A Black Cocker Spaniel Froze Mid-Escape With a Bun in His Mouth

Both wide eyes are locked on the camera, and a bun with a bite taken out of it is clamped gently between his jaws. A black Cocker Spaniel with curly ears and a glossy coat has caught himself in the middle of a very well-planned theft. Crumbs dot the wooden table behind him, along with a mug, a spoon, a ring of keys, and a plate of bananas, and the kitchen window glows with pale daylight.

Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, affectionate dogs who love food almost as much as they love their people. They were bred as bird hunters and have a keen nose, so a bun on a low table is almost impossible to resist. Plain bread is generally safe in small amounts, but it adds extra calories, and Cockers can gain weight easily, so ask your vet about the right amount of food for him. Some breads contain raisins, garlic, onions, or sweeteners like xylitol, which are dangerous for dogs, and raw dough can be an emergency. Teach a reliable drop it cue, and keep food at the back of the counter. His long ears also need regular checks and gentle cleaning, which your vet can show you.

He freezes with the bun in his mouth as though he hopes it will vanish. The crumbs on his chin say otherwise, but we love the attempt.