Dogs express affection and curiosity in various ways, with licking being one of the most endearing and sometimes slobbery forms of communication. If you’ve ever been greeted by a furry friend with a flurry of enthusiastic licks, you’re familiar with the phenomenon. In this exploration of canine behavior, we delve into the world of the ultimate lickers, spotlighting nine dog breeds renowned for their penchant for kissing. From nurturing companions to playful pups, these breeds express their love and excitement through a unique language of licks, captivating dog lovers and turning every day into a heartwarming experience.
Ever met a dog who thinks your face is a popsicle? Well, get ready, because these breeds take licking to an Olympic level. They don’t just kiss—they exfoliate, hydrate, and possibly steal your soul through sheer tongue power.
Some dogs bark for attention. These guys? They lick. Hands, feet, furniture, and yes—your unsuspecting eyeballs at 6 AM. No surface is safe.
Scientists say licking is a sign of affection. That’s cute, but let’s be honest—it’s also a personal mission to turn you into a soggy, well-loved mess. Who needs a shower when you have one of these furry hydration stations?
Whether it’s love, habit, or just a deep-rooted desire to taste-test everything, these breeds have one thing in common: an unstoppable tongue.
So, if you’re ready for the wettest welcome home, let’s meet the top canine contenders for Most Likely to Drown You in Slobber.
9 Dog Breeds That Lick the Most
1. Golden Retriever
This licky dog breed doesn’t just love you—it worships you. And what better way to show undying devotion than by licking your entire face like it’s their life’s purpose? If Golden Retrievers had a love language, it would be “wet and slobbery.”
They’re smart, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stop their excessive licking just because you ask nicely. Training? Sure. But convincing a Golden not to lick excessively is like asking a fish not to swim. Good luck with that.
AKC recommends that their luscious golden coats need regular grooming unless you want fur tumbleweeds rolling across your floor. Frequent baths? Yes, please. Because a dog that licks this much is also a dog that rolls in questionable things.
High energy means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation—otherwise, their licking might become their new hobby. Ever had a Golden try to groom you? You will.
Health-wise, they’re prone to skin issues, which—plot twist—can make them lick even more. If your Golden Retriever is licking excessively, check for allergies before assuming they’re just expressing their love through canine behaviors.
Fun fact? A Golden’s tongue can somehow reach your nose from across the room—it’s practically a superpower.
2. Labrador Retriever
If there were a dog-licking championship, the Labrador would take gold. Labs don’t just lick—they enthusiastically drench everything they love. You, the couch, their own feet—it’s all fair game.
They’re famously food-obsessed, which means they’ll also lick anything that smells remotely edible. That includes your fingers, your shoes, and sometimes the air. Nutritional tip: Keep them on a balanced diet—because an overweight Lab means a heavier licking machine.
Labradors are affectionate breeds with an unstoppable zest for life. Training is a must if you want to reduce their licking behavior. But let’s be real—telling a Lab to stop licking is like telling the tide not to come in.
Bathing? Often. These popular dogs are outdoor adventurers, which means mud, mystery puddles, and whatever they just rolled in. A clean Lab is a rare sight.
Health alert: Labs are prone to allergies, which can make them lick excessively. If your Lab suddenly becomes a walking soothing lick factory, a vet visit might be in order.
Fun fact: A Labrador can somehow sneak up and lick you in the ear before you even realize they’re in the room. Stealth mode: activated.
3. Beagle
Ever met a dog who literally tries to lick the truth out of you? That’s a Beagle. These eared canines are basically detectives with licky dog tendencies. If they love you, you’ll know—because you’ll be wearing their saliva.
Beagles love licking for several reasons: affection, curiosity, and a deep, possibly existential need to taste everything in their environment. If your Beagle is licking excessively, congrats—you’ve raised a canine with the enthusiasm of a toddler on a sugar rush.
