Choosing the best dog breed can be confusing, especially when you consider that there are so many different dog breeds. From different sizes and shapes to different personalities, there are many different breeds in the world today. There are a few dog breeds that are more “mouthy” than the average dog.
Just because they are considered to be “mouthy” doesn’t make them bad dogs by any means. This is just something to be aware of because some people or families may not want a dog that’s mouthy. We’ve put together a list of the 10 most mouthy dogs so if it’s not your thing you can find another breed that is more your style.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are certainly the most mouthy dog breed. They had been raised to retrieve things, which has made it a natural behavior for them to have things in their mouth. The good thing is that unlike some dogs they don’t tend to be destructive with things they have in their mouth. Giving them a few chew toys to play with can help take care of their mouthy behavior. For most dogs their mouthy behavior generally lasts through puppyhood but for Labradors, it stays with them for their entire life!
Golden Retriever
Just like Labradors, the Golden Retrievers were also raised as retrieving dogs to get objects while playing or hunting. When they are alone they enjoy mouthing or chewing on a wide range of things. These dogs are intelligent and obedient and you can easily minimize their mouthy behavior by house training them.
Beagles
When it comes to Beagles their mouthiness has more to do with their curious temperament and their strong sense of smell, rather than 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 nature which makes it important for them to get a lot of attention from their family. If German Shepherds are left alone, they will search for things to put in their mouth that can sometimes damage the objects. Giving them chew toys can minimize their mouthy behavior. You can train them because they are intelligent and obedient.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs may not be an avid chewer like other dogs but they do 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 can end up in their mouth. Training them from puppyhood can help them grow up to become less mouthy.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Like other retrievers, the Flat-Coated Retriever is also a naturally mouthy breed. They have been known to chew almost anything just to feel good. If you do not give them enough toys, don’t be surprised if they get their mouth on your clothes, shoes or even furniture. They are happy to lick you or anyone else with affection.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Like many dogs the pit bull also loves to get things in their mouth. As a puppy this may not be serious but as an adult they can hurt their owners with their strong bites. Early training can help reduce their mouthy behavior.
Irish Wolfhound
One of the largest dogs in the world, the Irish Wolfhound is generally found to be mouthy in all the stages of their life. While not all Irish Wolfhounds will be mouthy, it’s always recommended to teach them how to control the behavior when you begin training them as puppies.
Poodle
Poodles have a reputation for being mouthy. Apart from licking and nipping people, their curious nature may cause them to look for things to mouth. Though they look gentle, Poodles can sometimes bite which can result in a minor injury. 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, which can motivate them to bite or chew absolutely anything they find around your home. The behavior is dominant while they’re puppies but does not completely go away even after they mature. They have been known to nip or bite your hands and legs.