11 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds That Love to Cuddle
Updated: Apr. 06, 2023We rounded up the fluffiest snuggle buddies to make your decision easy when choosing your new best friend.
Like humans, dogs are each individual with distinctive personality traits, but some breeds are notoriously more affectionate and love to cuddle up next to their humans. Many dogs crave connection just as people do so chances are if they want to sleep next to you at night, they are looking to create that special bond (or maybe they just want an extra treat). These pups will make the perfect snuggle buddies, adventure partner, and overall best friend. Believe it or not, some cats even enjoy a cuddle companion every once in a while. Make sure you see if your cat made the list of most affectionate cat breeds—although maybe you already know the answer to that.
Great Dane
“It may seem counterintuitive, but Great Danes love to cuddle,” said editor Bobbie Abdallah. Originally known as the gentle giant, they adore snuggling up to the people that they love and don’t handle being alone very well. As Great Danes tower over other dogs and most humans on their hind legs, just the sight of them may make people cower, but they are one of the most patient and friendly pups around. See what other dogs are on the list of the world’s biggest dog breeds.
Pug
“Pugs have even earned the nickname of ‘velcro pugs’ because they stick to their humans like velcro,” explained writer Candy Pilar Godoy. “They follow their owners from room to room and have zero notion of personal space.” Originally bred for Chinese royalty, these tiny pups were intended to be lap dogs making them extremely affectionate towards humans. They love to be the center of attention, and generally like to stick close to the people they love. Check out these adorable pug pictures that will make you want one.
Golden Retriever
This one comes as no surprise to most of us. Retrievers, both Golden and Labrador, are known to be one of the most loving dog breeds. They are intelligent, easy to train, and the top dog for families. “I’ve personally seen young children playing with these breeds for long periods of time where other breeds would run off to not be bothered. These retrievers will lay down and soak up the attention and give just as much affection back,” claimed Wesley Oaks, founder of Oddly Cute Pets. See what other dog breeds are best for kids and their families.
Dachshund
These low riding pups are known for their tiny frame and their oddly striking resemblance to hot dogs, but these small dogs love to snuggle up next to their human. “Dachshunds are known for their loving and tender personality and will happily spoon with you on the floor, burrow under your bed sheets at night, and be rocked like a baby in your arms if it means they get more time with their favorite person in the world–you,” said Steph Wiggins, founder of DJANGO.
Alaskan Klee Kai
“I would say Alaskan Klee Kai are among the most affectionate breeds that I’ve encountered,” said Kieran Beckles. “The Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America warn on their website that Klee Kai can become very attached to their dog owners and that’s certainly the case with my dogs.” These small dogs have large personalities and love to be around their human at all times. Check out these adorable toy dog breeds that stay little forever.
Boxer
Boxer’s are known to be on the quieter side, but they remain extremely dedicated to their human and love to show them through snuggling. They are often referred to as “shadows” as they will follow you around the house and mature faster than other dogs, slowing down around the age of three or four. Boxers will happily lay next to you and will fully embrace your cuddles after a long day of exercise which this breed needs a lot of. Learn how much exercise your dog really needs.
Rottweiler
“I personally own a Rottweiler and she’s a 100-pound lovebug,” explained dog trainer Danielle Mühlenberg. Rottweilers are known to be overly suspicious of strangers and are used in media as dogs that should be feared, but these dogs love cuddling just as much as Labradors. If you’re looking for a speedy dog, find out which are the fastest dog breeds in the world.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is another a gentle giant like the Great Dane. They are friendly and very calm, but many also love to show affection towards children if trained properly. “Because they require an active lifestyle and love being outdoors, they’re perfect for dog owners that hike and exercise by day and lounge around by night,” said Mühlenberg. “Newfies are the big teddy bears of dogs, making them the ultimate cuddle partner once it’s time to kick back.” These gentle giants will also not show aggression through biting. See what other dogs are less likely to bite.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise are miniature bundles of energy and affection. People are drawn to them because of their fluffy, cotton-ball appearance, and they are just as huggable as they look. These French dogs love to cuddle as much as they love to play so after a long day at the park, they will happily snuggle up next to you on the couch. Because the Bichon Frise is so affectionate, they thrive in households when they have company most of the time. If you and your family tend to be out most of the day, see which dogs are best at being left alone.
Pit bulls
Often misunderstood, pit bulls are extremely loyal, warm, and very goofy pups. “Even though they usually get a bad rap, many of these dogs love to cuddle,” said veterinary consultant Sara Ochoa. As with any dog, proper socialization, training, and some TLC will make pit bulls the best companion. See these pit bull “facts” that are totally wrong.
Jack Russel Terrier
“Jack Russels love to be around people and will not often go off on their own (unless they catch the scent of a rabbit),” joked pet expert Naomi Morris. “If you are ever going for a walk around the block, to the beach, or out to cut firewood for the winter, then they have to be there.” They will always be excited to greet you after a long day at work and love to be petted. Next up, learn more about the laziest fluff buddies. Here’s a list of dog breeds that are expert nappers.
Sources:
- Bobbie Abdallah, Cold Noses News
- Candy Pilar Godoy, boogiethepug.com
- Wesley Oaks, Oddly Cute Pets
- Steph Wiggins, DJANGO
- Kieran Beckles, hellobark.com
- Danielle Mühlenberg, https://pawleaks.com
- Rohan Jain, DogBreedo.com
- Sara Ochoa, doglab.com
- Naomi Morris, https://www.petnpat.com/