PDSA reports that they’re stubborn yet intelligent, which means they can be trained to curb their licking behavior. But will they listen? Debatable. Beagles operate on their schedule—usually one that involves excessive licking and mischief.
Beagles have short coats, so grooming is minimal. But let’s be honest—the real problem isn’t their fur; it’s their unstoppable tongue. Regular baths help when their licking leads to mysterious smells.
Health-wise, watch for allergies and skin irritations. A Beagle licking excessively might mean they’re itchy—or just weirdly obsessed with your kneecap. Either way, check with your vet.
Fun fact? Beagles have been known to lick the air for no reason. No one knows why. Maybe they’re just tasting the vibes.
4. Poodle
If there were a licky dog breeds ranking, Poodles would be at the top—right next to their human, whom they’re probably licking at this very moment. These fancy fluffballs may look sophisticated, but don’t be fooled. Beneath the elegant curls lies a licking machine with zero personal space boundaries.
Poodles lick for affection, boredom, and possibly to remind you who’s in charge. They’re highly intelligent, which means they’ll learn tricks and use their licking behavior as a training tool… on YOU.
That curly coat? A full-time job. Regular grooming and brushing keep them from looking like sentient dust mops. Bathing? Mandatory—because a dog that loves licking also loves rolling in things it shouldn’t.
Mental stimulation is a must. A bored Poodle will lick excessively just to pass the time—because apparently, puzzles and games aren’t as fun as tasting everything.
Health note: Poodles can be prone to skin sensitivities. If they start licking excessively, it’s either a canine behavior problem or their dramatic way of saying, “I require better shampoo.”
Fun fact? Poodles have the uncanny ability to know exactly when you don’t want to be licked—and do it anyway.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis may be short in stature, but they lick like they’re making up for it. These adorable herding dogs take their duty of showing affection very seriously—which means your face is now their salt lick.
They’re stubborn geniuses, which makes training a battle of wills. Yes, you can teach them to stop licking excessively, but don’t be surprised if they look at you like, “I hear you… but no.”
PetMD suggests that that fluffy little coat requires regular brushing because Corgis shed like they’re trying to clone themselves. Licking won’t fix the shedding problem, but they sure will try.
High energy levels mean they need plenty of exercise, or they’ll channel their excess enthusiasm into licking behaviors. A tired Corgi = less licking. Hyper Corgi means = lick attack is incoming.
Health-wise, watch their weight—an overweight Corgi is a less mobile licking machine, but still just as relentless. Bonus: A Corgi licking your toes feels like a tiny, furry masseuse you never asked for.
Fun fact? Corgis may be small, but their licking confidence is that of a Great Dane. You will not escape.
6. German Shepherd
Ah, the German Shepherd—a dog known for intelligence, loyalty, and… surprise! Excessive licking. Turns out that these fearless protectors also have a soft side—and it’s wet.
Their licking behavior comes from deep affection and bonding but also sheer persistence. They don’t just lick for fun—they lick with purpose. Your arm? Clean. Your face? Sanitized. Your personal space? Gone.
Shepherds have double coats, which means constant shedding and a never-ending need for grooming. Keeping them clean helps manage licking issues—because a German Shepherd who smells good licks you even more.
Highly intelligent and eager to please, they can be trained to reduce their excessive licking—but only if you’re more determined than they are. Spoiler alert: You’re probably not.
Health concerns? Watch for allergies and stress licking. If your Shepherd is suddenly licking excessively, it might be their way of saying, “I need a job, hooman.”
Fun fact? A German Shepherd’s licking mission is never complete. Even if you think they’re done, they’re not.
7. Bearded Collie
Meet the Bearded Collie, a dog that’s 50% fur, 50% energy, and 100% licking enthusiasm. These shaggy goofballs don’t just love their humans—they obsessively adore them, and what better way to show love than by coating you in slobber?
Their long, flowing coat requires non-stop grooming. If you skip brushing, they’ll look like a walking mop—and trust us, a Bearded Collie who just ran through a puddle will lick you with wet, muddy enthusiasm.
