Most dogs are companion animals who treasure attention from their humans. Some breeds are independent, some are aloof, and others may not be the kind of dog that you can cuddle up with much. On the other hand, certain breeds were specifically dog breeds that were bred for companionship and therefore seek it on a near-constant basis. Keep reading till the end to discover more on our list of the TOP 10 Best Dog Breeds For Cuddling.
Now, just because a dog appears on our following list of 10 best dog breeds for cuddling, it is important to remember that it is still a generalization and the fact that every dog still has its own personality, and some may not always be ready for affection. Let the dog decide when they want to cuddle, being respectful of his or her needs and space.
If you offer cuddles, make sure your dog is relaxed and seeking to spend time with you. You can read this through the dog’s body language which will typically communicate if the animal is uncomfortable. If you feel the dog is just tolerating hugs, give them space until they are ready to actually want and enjoy them.
TOP 10 Best Dog Breeds For Cuddling
Now let’s talk about the breeds that will more likely than not be willing to cuddle with you frequently.
1. Golden Retriever
| Dog Breed Group: | Sporting (AKC) |
| Height: | 21 to 24 inches |
| Weight: | 55 to 75 pounds |
| Life Span: | 10 to 12 years |
| Coat and Color: | Lustrous gold, medium-length double coat |
| Price: | $1,000 to $3,500 |
One of the biggest reasons Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the US is their gentle, fun-loving, and affectionate nature, as well as their intelligence. Many families select a Golden retriever as their pet choice since this dog breed loves playing with children. They are quite excitable and often don’t know their strength or energy as it relates to keeping the child fully safe.
Because they are so intelligent, they can train easily, and their eagerness to please their humans makes it doubly simple. The Golden retriever does have plenty of energy in its reserves, so they are the happiest when it can expand it through healthy exercise and enrichment. The golden retriever wants to spend time with their people quite a bit, and if you are the type of owner who likes your dog to sleep in your bed, this breed will happily oblige.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| Dog Breed Group: | Toy (AKC) |
| Height: | 12 to 13 inches |
| Weight: | 13 to 18 pounds |
| Life Span: | 9 to 14 years |
| Coat and Color: | primary coat color is white with ruby, chestnut, and black and tan varieties. Medium-length silky, wavy coat; adults have feathering on their ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail |
| Price: | $1,000 to $2,500 |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been an endearing companion to dog owners since the 1600s, due to the breed’s docile and loving disposition. They were particularly admired by royals and nobles who let King Charles Spaniel curl up in their laps. The breed isn’t quite as curious or energetic as their springer or cocker spaniel brethren, but they are by no means lazy dogs. They enjoy the company of their families, and other dogs, and even do great in a home with different types of pets.
3. Pomeranian
| Dog Breed Group: | Toy (AKC) |
| Height: | 6 to 7 inches |
| Weight: | 3 to 7 pounds |
| Life Span: | 12 to 16 years |
| Coat and Color: | Double long-haired coat; foxy face, pointy erect ears, and curled tail; it comes in more than a dozen colors, including black, brown, red, orange, cream, gray, brindle, and more |
| Price: | $800 to $2,000 |
Pomeranians are a prime choice for owners looking for a cuddly, affectionate, brave, and loyal breed in their home. The cuddliness is rooted in their history as Pomeranians once traveled in packs and had to cuddle together for warmth. They have transposed their affection to humans.
The Pomeranian is likely to take well to being handled, picked up, and will even present a paw for tickles, hugs, and neck scratches. They are also a relatively intelligent breed, being able to take on most challenges with proper training, but they can be quite bossy as well, seeking to be the center of attention. Therefore, they need to be socialized from a young age to keep their temperament around young children and any other dogs in the home.
4. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
| Dog Breed Group: | Terrier (AKC) |
| Height: | 14 to 16 inches |
| Weight: | 24 to 38 pounds |
| Life Span: | 12 to 14 years |
| Coat and Color: | Short, smooth coat in solid red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle |
| Price: | $1000 to $3000 |
The Staffordshire bull terrier (a close relative of the American pit bull terrier), has earned an unfair reputation because historically this dog breed was bred for combat. But in the right environment, the Staffie is a terrific family dog that loves to cuddle, particularly with its owners. They will seek out a place to sit in your lap, irrespective of how large they are, which is typically a medium, muscular, barrel-chested build.
Proving the breed’s unfortunate legacy wrong, they make great companions for children, with their patience and affection. The Staffie tends to be people-centered, which means they prefer to be the home’s sole pet and they do best with company most of the day to avoid separation anxiety. While they can adapt to other dogs, the initial introductions should be approached with caution.
5. Newfoundland
| Dog Breed Group: | Working (AKC) |
| Height: | 26 to 28 inches |
| Weight: | 100 to 150 pounds |
| Life Span: | 8 to 10 years |
| Coat and Color: | Large, heavy-coated in gray, brown, black, and black-and-white |
| Price: | $1,200 to $3,000 |
While their size makes them look domineering and imposing, Newfoundland is a loving, calm, and gentle animal. They are overwhelmingly loyal to their family, with a particular devotion to arising, the children, earning them the moniker of a “nanny” dog. Generally, the Newfies are ready to give and receive hugs, but with every dog’s particular personality, they are not always desiring that kind of attention.
The Newfies’ devotion to their family also has a negative aspect. They are prone to severe separation anxiety when not with their people for most of the day, so they are very much gregarious creatures. Though the Newfies are predominantly docile dogs, to prevent any problematic behaviors from surfacing, it is important to make sure that they can stay active with exercise and prevent boredom. Due to the breed’s size, they will need a spacious area on which to live and run around.
6. Greyhound
| Dog Breed Group: | Hound (AKC) |
| Height: | 25 to 30 inches |
| Weight: | 60 to 80 pounds |
| Life Span: | 10 to 14 years |
| Coat and Color: | Short, smooth coat in black, white, brindle, fawn, red, or a combination of these colors |
| Price: | $1,000 to $4,000 |
Greyhounds are known as the world’s fastest dog breed, but in reality, the breed is quite placid, goofy, and somewhat lazy. They actively seek out contact from their owners, loving nothing more than to cuddle up. Owners should be cautious of the Greyhound’s body frame and limbs that jab when the dog mounts your lap. While generally very gentle, the Greyhound was bred for hunting, so their prey drive is quite significant, which is why great care needs to be taken when introducing them to cats or smaller dogs in the home.
7. Chihuahua
| Dog Breed Group: | Toy (AKC) |
| Height: | 6 to 9 inches |
| Weight: | 2 to 6 pounds |
| Life Span: | 15 to 20 years |
| Coat and Color: | Smooth or long coats in black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and red |
| Price: | $375 to $2,420 |
What the Chihuahua lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. As one of the smallest dog breeds, they have sassy personalities that endear them to owners. The Chihuahua reciprocates the humans’ adoration by forming extremely tight attachments to their people and would snuggle for hours with their people if they could.
Their size is also not reflective of how much energy they have. A small breed typically gets tired quickly, but Chihuahuas do need to stay busy in order to stay in shape. People who carry the Chihuahuas are actually doing their dogs a disservice since it hinders their health and developmental ability. Additionally, excessive carrying means that the dog struggles to acclimate to places at their level and people in general. But with the right type of training and socialization, the Chihuahua makes for a great, cuddly companion.
8. Pugs
| Dog Breed Group: | Toy (AKC) |
| Height: | 10 to 13 inches |
| Weight: | 14 to 18 pounds |
| Life Span: | 12 to 15 years |
| Coat and Color: | Smooth, short double coat in fawn or black |
| Price: | $800 to $1,500 |
The pugs may come off as stumbling, aloof dogs, and while they are quite even-tempered, they do retain quite a bit of energy. They get along with children and other animals, making them easy pets for a family home. Pugs will find ways to snuggle with their humans, even if it’s simply by laying next to them and making contact with a paw across their lap. They are also not very subtle about wanting to be pet, letting owners know it’s time for some delightful rubs with a nudge of their hand.
