Dogs are lovely companions, but sometimes they can show less-than-ideal habits when it comes to eating. Some breeds are particularly notorious for their messy eating habits, which may be due to their enthusiasm, physical characteristics or simply their love of food. Whether it’s spraying water everywhere, dropping food on the floor or making a general mess at mealtime, these breeds require extra patience and cleanliness. This article explains seven dog breeds with the messiest eating habits, detailing why each breed fits the theme and what makes their mealtime behavior so messy.
7. Boxer
Boxers are known for their playful and enthusiastic nature, which extends to their eating habits. They often approach mealtime with the same enthusiasm they show at playtime, resulting in food and water being spilled everywhere. Boxers tend to drool a lot, especially when anticipating food, which adds to the mess. Their short snouts and wide mouths also contribute to their eating habits, as they often spill bits of food and water all over the place. Boxer owners should be prepared for a little extra cleaning around the eating area.
6. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle giants, with a significant tendency to drool, especially at mealtime. Their large cheeks and mouths mean that food and water can end up on the floor, walls and even the ceiling if they shake their head. Saint Bernards often drink water so voraciously that they leave puddles behind, and their eating habits are equally messy. Their huge size and the amount of food they eat further exacerbate the mess they make. Regular cleaning and placing a mat under their dining area can help reduce clutter, but owners should still expect a little mess.
5. The Bulldog
Bulldogs, with their distinctive wrinkled faces and short snouts, are notorious for their messy eating habits. Their unique facial structure makes it difficult for them to eat and drink cleanly. Bulldogs often drool excessively, and their loose skin and cheeks can trap food, which spills around as they eat. They also tend to gulp down their food, causing them to drop more than they eat. Bulldog owners should be prepared to clean up frequently around their eating area and may need to wipe their dog’s face after each meal to keep things neat.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are large dogs with a great love of food and water, which can turn mealtime into a wet and wild environment. Their large size means they can eat a lot at once, and their loose lips and cheeks make it difficult to hold down food and water. Newfoundlands also have a tendency to drool, which adds to the mess. They often approach their water bowl so enthusiastically that they create splashes and puddles, and their food can end up scattered around their feeding area. Owners should expect to spend extra time cleaning up after their Newfoundland has finished eating.
3. Basset Hound
With their long ears and droopy faces, Basset Hounds are charming but messy eaters. Their down-hanging ears can drag through their food and water bowls, spreading dirt all over the place. Bassets are also prone to drooling, especially when in anticipation of a meal, which adds to the overall mess. Their slow, deliberate eating pattern often results in food being spilled out of the bowl and onto the floor. Basset Hound owners should be prepared for a little extra cleaning and consider using an elevated feeding station to keep their ears away from their food and water.
2. The Pug
Pugs are small but enthusiastic eaters, often making big messes despite their size. Their short snouts and wrinkled faces make it difficult for them to eat and drink cleanly. Pugs have a tendency to gulp down their food, which can cause crumbs to fall all around their feeding area. They also have a tendency to sniff and snarf while eating, causing food to fly in all directions. Pugs’ love of food means they approach mealtime with enthusiasm, which leads to further messes. Owners should be prepared for extra cleaning and may want to use a mat underneath their feeding station to prevent messes.
1. Great Dane
Great Danes are wonderful giants, but their size and eating habits can make mealtime messy. Their large mouths and loose cheeks mean that food and water can easily spill out, and they drool a lot, especially when they are hungry. Great Danes often eat large quantities of food and water, which can result in a lot of spilling and splashing. Their enthusiastic approach to eating can create messes that extend beyond their feeding area. Great Dane owners should be prepared for regular cleaning and may want to use elevated feeding stations to help manage messes.
In conclusion, these seven dog breeds are particularly known for their messy eating habits, which could be attributed to their enthusiasm, physical characteristics, or love of food. Each breed presents unique challenges in keeping their dining area clean, requiring extra effort and patience from their owners. By understanding the specific tendencies of these breeds, owners can take steps to minimize messes and make mealtime more enjoyable for both themselves and their furry companions.