The most cuddly dog breeds, listed

Have you ever wondered which dogs love a cuddle the most? Some dogs may have a tendency to enjoy a hug or some relaxation time with their pet parent more often, and we're here to list them.

Let’s make one thing clear first: every dog has their own personality, so if your dog isn’t on the list, don’t read into it too much. And if yours dog doesn't like a cuddle, that's okay.

Here, we list the cuddliest dog breeds around, while discussing what makes a dog “cuddly” and how to find the right pup for you.

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What makes a dog “cuddly”?

We’d consider a dog “cuddly” if they’re social, enjoy physical closeness with their pet parents and use physical touch as a way to express affection, calm down, and feel safe.

Signs that a dog is cuddly include:

• Bringing toys

• Eye contact

• Following

• Leaning

• Licking (but not excessive licking or licking the floor)

• Mirroring their pet parent, like yawning

• Relaxed body language when near their pet parents

• Seeking physical proximity

• Snuggling near things that smell like their pet parent

But what motivates the above behaviour? It's usualy a mix of:

Genetic predispositions

Some dog breeds are just naturally more predisposed to cuddly behaviours than others. This may be due to the breed having a longer history with humans or a more accommodating temperament.

Learned behaviour

Dogs are very motivated by positive reinforcement, so if they’ve had positive experiences from cuddling, they’ll more likely want to cuddle in the future.

Pack mentality

Dogs are pack animals, so they enjoy being near their “group” - this can often mean being physically near their pet parent and cuddling them to feel secure.

Personal reasons

Personality is a big factor, too. Some dogs just love a cuddle for their own reasons!

Seeking comfort

Physical touch and proximity can calm down and comfort some dogs, especially during stressful situations.

The cuddliest dog breeds, ranked

Bichon Frisé

Bichon Frisés have a long history of being companion dogs, and they’ve been an affectionate partner for pet parents everywhere. They enjoy attention, being close to those they trust, and typically love it when their pet parent is around.

Boxer

Boxers are well-known for their friendly, affectionate nature. They thrive on human attention, and love hanging out with their pet parent and just watching the world go by.

Most are motivated by physical contact, and the image of a Boxer leaning against their pet parent and attempting to sit on their lap irrespective of their big size isn't uncommon.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred to be companion dogs, meaning they have a genetic motivation to be affectionate and enjoy being close to their pet parents. Combined with their gentle, friendly nature and penchant for barking at anyone they see as a potential threat to their person, they’re inclined to stick by their pet parent’s side.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are fiercely loyal dogs, and they lean on their hunting history by finding comfort in burrowing on their pet parent’s lap or lying by their side. They just love hanging out with their pet parents, and while they can sometimes appear nonchalant to outsiders, it’s because they have such strong bonds with their person.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are known as the go-to family dog for lots of reasons, but a key reason is their cuddly nature. They form deep, strong bonds with their families, and when combined with their mellow, joyful personality, it’s easy to see why they love cuddling, too.

Labrador Retriever

Labradors are affectionate, social dogs due to their history as companion and hunting canines. They love nothing more than spending time with their pet parents and families, which makes them naturally prone to cuddling, playing, and anything else that gives them positive attention and provides their people with laughs.

Newfoundlands may have a reputation for a big coat and a bigger body, but these lovey-dovey dogs don’t care that they’re one of the biggest breeds around; they want to cuddle and act as lap dogs to their pet parents. They’re known for their calm, gentle giant demeanour and love of close contact, and they have a loyal, affectionate nature.

Pug

Unlike other dog breeds, Pugs were bred to be our companions, which gives them a naturally strong desire for human contact. These popular lap dogs are a joy to pet parent, with a cheeky, surprising nature and a keen emotional understanding. They’re intuitive, sensitive dogs who love cuddle time.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are affectionate, loving dogs who have a real desire for closeness. They're known for their patient, sweet temperament, and they have a desire to cuddle on their pet parent’s lap. These cheeky dogs love attention, and their long history as lap dogs means they thrive when close to their pet parents.

Finding the right cuddly breed for your lifestyle

You shouldn't just focus on if a dog is cuddly or not when choosing the right dog for you. You'll need to factor in numerous things like:

• Activity level

• Personality

• Size

• Temperament

• Training needs

You'll also need to consider your living situation, allergies, your family's needs and if you have the capacity to care for them. Plus, you can research all you want, which is a good idea, but sometimes, you'll just feel that spark with a particular dog and you'll easily make the decision to pet parent them.

Why it’s OK if your dog isn’t cuddly

Now, should you worry if your dog isn't cuddly? What if you parent one of the breeds above, but they don't "fit" into what we've said about them? Don't panic: while your dog isn't cuddly, they likely show their affection in other ways, and every dog still has their own personality; breed isn't everything.

Don't just focus on cuddling. Instead, try to notice other signs of affection, like:

• Bringing you toys

• Engaging in play or training

• Enjoying time spent with you, like exercise and walks

• Following you around the house

• Physical closeness

• Relaxing in your presence

• Respecting your commands

• Sleeping near you

• Tail wagging

Just because your dog doesn't fit into conventional ideas of closeness doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them. We're sure they care for you deeply!

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