What Dog Breeds Eat Poop? | Breed Studies Reveal All

Few canine habits make owners cringe faster than watching a dog snack on a pile left in the yard. The behavior even has a clinical name — coprophagia — and it is far more common than most people realize.

Research led by Dr. Benjamin Hart at the University of California, Davis looked squarely at which breeds seem the most likely to do it. The results surprised many owners, especially those with Shetland Sheepdogs. This article breaks down the breed-specific data, the reasons behind the stomach-churning tendency, and practical steps if your dog is among them.

Understanding Coprophagia — and Which Breeds Are Prone

Coprophagia is the scientific term for eating feces. The American Kennel Club notes that it is a well-recognized behavior in dogs, not a rare quirk. Many dogs sample stool at least once in their lives.

In the 2018 UC Davis survey, owners reported that about 16% of dogs were “serious” coprophagic — caught eating stool multiple times. But that average hides a striking pattern: some breed groups were overrepresented while others were hardly mentioned.

Terriers and hounds came up more often than most other groups. The real standout was the Shetland Sheepdog, with a full 41% of owners reporting the habit. The numbers make it clear that breed can be a factor, though not the only one.

Why Some Breeds Are More Likely to Eat Poop

Breed tendencies don’t guarantee the behavior, but they hint at underlying instincts or personality traits. Terriers were bred to hunt and often explore with their mouths. Hounds follow their noses, and feces carry strong odor cues. Shetland Sheepdogs are known for anxiety and sensitivity to routine — both linked to coprophagia.

Breed-Specific Tendencies

• Terriers: Their prey drive and mouthy exploration may make stool sampling more likely.
• Hounds: Driven by scent, these dogs might investigate and consume feces more readily than other groups.
• Shetland Sheepdogs: Anxious temperaments and sensitivity to change can trigger or reinforce the behavior.
• Multi-dog households: The more dogs in the home, the higher the chance any individual will eat poop — likely due to competition, stress, or simply more available piles.

These are trends, not absolutes. A Labrador or a Chihuahua may also develop the habit. But if you own one of these higher-risk breeds, proactive management is wise.

What Breeds Research Identifies as Top Poop Eaters

The Hart study is one of the most comprehensive looks at canine coprophagia to date. Owners provided detailed reports, allowing researchers to calculate prevalence by breed group. The AKC offers a thorough coprophagia definition and explores the various reasons dogs may engage in it.

Terriers and hounds topped the breed-group list, but not every dog within those groups was a culprit. The study also found that dogs who ate poop preferred fresh feces — less than two days old — and were more likely to live in multi-dog homes.

The Shetland Sheepdog number (41%) far exceeded the general average of 16%. That single breed may have unique vulnerabilities, possibly linked to its anxious and sensitive nature, though the exact mechanism remains unclear.

The takeaway: breed influences risk, but environment and individual personality matter just as much. A single behavior change shouldn’t be dismissed as normal if it appears suddenly.

Steps to Address Coprophagia in Your Dog

If your dog is a confirmed stool eater, the first step is not punishment or home remedies. A veterinary check-up can rule out medical causes like nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, or conditions that increase appetite such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease.

1. Consult your veterinarian. They can perform a physical exam and run simple bloodwork to identify underlying health issues that may trigger coprophagia.
2. Keep the yard picked up. Remove temptation immediately after your dog goes. The less opportunity, the weaker the habit becomes.
3. Teach a “leave it” command. This gives you real-time control during walks and in the yard. Practice with low-value items first, then generalize to real situations.

Some owners try dietary additives like meat tenderizer or commercial products to make stool taste unpleasant. Always clear any supplement with your vet first, as not all ingredients are safe for every dog.

How Household Size and Environment Play a Role

Household dynamics are a strong predictor. The same study found that only 19% of dogs in single-dog homes were coprophagic, compared to higher rates in homes with multiple dogs. Single dog home coprophagia resources confirm that more dogs mean more available stool and more social pressure to engage in the behavior.

The Role of Stress and Routine

Boredom, anxiety, and environmental stress — such as a new baby, a move, or changes in schedule — can also trigger or worsen coprophagia. Dogs may turn to stool as a coping mechanism or simply out of boredom.

On the other hand, a consistent routine, plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation tend to reduce the behavior. Many owners report that the habit fades once the underlying trigger is addressed.

The Bottom Line

Certain breeds — especially Shetland Sheepdogs, terriers, and hounds — appear more prone to coprophagia based on the best available research. However, any dog can develop the habit, and most cases are behavioral rather than medical. A thorough vet check, consistent training, and a clean environment are the most effective tools for stopping it.

If your dog belongs to one of the higher-risk breeds described here, or if you notice a sudden increase in stool eating, a conversation with your veterinarian is a good starting point. They can help rule out underlying health issues and create a plan tailored to your dog’s age, breed, and household situation.