June 28, 2021
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Most Affectionate Dog Breeds For Owners Who Love To Cuddle
What can be happier than returning home and being greeted by your friendly canine companion? It’s everyone’s dream to have a dog that loves you to the moon and back. Some dog breeds are more independent than others – even though they still adore their human, they prefer to spend time alone. Therefore, if you want your dog’s attention all the time, here are the 10 most affectionate dog breeds for you.
The breeds we will be recommending are dogs that have loving nature and enjoy being with their owners all the time. They vary in sizes and adapt to different lifestyles, so we hope you can find a breed that suits your likings.
Let’s get started!
Why Are Some Dogs More Affectionate Than Others?
People usually link dog’s affection with their tendency to come and cuddle with you. Snuggling with others is actually an instinctive behavior. Wild dogs do so to keep each other warm and to show affection between pack members. When a dog wants your love and attention, they will try to go for some cuddling.
The affectionate can also depend on the breeds. One more reason that explains why your dog would try to stay close to you all the time is that they want to protect you. There are breeds that have stronger sense of protection, and breeds that care about you less.
That’s why you may notice there are a few specific breeds commonly trained to be therapy and emotional support dogs. These dogs can sense if there’s something wrong with you, regardless if it’s physical or mental pain. They will try to snuggle up to you to provide support and relief.
However, dogs can also learn to be more affectionate. Therefore, you should not worry too much if your dog isn’t as loving and cuddly as you expected them to be.
Slowly build trust with your dog and teach them to enjoy spending time with you. It won’t take long until your dog starts showering you with endless love and attention. And you can always show how much you love your canine companion back by wearing a cute T-shirt for dog lovers as well.
10 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Without further ado, let’s go through NRV Animal Shelters’ recommended list of 10 most affectionate dog breeds. Despite being pure breeds, they might still be unadopted at your nearest shelters. Check with the shelters to find the perfect match for you.
1. Golden Retrievers
The golden retriever is, without doubt, the ultimate sweetheart! You won’t have to think twice about adopting a golden retriever – they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.
They are gentle and caring by nature, and thus make a wonderful family dog. This breed is highly intelligent, easy to train and has great obedience. They especially suit families with kids, since they can patiently play with the kids all day long without shaking them off and running away. This is because their high sense of protection and desire for attention is very strong.
Golden retrievers are regularly seen working as therapy dogs for the same reason. They are sensitive to changes in your health, as well as being a very supportive friend. They will come to console you if they can sense that you’re in pain or crying. If you want a buddy to cuddle away your sadness, golden retriever is the perfect dog.
Friendliness: 5/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
2. Labrador Retrievers
Like the Golden retriever, the Labrador retriever (or Lab for short) is another very popular dog breed. These dogs are famous for their friendliness as well as agility. They are hardworking and will always try to please you. Labs are very commonly trained as assistant dogs and rescue dogs for this reason.
The Lab has good manners and listens well to commands. They love being around you, love some good cuddles, and are undoubtedly among the most affectionate large dog breeds.
However, this is a very high energy dog breed and needs regular exercise mentally and physically. Therefore, apartment living is probably not suitable for Labrador. They will be a great companion for owners who are also as active, and to homes with big yards that they can freely run in.
Friendliness: 5/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
3. Samoyed
Known as the smiling dogs, Samoyed is the breed that will bring you joy whenever you see them. They are exceptionally friendly, and have a wonderful happy-go-lucky demeanor. They will show full affection to almost everyone they meet.
The Samoyed make great family dogs because of their gentle and amiable nature. It’s not wrong to say it’s probably the most cuddly dog breed. You can’t resist hugging this happy moving cloud!
One thing you should pay attention to is their extreme tendency to shed. You must also brush them regularly to avoid their fur getting matted and tangled.
Friendliness: 5/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
4. Australian Shepherd
Despite its name, the Australian shepherd actually originates in the United States. They are wonderful for families who are active and love a smart working dog.
Nicknamed ‘Aussies’, these dogs are highly intelligent and enjoy affection to the fullest. They are very loyal, and will shower you with the same love you give to them.
Similar to the Labrador retriever, Aussies are working dogs at heart, so you need daily activities and stimulation to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Friendliness: 4/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
5. Poodles
The Poodle is considered one of the smartest breeds in the world! They are easy to train and love being given jobs to do all day. They may vary in sizes, but one thing stays the same: their friendly and affectionate nature.
Poodles love attention and being cuddled. They are surely one of the very affectionate dog breeds. However, it’s important to keep their mind stimulated and active constantly. They are so smart that they will easily get bored, and can get destructive to occupy themselves.
Friendliness: 4/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
6. Pugs
A dog that is full of personality, the Pug will provide great companionship to anyone who is looking for a fun, easy going dog. They bond really well with their owners, and make perfect lap dogs.
Pugs are small in size, so they make great apartment dogs. They still have a playful and stubborn side, so it’s best to give them regular exercise and play time.
Friendliness: 4/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
7. Collie
Wonder why Lassie was such a smart and loyal dog? Well, it apparently runs in the breed! Collies like Lassie are notorious for not only their agility, but also their deep bond and connection with owners. They are affectionate, sensitive and will constantly try to give you all the love they have. Their unconditional loyalty and support will surely surprise you, thus making them one of the most loving dog breeds.
Collie is also one of the most hard working dog breeds out there. Therefore, make sure you give them proper spaces to run around and keep them motivated throughout the day.
Friendliness: 4/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
8. Beagle
Tiny but feisty, Beagles are perfect for all families with or without kids. Their fun-loving and enthusiastic nature will surely brighten up anyone’s day. They are gifted with an amazing sense of smell, so many are working as tracking dogs. But at home, they are caring, cuddly, and will always try to get affection from you.
Beagles are smart, but they can also be a little stubborn, so be patient while training them. They also have high energy levels, so a lot of playtime and exercising will definitely benefit them.
Friendliness: 5/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
9. Bichon Frise
With fluffy white fur coats and black round eyes, the Bichon Frise almost look as if they are stuffed toys. These dogs may be small, but they have big personalities and so much energy. They are smart and playful, and can get along well with both their humans and other animals. Bichon Frises are also great for first time owners because of their quick ability to adapt.
These dogs love to be the center of your attention, and their happy face will always brighten you up. Give them lots of love and they will give back ten times more.
Friendliness: 4/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The last breed on our list is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are an active and intelligent dog breed, and get along great with children and other pets. Corgis are always willing to learn, thus being quite easy to train. They also have bright, upbeat manners that are sure to make you happy. No wonder they’re the Queen’s favorite! You can check this video about the Royal Corgis to see how adorable they can be.
Corgis love the affections you give them, and will almost always try to be by your side. Despite the small size, they have quite a lot of energy. Therefore, don’t forget to take them on daily walks and provide plenty of other exercises.
Friendliness: 4/5
Affectionate with family: 5/5
This concludes our suggestions for some of the most affectionate dog breeds. If you have any questions or know other breeds that you think are very affectionate, let us know in the comments! We would love to hear from you.
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