breeds will eat till they’re satisfied (mine will even leave a handful of kibble in their bowl if they’ve decided they’ve had enough), this pooch will continue to eat as long as you keep filling his dish. Hungry or not, he’s happy to indulge in whatever you may toss his way. And because he’s of the smaller, toy breed variety, he doesn’t burn off the same number of calories that a larger, active dog does, so will be prone to obesity. To help pace this little guy’s food consumption, consider introducing a puzzle bowl or one of the great new snuffle mat s available on the market. Either option will ensure your dog still gets to enjoy his full meal, but it will cause him to spend more time rooting around to find it. The end result, he’s less likely to be done and waiting for more. (photo credit: gumichan/Shutterstock)

Pug

In fairness, brachycephalic dogs – those with flat faces – are naturally challenged when it comes to eating both wet and dry foods. Without the longer beak, they have to bury their face into their food and gulp air in order to breathe as they eat. This makes for messy faces but also the inevitable flatulence that comes from having to inhale while swallowing. And while this alone may unfairly brand him as being greedy, truth is the Pug really is known for having a fierce appetite and eating anything and everything he finds. Add to that his determined personality and that adorable, bug-eyed expression – clearly designed for successful begging – and you have a little dog who lives for food. But any breed willing to eat indiscriminately needs to be checked out for worms. They will cause him to be continually ravenous and over time, cause more serious illness. If uncertain, get him diagnosed and treated by your vet. (photo credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

Beagle

This busy boy is renowned for his exceptional sense of scent and is a favorite breed of hunters because of his highly responsive nature and ability to track. While his laid-back personality also makes him a great family dog, that innate ability to sniff out everything from other animals to contraband at the airport makes him a natch for exploring garbage bins and obsessing over errant treats under the sofa. But Beagles can also be prone to Cushing’s Syndrome. This malady is normally the result of a benign pituitary gland tumor that will cause a spike in his consumption of food and drink. Blood tests can confirm whether your dog has been afflicted and, if yes, it can be controlled through medication. If his results come back clean, then you may want to chat with your vet about the ideal kibble mix for this active dog. A higher protein format may help curb his need to gobble. (photo credit: Soloviova Liudmyla /Shutterstock)

Rottweiler

This brawny boy comes from hard-working stock so an active lifestyle will help keep him mentally and physically fit. Remember that, because similar to the Labrador Retriever, research has found that a percentage of Rottweilers (not all) have a defective gene that prevents their brain from triggering that “feeling full” sensation. In short, regardless of how big a meal he’s just consumed, he’s back for seconds and always mooching because he’s genuinely hungry. While your particular dog’s greedy tendencies may not be down to a defective gene, you need to ensure unlimited access to food is curbed. An overweight Rottie with hip and joint issues will never enjoy the full, active life that he deserves. Solution? Try establishing set meal periods and when he’s finished, remove his bowl. This signals to him that the all-you-can-eat buffet is closed – no more food is coming. And introduce a strict no sharing of human food policy with your family. (photo credit: Michelle D. Milliman/Shutterstock)

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Corgi is another breed that is willing to scarf down whatever he happens to find – whether in his food dish, the cat’s food dish or discarded on the sidewalk. Because he was bred to herd, this pooch is both focused and determined which means that whether its an errant sheep that needs corralling or a dropped potato chip that needs eating, he’s all over it. But while you may think this high-energy pup deserves an extra heaping helping of food to support his activity level, you’d be wrong. With any dog that has a long, low-slung back, obesity can present big health problems and this breed is particularly prone to intervertebral disc disease which can lead to serious mobility problems including paralysis. So, with a dog that is absolutely driven by praise and rewards, consider offering up healthier treats that are high-protein, low-fat and definitely non-human food. (photo credit: rotsukhon lam/Shutterstock)

