Does your pup misbehave over the Christmas period? Research conducted by Itchpet has found that around 12.5 million pets will commit a 'crime' during the holidays — and it's Jack Russells and Siamese cats that are expected to cause the most mayhem.
From damaging Christmas decorations to bringing dead animals indoors, there are plenty of ways our pets misbehave when their owners are preoccupied with festive tasks.
In the study of 2,000 pet owners, 53% said that their dogs or cats have caused havoc over Christmas, with a further 12% saying their pets have embarrassed them in front of guests.
Elsewhere in their research, the team found 24% of the UK's pets have knocked over the tree, while 5% tried to steal figurines from the nativity scene.
"Your cat or dog might be your best friend, but that doesn’t mean they can’t cause chaos from time to time," Charlotte Harper, Co-founder of Itchpet said.
It's clear that as a nation we really do love our pets, as Itchpet discovered that over a quarter of UK pet owners don't mind it when their four-legged friends mess around at Christmas, saying that their relatives are equally as challenging.
During the Christmas period, our pets can become just as excited as humans. Charlotte from Itchpet recommends not overfeeding your pets with festive snacks, keeping their routine the same and ensuring they stay calm when the house is full of guests.
Take a look at the mischievous behaviours which topped the list...
20 Christmas 'crimes' committed by our pets
- Damaged decorations
- Climbed the Christmas tree
- Knocked over the Christmas tree
- Stole meat from the chopping board or from someone’s plate
- Damaged presents
- Broke wind during Christmas dinner
- Sat with his ‘lipstick’ out in front of friends/family
- Inappropriately sniffed a family member
- Ate a relative’s slippers
- Brought in a dead animal during Christmas dinner
- Relieved themselves on the Christmas tree
- Left a festive ‘present’ under the Christmas tree
- Relieved themselves on a snowman
- Tripped up Granny or Grandad
- Devoured the snacks left out for Santa
- Chewed Christmas gift cards with money in them
- Nabbed a character from the nativity scene
- Ate the Fairy from the Christmas tree
- Stole underwear from relatives
- Brought unwanted guests, giving a relative or relatives’ pet fleas
Want to know which breeds of cats and dogs are the worst when it comes to behaving badly at Christmas? Take a look at the list below...
12 dog breeds most likely to misbehave at Christmas
- Jack Russell
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Labrador
- Springer Spaniel
- Boxer
- Mixed breed
- German Shepherd
- Cocker Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Cockapoo
- Dalmatian
12 cat breeds most likely to misbehave at Christmas
- Siamese
- British Shorthair
- Bengal
- Persian
- Sphynx
- Burmese
- Ragdoll
- Munchkin cat
- Maine Coon
- Oriental
- Norwegian
- Forest Cat
- Russian Blue
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10 times our adorable pets became part of the furniture
Maddie the Cockapoo
Adorable nine-month-old Maddie from Nottingham seamlessly blends into her living rug, which was crowned the winning photo of ScS's competition. "Maddie is a playful dog who loves nothing more than playing in the ball pit and running around with her pals – oh and blending in with our living room rug!" says Emma, Maddie's owner.
Noodle the Cairn Terrier Poodle Cross
It's hard to spot Noodle here, who's also blended in with her living rug. Coming second in the competition, this sweet picture is a favourite.
Minnie the Maltese puppy
While it might not look like there's a dog at all in this picture, puppy Minnie has curled up in the soft white rug as she takes her nap. What an adorable entry!
Barley the Italian Spinone
Adorable Barley could easily be mistaken for a fluffy cushion in another sweet competition entry.
Waffles, the rescued stray cat
Look closely and you'll see rescued stray cat Waffles taking a nap by the piano — and almost blending in with the velvet chairs.
Monty, a rescued stray cat
This is sweet Monty's favourite space in the house, as he blends in with the burnt orange family sofa. If you don't look hard enough he might be missed.
Peach the poodle
Fluffy two-year-old peach loves to lie on her favourite soft rug with her new best friend baby Lou. This sweet snap also made the competition's top 10 and we can see just why.
Smudge the dog
In another sweet entry, Smudge the dog loves to blend into his favourite soft throw so that his owners can't find him.
Elsa the Golden Retriever
Here, Elsa the beautiful Golden Retriever blends into the cream carpet in her home. Another wonderful competition entry.
Sadie the Cockapoo
Sadie the beautiful Cockapoo nestles herself into the carpet for a quick nap in this shortlisted entry.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
