The 10 cuddliest and most affectionate dog breeds
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.
1. 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.
2. Pug
“Pugs have earned the nickname ‘velcro pugs’ because they stick to their humans like velcro,” says 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 centre of attention, and generally like to stick close to the people they love.
3. 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. Retrievers will lie down and soak up the attention and give just as much affection back,” claimed Wesley Oaks, founder of Oddly Cute Pets.
4. Dachshund
Known for their tiny frame and oddly striking features, 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 favourite person,” said Steph Wiggins, founder of dog gear company DJANGO.
5. Alaskan Klee Kai
“I would say Alaskan Klee Kai are among the most affectionate breeds that I’ve encountered,” said Kieran Beckles. According to the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America, this breed of dog can become very attached to their owners and that’s certainly the case with my dogs, says Beckles. These small dogs have large personalities and love to be around their human at all times.
6. 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. They 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.
7. Rottweiler
“I personally own a Rottweiler and she’s a 50kg lovebug,” explains dog trainer Danielle Mühlenberg. Rottweilers are known to be overly suspicious of strangers and are often touted in the media as dogs that should be feared, but these dogs love cuddling just as much as retrievers.
8. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is another gentle giant like the Great Dane. They are friendly and very calm, any if trained properly will show affection towards children. “Because they require an active lifestyle and enjoy being outdoors, they’re perfect for dog owners that hike and exercise by day and lounge around by night,” said Mühlenberg. “Newfoundlands 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.
9. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise are miniature bundles of energy and affection. People are drawn to them because of their fluffy, cottonball appearance, and they are just as huggable as they look. They 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 where they have company most of the time.
10. Staffy
Often misunderstood, Staffordshire bull terriers (whether English or American) are extremely loyal, warm and very goofy pups. “Even though they usually get a bad rap, many of these dogs love to cuddle,” says veterinary consultant Sara Ochoa. As with any dog, proper socialisation, training, and some TLC will make staffys the best companions.
Images: Shutterstock
Written by Emma Taubenfeld. This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription offer.