Cocker Spaniel

This handsome little guy has a fairly high metabolism so while he doesn’t pack on the pounds as quickly as some other breeds might, it doesn’t mean constant snacking is okay. In fact, in spite of his generally obedient manner, this breed can be quick to snatch a treat (human or doggy) right out of your hand if he feels its dangling too close to his face. Yes, he is food driven and like most dogs will seize any opportunity to eat. How to get this often-frustrating behavior under control? Once you have established the ideal diet and feeding routine for this handsome pooch, stick to it and give treats sparingly and only when earned. Make sure those tasty extras are healthy and not of the human-variety (in other words, no table scraps). And while weight isn’t a problem when he’s young, this breed is prone to obesity as he ages and that isn’t the time to start him on a new feeding schedule. (photo credit: Switlana Symonenko /Shutterstock)

English Bulldog

It won’t come as a surprise that this stocky boy loves his food and will happily scarf down anything given to him. But with a brachycephalic facial structure that makes breathing during exercise (or heat) a challenge, obesity with this over-eater can quickly become a serious problem. Because English Bulldogs are known to be indiscriminate when it comes to food, avoid giving him unlimited access to food. Forget about free-feeding this pooch, establish set meal periods. Don’t feed him table-scraps that will set an expectation and cause him to mooch. And remember that dogs are opportunistic. They are hard-wired to eat whenever food is available – hungry or not. Additionally, because this breed’s physical structure doesn’t allow him to digest food well, he known for not only being greedy but being extremely flatulent. So, you’ll both pay the price if you over-indulge him. (photo credit: WilleeCole Photography/Shutterstock)

Basset Hound

How can you resist slipping a little something to the mournful face of a Basset Hound looking up at you from under dinner table? Learn by establishing a firm, no-mooching policy in your home. Remember that this hunting breed possesses a pack mentality which means that whether he’s hungry or not, he will eat whenever and wherever the opportunity presents. And that includes from his dish, your plate, or the bowls of other pets. Feed him separately if you see him stealing from others and ensure it’s a quality kibble (no carb fillers) so that you feel confident that hunger isn’t driving him. And because this breed is prone to obesity, its important you ignore his pleas to just keep the chow coming. Like most dogs with low, long backs, when he packs on pounds, he risks serious joint and back issues including paralysis. So, instead of table scraps, why not feed your dog’s oral fixation with some serious chew toys. (photo credit: Anna Tronova/Shutterstock)

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

AI Could Match You with a New Furry Friend Based on Personality

In a cutting-edge study, scientists specializing in canine behavior have used artificial intelligence to predict dog personality types. A multi-disciplinary research team has developed an AI algorithm that simplifies the painstaking process of evaluating canine personalities.Understanding a dog’s temperament is key not only for pet owners but also for training agencies and professionals working with working dogs. The study, which introduces a brand-new method of predicting and categorizing dog personalities, is published in the eminent journal Scientific Reports. The team that developed the algorithm hopes that it will more quickly and accurately evaluate which dogs are better suited for long-term careers, such as assisting people with disabilities and helping law enforcement. This new approach to predicting dog personalities could also be used to match owners with a new furry best friend. The new AI algorithm can help shelters place dogs in the right homes, thus reducing the number of dogs returned for not being the right fit for their adoptive families.Before this algorithm, canine behavioral experts used questionnaires and statistical analysis to determine a dog’s personality.  The AI algorithm uses data from almost 8,000 responses to the commonly used Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The C-BARQ questionnaire has been the top resource for evaluating working dogs in the past two decades. “C-BARQ is highly effective, but many of its questions are also subjective,” said James Serpell, a professor of ethics and animal welfare emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “By clustering data from thousands of surveys, we can adjust for outlying responses inherent to subjective survey questions in categories such as dog rivalry and stranger-related fear.”The team’s new AI algorithm gathers the responses to C-BARQ questions into five main categories that essentially form the digital personality of a dog. The results showed five distinctive personality types among domestic dogs, including excitable/attached, anxious/fearful, reactive/assertive, aloof/predatory, and calm/agreeable.The study was conducted over two years by a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of Dr Mohammad Amirhosseini of the University of East London and Professor James Serpell of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The research was sponsored by Dogvatar, a Miami, Florida-based canine technology startup.“This innovative AI-based methodology holds promise for revolutionizing the selection and training of dogs for specific roles, both for working and non-working,” said Dr Amirhosseini. Almost 50 percent of people who surrender their dogs to animal shelters in the USA say that behavioral problems are a contributing factor, and nearly a quarter say that those problems are the main reason for giving up their dog. More research is needed to understand the nuances of canine personalities. However, researchers hope to promote strong bonds between people and their dogs by designing effective training programs and customized dog-owner interactions. According to researchers, these findings could serve as a foundation to explore personality matching between dogs and their owners and how that might improve the quality of their relationship.Dogvatar and the research team plan to conduct further research into potential uses for their dog personality testing algorithm.“This has been a really exciting breakthrough for us,” said Dogvatar CEO Piya Pettigrew. “This algorithm could greatly improve efficiency in working dog training and placement process and could help reduce the number of companion dogs brought back to shelters for not being compatible. It’s a win for both dogs and the people they serve.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