9. Bichon Frise
| Dog Breed Group: | Non-Sporting (AKC) |
| Height: | 9 to 12 inches |
| Weight: | 7 to 12 pounds |
| Life Span: | 12 to 15 years |
| Coat and Color: | Fluffy and curly white hair (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream), resembles a cotton ball or powder-puff |
| Price: | $1,000 to $2,000 |
The Bichon Frise isn’t just adored for their delightful, cotton-ball appearance, but also the multidimensional aspect of their personality. Energetic and vigorous, this breed is best suited for a household that is active and where they can expand their energy. The breed is a great family dog, getting along with children, but calming down for affectionate cuddles with their owners. Due to their desire to be around their humans, this breed does require someone who will be present around them for most of the day.
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
| Dog Breed Group: | Herding (AKC) |
| Height: | 10 to 12 inches |
| Weight: | 24 to 30 pounds |
| Life Span: | 12 to 13 years |
| Coat and Color: | Medium-length double coat in black and tan, red, sable, or fawn (all colors are typically seen with white markings) |
| Price: | $1,000 to $2,000 |
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is easy to train, intelligent, energetic, and makes great family pets. This comes from their background as herding dogs who are naturally suited to travel with a pack or a herd, inherently seeking security from groups. They regard their humans as part of their pack, and happily cuddle with them, showing their affection. On warm days they seek out cuddles to stay warm as well. It’s important to note that while they are trusting and very loyal, they can be very clingy, and they may expect to be carried which isn’t ideal for their health.
Breeds That Are Not Great For Cuddling
Now that we discussed the cuddly and affectionate dog breeds, it’s only fair to point out some that are not quite as cuddly. These are typically dog breeds that are independent, intelligent, and stubborn. Some examples include Afghan hounds, shar-peis, and Chow Chows. While these breeds enjoy spending time with their humans, they are not overly fond of affection from just anybody, in terms of giving or receiving. They are also generally wary of strangers, but with their humans, once they form a bond, the dog’s loyalty is for life.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, dogs are one of the most beloved pets worldwide, and their affectionate nature makes them perfect companions for cuddling. While every dog breed has unique traits and personalities, some breeds stand out for their love of snuggles and physical affection. From the small and sweet Chihuahua to the fluffy and huggable Golden Retriever, there is a cuddly dog breed for every kind of pet owner. Whether you are looking for a furry friend to warm your lap or a loyal companion to share your bed with, the dogs on this list are sure to provide you with endless cuddles and love.
Since you have finished reading this amazing article of the TOP 10 Best Dog Breeds For Cuddling, we suggest to you to check this one: TOP 10 Dog Breeds That Look Like Bears or Teddy Bears
Frequently Asked Questions:
Best dog breeds for cuddling?
Some of the best dog breeds for cuddling include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Bichon Frise, the English Toy Spaniel, and the Pomeranian. These dogs are known for being affectionate and love to snuggle with their owners. However, it’s important to note that every dog is an individual, and their personalities and preferences can vary.
Best small dog breeds for cuddling?
Some of the best small dog breeds for cuddling include the Chihuahua, the Maltese, the Shih Tzu, and the French Bulldog. These dogs are known for being affectionate and love to be close to their owners. They are also small in size, which makes them great lap dogs and perfect for cuddling.
Hi, my name is Idammah, and I am a huge animal lover! I have always had a special place in my heart for pets, especially cats. I currently have a rescue cat named Simba, who has brought so much joy and love into my life. In my free time, you can find me playing with my cats or watching some animal documentaries. When not spending time with my cat, I enjoy writing about my experiences as a pet owner and sharing helpful tips and advice with other pet lovers. I hope to connect with other pet enthusiasts and share our love for animals through this blog.
