11 playful dogs that can make you laugh one minute – then wonder what they’ve gotten into

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By Maya Rivera

Some dogs are pure comedy on four legs. One second they are doing a silly zoomie around the yard, and the next you hear a suspicious crunch from the kitchen.

Knowing which breeds love fun and mischief can help you pick the right pup and keep your home in one piece. Get ready to meet some lovable troublemakers who will keep you smiling and guessing.

Beagle

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Follow the nose, and you will find the Beagle. Bred to track rabbits in England, these hounds have about 220 million scent receptors, so no snack is truly hidden.

Their howls and goofy grins can crack anyone up. Still, a quiet Beagle usually means the trash can lid is open.

Try puzzle feeders and scent games at home. Giving that powerful nose a job keeps your lunch safe from sneaky paws.

Jack Russell Terrier

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Picture a tiny dog jumping five feet in the air just to see over a fence. That is a Jack Russell on a normal Tuesday.

They were built to chase foxes underground, so digging is basically in their blood. Your flower bed may become a crater overnight.

Long walks, fetch, and agility games burn off that wild energy. A tired terrier is a happy terrier, and your garden will thank you.

Siberian Husky

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Ever been argued with by a dog? Huskies talk back with howls, groans, and yodels that sound almost like words.

These sled dogs from Siberia were made to run for miles. Without enough exercise, they turn into escape artists, slipping fences and shredding couch cushions for fun.

Plan on daily runs or hikes. Check your yard for weak spots too, because a bored Husky treats every gap as an invitation.

Labrador Retriever

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Did you know? Despite its name, the Labrador Retriever actually comes from Newfoundland, Canada.

Labs love to carry things around, which is adorable until the thing is your homework or one missing sock. Their happy tails can also clear a coffee table in a single swipe.

Give them sturdy chew toys and plenty of fetch time. Keep shoes in a closet, because a Lab thinks anything on the floor is a gift.

Boxer

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Boxers got their name, some say, from the way they bat at things with their front paws like little fighters. Watching one play is like a cartoon come to life.

They do a full body wiggle called the kidney bean dance when excited. Then they might bounce right onto the kitchen counter.

Training early helps tame the jumping. With patience, these clowns stay goofy while learning some manners along the way.

Corgi

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Short legs, big attitude. Corgis herded cattle in Wales and still think they run the show, even if the herd is just your family.

Their fluffy loaf shaped bottoms and zoomies are internet famous. Yet they can nip at ankles and bark at every leaf that moves.

Herding games and short training sessions keep them sharp. Teach a solid quiet command early, and your neighbors will stay friendly too.

Dachshund

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Hot dog, meet blanket fort. Dachshunds love burrowing into covers, laundry piles, and anywhere warm and cozy.

Bred in Germany to hunt badgers, they are surprisingly brave and stubborn. That means a missing slipper might be buried deep in their secret stash under the bed.

Protect their long backs by limiting jumps off furniture. Ramps and steps help, and a cozy burrow bed gives them a legal hiding spot.

Border Collie

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Smart is an understatement. Researchers often rank Border Collies as the brainiest breed, and one named Chaser learned over 1,000 toy names.

That big brain gets bored fast. A Border Collie with nothing to do may herd the cat, open cabinets, or invent its own rules.

Mix up daily tasks with tricks, frisbee, and nose work. Keeping their mind busy is just as important as tiring out their legs.

Golden Retriever

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Some dogs see a puddle. A Golden Retriever sees a swimming pool with their name on it.

Their sunny smiles and silly antics make them easy to love. But that love of water means muddy paws, soaked fur, and a shake right next to you.

Keep a towel by the door and brush them often. Regular swims at a safe lake can scratch that splashy itch in a healthy way.

French Bulldog

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Snorts, snores, and sudden sprints make French Bulldogs tiny comedians. Their bat ears alone can get a giggle from anyone.

Behind those cute eyes is a stubborn streak. Frenchies may decide your pillow is a chew toy or ignore you when called.

Short, playful sessions work best since their flat faces make heavy exercise risky. Avoid hot days, and reward good choices with tiny treats for faster learning.

Australian Shepherd

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Despite the name, Aussies were actually developed on American ranches. Their marbled coats and two-toned eyes make them stand out anywhere.

These dogs are energy in a fur coat. They will catch frisbees for hours, then chew a chair leg if you skip a walk.

Try dog sports like agility or flyball. A job to focus on turns that whirlwind into an impressive, happy partner instead of a household tornado.