Sometimes, our dogs can exhibit behavior that can cause great panic in any owner. After all, they can’t talk to us and tell when something is hurting them, or when they feel ill, scared, or angry. So they let their bodies do the talking. One of these scary behaviors is vomiting white foam. It can happen all of a sudden, and frighten you to no end. But is it really a reason to panic? And what causes a dog to vomit white foam in the first place? Let’s find out more.Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?The reasons for white foam vomiting can be many, and the cause might not be clear to you immediately. What’s even more frustrating, there are several possible causes for this occurrence. In some cases, the reason for the vomiting can be complex, but often enough it is super simple. It could end up being a sensitive tummy irritated by a new brand of food on the menu, or just a passing belly ache that’s nothing to stress over. However, you should always consult with a vet to eliminate any underlying health issues, as there are many conditions whose symptom is vomiting. One of the conditions that manifests as vomiting foam is bilious vomiting, which is caused when a dog's stomach is empty for an extended period. This leads to the production of gastric acid, so the stomach contents may include a foamy, white substance. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help prevent this.  Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining can also cause vomiting. This condition may be triggered by various factors, such as dietary indiscretion, changes in diet, ingesting foreign objects, or infections. The vomit can likewise be white and foamy. The same can happen in the case of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which is often caused by infections, dietary changes, or the ingestion of inappropriate or spoiled food. Be careful of the expiration dates and the quality of food you give to your dog, as an innocent mistake can cause a lot of digestive issues for your four-legged bestie. Another possible reason for white foam vomit can be the  ingestion of foreign bodies. Dogs may ingest non-food items that can cause irritation or blockages in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting. If you notice them dry heaving, this could be the reason why. The same goes for the ingestion of  toxic materials. Ingesting toxic substances can lead to white foamy vomiting. Common toxins include certain plants, human foods (like chocolate, xylitol, or onions), and household chemicals.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when it’s time to go out for a potty break – who could blame them? It’s not like we owners don’t need to give ourselves a pep talk when it’s time to take our dogs out for a walk when it’s snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from  cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but that’s only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dog’s paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the  rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dog’s paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt – that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pet’s paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too – these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether it’s ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety – no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dog’s paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore – kudos to you if it doesn’t. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to  clean your pet’s paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesn’t have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt – the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.

Amazing Wiener Dog Gives Birth to a Record Breaking Puppy Litter

Puppy litters can certainly be large, but in the case of this brave Wiener dog mom, everyone was taken by surprise! This extraordinary female dachshund brought to the world a litter of no less than 11 puppies – there is definitely potential for a world record here. Winnie, a three-year-old female dachshund, was seemingly a normal pregnant dog, and nobody expected her litter to be this big. Normally, this breed of dog delivers between one and six puppies, but Winnie delivered nearly double that number in September.

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