Training? Good luck. They’re intelligent but also as stubborn as a dog who just found a mystery snack under the couch. Telling a Bearded Collie to stop licking is like telling the wind to stop blowing. It’s just what they do.
Purina reveals that with endless energy, they need constant mental and physical exercise. If not, they’ll channel their boredom into licking excessively—because why chew a toy when they can groom your entire arm instead?
Health alert: Their beards hold onto water like a sponge. After drinking, expect sudden surprise face licks that feel like a cold, wet slap of love.
Fun fact? Their licking is so determined that if they could, they’d lick you into next week.
8. American Staffordshire Terrier
These muscular sweethearts may look tough, but don’t be fooled—they’re giant, affectionate babies who express their love through relentless licking. If you’re looking for a dog that respects personal space, this isn’t it.
Staffies don’t just lick—they commit to licking. You? The couch? A random wall? It’s all fair game. Their affectionate nature makes them one of the lickiest dog breeds because nothing says “I love you” like a full-face tongue attack.
A short coat = low maintenance, but high bath frequency if you want to avoid being licked by a dog who just rolled in something… suspicious.
Training is key. These dogs are smart, strong, and determined to lick excessively if given the chance. Teach boundaries early, or accept your fate as a human popsicle.
Health-wise, watch out for allergies and sensitive skin—licking can sometimes be their way of scratching an itch. Or, you know, just being dramatic about needing more belly rubs.
Fun fact? If an American Staffordshire Terrier licks you once, they will lick you forever. Resistance is futile.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If affection were a sport, the Cavaliers would take home the gold. These popular spaniels specialize in two things: licking excessively and looking adorable while doing it.
They’re clingy, cuddly, and convinced that you need constant moisturizing—via their tongue. If a Cavalier isn’t licking your hands, he’s probably plotting how to lick your entire face while you’re distracted.
With a silky coat that requires frequent brushing, grooming is a must. A well-kept Cavalier = a fancy little dog that will still lick you like a feral gremlin.
Training? Possible. Stopping them from licking excessively? Impossible. They’re people pleasers but also shameless attention seekers. If you ignore them, they’ll just lick until you surrender.
Health alert: Cavaliers can be prone to dental issues, which means extra teeth care is needed—because a Cavalier with bad breath and an addiction to licking is not a fun combo.
Fun fact? These eared canines can sense when you’re sad and will lick the sadness away until you’re either comforted or thoroughly drenched.
Conclusion
So, what have we learned today? If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably accepted your fate—perpetual dampness. Whether it’s the Labrador enthusiastically slobbering all over your arm, the Beagle tasting the air for no reason, or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gently drowning you in affection, one thing is clear: Licking is a lifestyle.
Of course, we can’t forget the honorable mentions in the Ultimate Lickers Club—like the Tibetan Spaniel, who licks like it’s a royal decree, the Dachshund, whose tiny tongue is deceptively persistent, and the Italian Greyhound, a sleek, elegant licker that operates at lightning speed.
Let’s not overlook the English Mastiff, whose slobber production could rival a waterfall, or the terrier types, who lick with a mix of mischief and questionable motives.
So, are you ready for lick-heavy dog ownership? If so, embrace the licking, invest in some towels, and remember—you didn’t choose the slobber life, the slobber life chose you.
Which lick-happy pup rules your home? Share your dog-licking stories in the comments—because we know you have them!
In conclusion, the nine dog breeds renowned for their frequent licking behaviors—such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Pugs—demonstrate a unique blend of affection, curiosity, and instinctual behavior. These ultimate lickers often use licking as a means of communication, showing love and social bonding with their human companions. While the habit is generally harmless and seen as endearing, it’s important for pet owners to ensure that licking does not result from underlying stress or health issues. Understanding and appreciating this quirky trait can enhance the bond between dog and owner, celebrating the unique ways dogs express their affection.