Looking for a Snuggle Buddy? These Dog Breeds Are Born to Cuddle

The post Looking for a Snuggle Buddy? These Dog Breeds Are Born to Cuddle appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Do you want a dog who loves to cuddle? While just about any dog has the potential to become a wonderful companion with the right training and socialization, some breeds are naturally predisposed to seek physical closeness and affection. Whether you’re looking for a giant snuggle buddy or a tiny lap dog, these breeds are often a fantastic choice for a cuddly canine. Their natural inclination toward affection, along with good care and training, can bring lots of love and warmth into your home.

Shih Tzu

Many Shih Tzus are quintessential lapdogs, happiest when sitting gracefully on your lap and soaking up love and attention. Originating from China with a royal history, these adorable fluffy pups are playful and friendly, with a mischievous charm that’s simply irresistible. While their intelligence and stubbornness can make training a bit of a challenge, Shih Tzus are overall social and loving people-pleasers who thrive on attention. Plus, they’re small and incredibly cute, so what’s not to love?

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are widely known as one of the most affectionate and cuddly dog breeds. Originally bred as hunting companions, loyalty is a trait that remains strong in goldens today. Golden retrievers are simply happy to be near you, whether snuggling on the couch or relaxing outdoors on a sunny day. Many even cuddle with other animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and ducks. There are many heartwarming stories of golden retrievers stepping in as surrogate mothers to orphaned animals in zoos, caring for baby leopards, tigers, cheetahs, and African painted dogs. They truly don’t discriminate when it comes to love and affection, happily bonding with just about anyone or anything!

Dachshund

A small but lively breed, dachshunds love to cuddle, or at least keep a paw touching you while relaxing on the couch. These emotionally intuitive animals show their devotion by snuggling up for a hug. They love to be involved in whatever you are doing, but also enjoy snuggling on their own. Many dachshunds will burrow deep into blankets, laundry, and couch cushions to find the perfect spot for a nap. Dachshunds freely give their unconditional love to their families, but without training and clear boundaries, this affection can sometimes lead to clinginess.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Small but regal, Cavalier King Charles spaniels look like they belong on a velvet cushion in an elegant palace. These tiny dogs were actually bred to be companions of British royalty. Today, though, they are happy to cuddle and play with their families and are known for being one of the friendliest dog breeds. Sweet, affectionate, and gentle, they get along wonderfully with adults, children, and even other dogs. They often show their love by leaning against you for snuggles and want nothing more than to be by your side. They do not like being left alone for extended periods and need plenty of enrichment and attention.

Pug

Originating in China, the pug is an ancient breed specifically bred to be the ultimate companion dog. As a result, today’s pugs are inherently loving and widely recognized as one of the most affectionate breeds in the world. They are gentle and friendly, typically getting along well with other animals and children. Pugs form deep bonds with their owners and love being close to people. Whether they are cuddling on your lap or quietly sitting by your side, they will follow you everywhere. Pugs are the complete opposite of independent dogs. Their comical yet charming appearance only enhances their expressive and exuberant personalities.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever has been one of America’s most beloved dog breeds for years, and it’s easy to see why. Smart, sweet, and friendly, it’s hard not to love a Lab. Originally bred for both hunting and companionship, these are athletic dogs with keen senses. Today, many Labs excel as service and therapy dogs, thanks to their friendly and kind nature toward almost everyone they meet. They are also high-energy dogs who love to play and socialize with both people and other animals.

Newfoundland

The ultimate gentle giant, the Newfoundland is like having a huge teddy bear in your home. Newfies are big, slobbery, and hairy, but you would be hard-pressed to find a calmer and more good-natured cuddler. Newfoundlands were originally bred to pull carts and help fishermen. However, their gentle and friendly nature also makes them excellent companions. Newfoundlands are docile and patient dogs who are great with kids, even earning the nickname “nanny dogs” because of their tender devotion. They love everyone and have a deep-seated desire to be with their family. With their hearts of gold, these oversized lapdogs are amazing cuddlers.

French Bulldog

According to the American Kennel Club, the French bulldog was the most popular dog breed in the United States in 2024. This unique and quirky breed has an adorably comical face and distinctive bat-like ears that complement its friendly and fun personality. While Frenchies can have bursts of energy or the “zoomies,” they are generally calm and gentle dogs who love being with their humans. They are friendly, adapt well to various families and households, and enjoy having people around to play with and entertain them. However, they do not do well when left alone and often thrive with another French bulldog companion.

American Bully

It may surprise some, given their strong, muscular build, but bully breed dogs are incredibly affectionate and love to cuddle. Beneath their bold exteriors are sensitive souls with sweet demeanors. American bullies are eager to please and adore being close to their families. Despite their size, many even enjoy being lap dogs. Generally, American bullies are gentle dogs and thrive on the love and attention they receive from their families. They can be wonderful with children, and their friendly, goofy personalities are sure to make you smile.

Vizsla

The vizsla is a beautiful dog with a distinctive golden-rust coat and elegant build. Originally bred for hunting, these dogs were trained to stay close to their owners and thrive on being with their humans constantly. They are affectionate and cuddly dogs who can be prone to separation anxiety. As hunting dogs, they also have high energy and are probably not the best choice for first-time dog owners. However, for those who can provide the time and dedication needed, a vizsla can be a cuddly “Velcro dog” and a wonderful companion.

Great Dane

Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds, originally bred to hunt wild boars. However, they are rarely used for hunting today, and their easy-going personalities make them wonderful family pets. Many Great Danes are “Velcro dogs” who love cuddling with their owners and often seem to forget just how big they are. Despite their large size, Great Danes can be excellent house dogs and adapt well to smaller homes, provided they receive plenty of love, playtime, and exercise. Truly gentle giants, Great Danes are also wonderful with children, although their size can sometimes result in accidental bumps or knocks to smaller kids.

Bull Terrier

Despite their beefy appearance and high energy, bull terriers are surprisingly cuddly dogs. They are naturally loving and often seek out their owners for snuggles and playtime. Bull terriers thrive on attention from their people and love showering their loved ones with affection. While they can be stubborn and need consistent, firm training, bull terriers are gentle, loyal, and affectionate companions.

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