Why Are Dogs Gentle With Eggs? (Soft vs. Hard Mouths)

Dogs that are gentle with eggs are likely to have what is known as a “soft mouth.” The “soft mouth” trait was bred into the dogs over centuries as it was helpful primarily for retrieving game (pheasants, rabbits, ducks, etc.).

The dogs’ job as hunting companions was to retrieve the game and bring it back to the hunter in good condition. No one wants a pheasant (or other game bird) that’s been torn apart by a hunting dog with a hard mouth.

The soft-mouthed dog can hold and carry things in their mouths without damaging them. Although many breeds of dogs are trained to have soft mouths, the retriever bred is particularly adept. Some popular retrieving breeds include:

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Golden Retriever

3. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

4. Flat-Coated Retriever

5. Curly-Coated Retriever

6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

7. Standard Poodle

8. Miniature Poodle

9. American Water Spaniel

10. Irish Water Spaniel

Today the soft mouth comes in handy for carrying other things like toys, sticks, and food.

Some other breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher and the German Shepherd, were not bred to have a soft mouth but rather to bite with great force.

Let’s go for the ryde and find out more!

Can I teach a hard-mouthed dog the “drop it cue”?

Knowing which category your dog falls into will help you determine how much force you can use when teaching the “drop it” cue.

If you have a dog with a soft mouth, you can use a moderate amount of force when teaching the cue.

If you have a dog with a harder mouth, you will want to use less force when teaching the cue.

Warning: too much force when teaching the “drop it cue” to a dog with a hard mouth, and you risk getting bitten.

Do not try to teach the cue to a dog with a hard mouth unless you are absolutely sure that you can do so safely.

If you are unsure of your ability to teach the cue to a dog with a hard mouth, please seek professional help from a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist.

Can I teach my retriever to have a “soft mouth”?

The best way to teach your retriever to carry things gently is to start with small, soft objects and work your way up.

Use treats and praise to reinforce good behavior, and be patient while your dog learns.

If your retriever seems to be having trouble, consult a professional trainer for help.

Where do the qualities of modern dogs, such as a “soft mouth,” originate?

Every quality you see in modern dog breeds was intentionally bred into them over years and years of selective breeding for different roles.

Rottweilers were bred to be guardians of property, producing dogs with a natural protective instinct. This behavior is often directed toward a family member and their home. Rottweilers will use their size and strength to deter potential threats. A Rottweiler will use its size and strength to deter potential threats. The individual temperament determines a dog’s protective instinct.

• Dachshunds are long and low because they were bred to wriggle through gopher holes.
• Chihuahuas are miniature because they were always intended to be companion breeds.
• Beagles have their distinctive bay because they need to be LOUD to be heard over the sounds of a mounted hunt.

Sometimes selective breeding is taken too far. This is often seen in breeds that have been overbred to the point where they have inherited genetic conditions that lead to various health issues.

You may have heard of the term “inbred” before when two closely related individuals are bred together to produce offspring.

Bulldogs too barrel chested to give birth naturally. Pugs with faces too mashed up to breathe.

That’s the thing about breeding: it takes a long time to create a new type of dog. Over 200 years to evolve the poodle and over 700 years to develop the golden retriever. But sometimes, it takes much less time.

That’s the case with the Labradoodle.

Labradoodles are a cross between poodles and Labrador retrievers. They were first bred in Australia in the late 1980s by a breeder named Wally Conron.

The breeding was done to create a hypoallergenic service dog that could be used by the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia. The first Labradoodles were a cross between a standard poodle and a Labrador retriever.

Over the years, Labradoodles have become one of the most popular dogs in the world.

“Golden Retriever Egg Challenge” could be dangerous

The “Golden Retriever Egg Challenge ”is exactly what it sounds like: you put an uncooked egg in your dog’s mouth and then record him trying to eat it. And people are actually doing this. Veterinarians have warned against it.

The practice isn’t exactly a safe thing to do to your dog, and they could choke on the egg and die. And even if the dog doesn’t choke, there is a risk he could get sick from eating raw eggs, as they contain a protein called avidin that binds biotin (a B-vitamin, aka vitamin B7). This can cause skin and coat problems and even lead to neurological issues.

So do your best to avoid this challenge, and if you see someone trying to do it to their dog, tell them to knock it off.

Do eggs calm dogs?

No scientific evidence supports the claim that eggs can calm dogs.

However, some dog owners report that feeding their dog eggs has helped to reduce anxiety or other behavioral issues. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to a dog’s diet.

Are there any risks of giving eggs to your dog? Why or why not?

If the eggs are fresh and human-grade, there are very few risks.

Raw eggs always carry a very small risk of salmonella and other pathogens, but not a significant one if they have been produced, stored, and handled appropriately.

Many raw eggs can cause a problem due to a chemical in the raw egg white (one destroyed by cooking) that inhibits the absorption of biotin.

With a whole egg or two every once in a while, the blocking is about canceled by the amount of biotin present in the egg yolk so no harm, no foul. But a dog fed primarily raw eggs and/or only the egg whites for an extended period may have problems.

Why are dogs so gentle with babies?

One potential reason why dogs might be particularly gentle with babies is that they can sense that the babies are vulnerable and in need of protection.

Dogs are hardwired to protect their pack, and they may see babies as part of their pack that they need to take care of. Additionally, dogs are very attuned to body language.

They may be able to tell when a baby is scared or upset, which could prompt them to be extra gentle.

It is important to note that not all dogs are gentle with babies, and it is always best to supervise interactions between infants and dogs, even if the dog seems friendly.

Final thoughts

Dogs that are gentle with eggs are likely to have what is known as a “soft mouth.” The soft mouth trait was bred into the dogs over centuries as it was helpful primarily for retrieving game (pheasants, rabbits, ducks, etc.).

Today the soft mouth comes in handy for carrying other things like toys, sticks, and food. Some other breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher and the German Shepherd, were not bred to have a soft mouth but rather to bite with great force.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that eggs can calm dogs. However, some dog owners report that feeding their dog eggs has helped to reduce anxiety or other behavioral issues. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to a dog’s diet.

One potential reason why dogs might be particularly gentle with babies is that they can sense that the babies are vulnerable and in need of protection. Dogs are hardwired to protect their pack, and they may see babies as part of their pack that they need to take care of. Additionally, dogs are very attuned to body language. They may be able to tell when a baby is scared or upset, which could prompt them to be extra gentle.