Mouthy Dog Breeds

Everyone loves dogs, they are man’s best friend after all. But what many don’t like is how some just have to put their mouths on EVERYTHING! If you look at the list we have, you’ll see that many of the dogs on the list are America’s favorite dogs. Despite the fact that they want to mouth everything they’re still some of the most popular breeds because of their awesome personalities.

Labrador Retriever

Labradors are certainly the most mouthy dog breed. They had been raised to retrieve things, which has made it natural for them to put things in their mouth. The good thing is that unlike some dogs they do not tend to be destructive with things they mouth. Giving them a few chew toys to play with can help with their desire to mouth things. For most dogs being mouthy generally ends once they’re done being puppies but for Labradors, it stays with them for their entire lives! 

Golden Retriever

Just like Labradors, Golden Retrievers were also raised as retrieving dogs to get objects while playing or hunting. In their alone time they will gladly mouth all sorts of things if you let them. Because these dogs are intelligent and obedient, you can minimize their mouthy behavior by house training them. Because they will always have a strong desire to mouth and chew things, it’s best to just give them toys that they can destroy. The other option is that they chew up things you don’t want them destroying.

Beagles

When it comes to Beagles their mouthiness has more to do with them being curious and their strong sense of smell. Their mouthiness is different then the retrieving behavior found in some dogs. Unlike retrievers, Beagles may not always be gentle with things in their mouth. 

German Shepherd

Their mouthy behavior is because of their herding heritage which makes it important for them to get a lot of attention. If German Shepherds are left alone, they will search for things to mouth which often results in damage to the objects. Giving chew toys to them can greatly reduce their mouthy behavior with non-toys. 

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs may not be an avid chewer like other dogs but they still tend to be a little mouthy. The reason is that these energetic and intelligent dogs are constantly looking for food. Anything that looks or smells like food tends to end up in their mouth. Training them from a puppy can help them grow up to become less mouthy.

Flat-Coated Retriever

Like other retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers are a naturally mouthy breed. It’s not uncommon for them to be chewing anything that they find. If you don’t give them enough toys, don’t be surprised if they get their mouth on your clothes, shoes or even furniture. 

American Pit Bull Terrier

Like many dogs Pit Bulls love to mouth things. As a puppy this may not be serious but as an adult they can hurt their owners with their strong bites. Early training as a puppy can help reduce their desire to mouth things. 

Irish Wolfhound

One of the largest dogs in the world, the Irish Wolfhound is mouthy in all the stages of their life. While not all Irish Wolfhounds will be mouthy, it’s always a good idea to teach them how to control the behavior when you begin training them as a puppy. 

Poodle

Poodles have a reputation for being mouthy. Apart from licking and nipping people, they seem to be curious about many things and love to mouth them. Though they look gentle, Poodles have been known to bite which can hurt. Teach them what are the right things to chew and what they should stay away from – like your hands and toes!

American Staffordshire Terrier

If left alone these terriers can get bored and may resort to being destructive. They have been known to bite or chew absolutely anything they find around their home. The behavior is most seen as puppies but does not completely go away even after they mature. They have even been known to nip or bite your hands and legs.