As autumn arrives and the leaves begin to fall, many of us delight in the crisp air, the vibrant colors, and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. But no one enjoys this seasonal spectacle quite like our furry friends. For some dogs, a pile of leaves is the ultimate playground, a place to leap, dig, and roll to their hearts’ content. If you’re looking for a canine companion that will join you in celebrating the joys of fall, look no further. Here are eight dog breeds that absolutely love to play in leaves, complete with their silly quirks and charming habits.

8. Beagle

Beagles, with their boundless energy and keen sense of smell, are natural-born explorers. When autumn arrives, these little hounds can’t resist diving into leaf piles, noses working overtime to sniff out hidden treasures. One of their quirks is their distinctive “singing”—a howl that often accompanies their enthusiastic leaf-digging. Beagles turn any leaf pile into an adventure, using their powerful sense of smell to hunt for imaginary critters buried beneath the foliage. Their playful antics and boundless curiosity make every fall day a new adventure.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small but mighty when it comes to their love of playing in leaves. These affectionate dogs have a whimsical side that comes alive in the autumn. One of their quirks is their butterfly-like flitting from leaf to leaf, chasing the windblown bits with joyous abandon. Cavaliers often look as though they’re smiling as they leap through leaf piles, ears flapping and tails wagging. Their playful and gentle nature makes them perfect companions for leaf-filled adventures.

6. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, are also leaf enthusiasts. These dogs approach leaf piles with the same gusto they have for water, diving in headfirst and emerging covered in bits of autumn. One of their quirks is their love for carrying things in their mouths—often, they’ll emerge from a pile of leaves proudly holding a particularly large or interesting leaf. Labs turn leaf play into a full-body experience, rolling, digging, and pouncing with endless energy. Their joyful spirit and love for outdoor fun make them the ultimate leaf-playing companions.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs, with their thick, luxurious coats, seem to have been made for frolicking in the leaves. These gentle giants are often seen plowing through leaf piles, their massive paws sending leaves flying in all directions. One of their quirks is their love for creating “nests”—Berners will often dig into a pile of leaves until they’ve made a comfortable bed, then flop down with a satisfied sigh. Their playful and affectionate nature, combined with their love for autumn adventures, makes them ideal leaf buddies.

4. Boxer

Boxers, with their muscular bodies and exuberant personalities, are always up for a game of leaf chase. These dogs have a goofy side that shines brightest when they’re leaping through leaf piles, often ending up covered in leaves from head to toe. One of their quirks is their “kidney bean dance,” a wiggly twist they do when excited—often while surrounded by swirling leaves. Boxers bring a contagious energy to leaf play, turning every pile into a playground and every gust of wind into a new game. Their playful antics and boundless enthusiasm make them delightful companions in the fall.

3. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels, with their soulful eyes and flowing ears, find pure joy in the simple pleasure of a leaf pile. These dogs are known for their playful and affectionate nature, which is on full display as they dive into autumn leaves. One of their quirks is their “leaf pouncing”—Cockers will jump into a pile of leaves with all four paws, then burrow and dig as if searching for hidden treasure. Their boundless energy and happy demeanor make every fall outing a fun-filled adventure.

2. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are small but mighty when it comes to their love of leaf play. These agile and intelligent dogs enjoy the challenge of a good leaf chase, darting in and out of piles with incredible speed. One of their quirks is their herding instinct—Shelties will often try to “herd” the leaves, nipping at them and corralling them into piles. Their playful nature and enthusiastic energy make them perfect companions for autumn adventures.

1. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds top our list with their unmatched love for playing in leaves. These highly energetic and intelligent dogs turn every leaf pile into an obstacle course, showing off their agility and speed. One of their quirks is their intense focus—Aussies will fixate on a falling leaf and chase it with relentless determination, often catching it mid-air. Their playful and adventurous spirit, combined with their boundless energy, makes them the ultimate leaf-playing dogs. Whether they’re herding leaves or diving headfirst into a pile, Australian Shepherds make every autumn day a joyful celebration.

In conclusion, these dog breeds bring a special kind of joy to the autumn season with their love for playing in leaves. Whether it’s the Beagle’s enthusiastic sniffing, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s butterfly-like flitting, or the Australian Shepherd’s intense leaf chasing, each of these dogs has a unique way of making fall fun. So, if you’re looking for a furry friend to share your love of autumn adventures, consider one of these playful breeds—you won’t be disappointed!