Veterinarians told Parade Pets that six dog breeds are especially likely to land on Santa’s naughty list this holiday season. Additional coverage of this same incident

Those dogs, the vets said, share traits that make them prone to mischief: high energy, intelligence, and a propensity to become bored if not engaged. The list was recently published in December 2025 and highlights how breed-specific tendencies can translate into destructive or attention-seeking behaviors during the holidays.

The article names the Airedale Terrier, Beagle, Russell Terrier, Pug, Border Collie, and Siberian Husky as the breeds most likely to exhibit naughty behaviors. Each entry pairs a short breed description with an explanation of why the dog might be driven to chew, escape, or otherwise test household rules when left without sufficient activity or stimulation. Certain dog breeds, like Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, and Golden Retrievers, become more popular during the holiday season because families often purchase them as Christmas gifts, drawn to their friendly temperaments and appeal as festive companions. How do certain dog breeds become more popular during the holiday season, and what

Veterinary contributors included Chyrle Bonk, DVM of Embrace Pet Insurance; Julie Hunt, DVM, an Embrace Pet Insurance veterinarian contributor; and Aimee Warner, DVM of Waggel. Their observations center on temperament and the practical need to meet each breed’s physical and mental requirements. “Airedales definitely have a mind of their own, which can make them difficult and naughty if you don’t use consistent training,” said Chyrle Bonk, DVM of Embrace Pet Insurance. Bonk added that owners must actively direct a dog’s energy into constructive outlets: “Be prepared to channel that energy into positive things.”

The breeds are briefly described in the piece: the Airedale Terrier as the largest terrier with intelligence and high energy; the Beagle as a scent-driven hound with natural independence; the Russell Terrier as a high-energy hunter of vermin; the Pug as people-oriented and lively; the Border Collie as highly intelligent and active; and the Siberian Husky as fun-loving and mischievous.

Holiday settings, the vets suggested, can increase opportunities for mischief as decorations, foods, and disrupted routines present temptations. The underlying thread in their advice is consistent: without adequate exercise and engagement, dogs with strong drives or high intelligence will find their own outlets for activity. Practical approaches to reducing unwanted behaviors emphasize structured mental and physical stimulation along with consistent training. Resources that outline training techniques and behavior modification strategies are widely available; for a summary of methods trainers and veterinarians often recommend, see Upstatecanine.

Parade Pets published the list as seasonal guidance for prospective and current dog owners and as a reminder that breed tendencies interact with an owner’s time and household environment. The piece frames “naughtiness” not as a moral failing but as a predictable response to unmet needs in certain breeds. The vets’ assessment is framed around recognizable patterns: dogs that were bred for work or hunting tend to require more purposeful activity, while breeds bred to be companions can still develop attention-seeking behaviors when understimulated. The article aims to help owners anticipate and manage those tendencies during a busy holiday period. Where owners see a pattern of destructive or restless behavior, veterinarians and trainers generally recommend consistent positive-reinforcement training paired with activities that match a dog’s natural drives. The vets contributing to the Parade Pets piece urged owners to match daily routines and enrichment to a dog’s temperament rather than rely on generic solutions.

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Original reporting: view the original article.