The greyhound is the breed that UK dog owners say is the most likely to be mischievous, followed closely by Dalmatians and Bulldogs, according to Ring smart home security company, which conducted a nationwide poll of 2,000 dog owners.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier came tenth on the list, while Border Collies - known for needing lots of exercise and activities to keep them occupied - came in 15th. Labradors and Cocker Spaniels made the top 20, while the small but mighty Cavapoo, Pomeranian and Dachshund all made the top 10.
Top 20 dog breeds most likely to be mischievous
- Greyhound
- Dalmatian
- Bulldog
- Beagle
- Siberian Husky
- Cavapoo
- Pomeranian
- Dachshund
- Golden Retriever
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Chow Chow
- Cocker Spaniel
- Whippet
- Labrador
- Border Collie
- Cockapoo
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Pug
- German Shepherd
Ring’s research also revealed how owners attempt to prevent chaos before heading out, with half of Brits (52%) giving their dogs a chew or an activity in the hope to avoid doggy disasters. However despite their best efforts, the top ‘pet-ty crimes’ were chewing their owners’ favourite socks (48%) and urinating indoors (41%).
Top 5 dog “crimes” taking place behind closed doors:
- Chewing on socks, clothes or shoes
- Indoor urinating or fouling
- Stealing food from across the house e.g kitchen counters or handbags
- Shredding paper, like letters, leaflets, documents
- Jumping on or lying somewhere they're not allowed, such as the sofa, bed, table
With pet-ty crimes no doubt already in motion, more than half of dog owners (63%) wonder what their dogs get up to while they’re away. The majority (70%) also admit they’d feel more at ease about popping out if they could virtually check if any mischief was taking place. It’s no wonder they’re curious, given the average cost of damage caused by cheeky dogs was £95, costing more than Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In (£89.99 RRP). By adding a smart camera, dog owners can join those already making the most of virtual tech (27%) and catch their waggy-tailed culprit in the act.
Dave Ward, Managing Director, EU & International at Ring said: “Pets are family members too, so it’s only natural to want the reassurance that they’re okay when you’ve popped out. Checking on pups with an indoor camera and using Ring’s Two-Way Talk feature to warn them to leave your lunch alone can give dog owners that much-needed peace of mind. But whether you’re a paw-rent to a well-behaved Jack Russell or a lively Pomeranian that snacks on your favourite socks - our pets should always feel safe, comfortable and not left for too long.”
Ring has pulled together the following tips to help your dog feel comfortable being alone for short periods - ideal for the 37% of dog owners that find training their pups stressful. Whether you tire them out before leaving, or use rewards as a positive reinforcement, leaving your dogs for short periods of time doesn’t have to result in destruction of your home.
Ring’s top tips for peace of mind when your dog is alone:
- Installing an indoor camera means you can check in on your dog wherever you are. The ideal choices are Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In paired with the Pan-Tilt Mount to give you an even wider view of your dog’s activities.
- Playing calming music will help your dogs stay relaxed and snooze. With the help of Alexa, you can use “Comfort My Dog” and add a Routine that plays calming music when your dog barks.
- Make the most of the Two-Way Talk feature that the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In offers, giving you the chance to check in with your dogs even while out of the house.
- Try to burn off some of your pup’s energy just before you head out, whether that’s going for a long walk or having a play in the garden. The more tired they are, the less chance of mischief.
If you’re keen to take the heat off the dogs and see antics from our feline friends, check out this cat caught grabbing a midnight snack here. You can also head to Ring’s blog post here to read more about using indoor cameras to check in on your pets.
