Is Cuddling with Your Dog Beneficial?
All dogs have different personalities. Since no two pups are the same, they will have different interests and behaviors. Some love to cuddle, while others could not care less about embracing their loved ones. It might be challenging to understand if your furry friend doesn’t want to cuddle, but it doesn’t mean they do not love you. Read more to find out why dogs like to cuddle and whether it is beneficial or not.
Why Dogs Enjoy Cuddling
Our four-legged friends typically cuddle for a few reasons:
- For warmth
- To bond with family members
- Release of positive chemicals and hormones
Dogs have evolved, but their desire to cuddle and be social comes from their roots. Dogs are pack animals; therefore, they express love through physical touch and affection. Whether in the wild or with family, dogs originally cuddled to bond and display subordination. When your fido cuddles you, they express trust and love toward your relationship.
When snuggled, dogs’ brains release oxytocin, a chemical that makes the subject feel good and reinforces these behaviors and feelings. This chemical is beneficial to a dog’s health and mood.
How To Tell If a Dog Wants Cuddles
If a dog is not your own, before all, you should ask for consent before petting and cuddling a new pup. Although a dog may appear friendly, some fidos do not like strangers or act aggressively to unwelcome pets.
After consenting, a dog may indicate they want cuddles by:
- Wagging their tail
- Making eye contact
- Rolling over
- Coming to you
These are not the end all be all, though, as all dogs interact differently.
Cuddly Breeds
Some breeds of dogs are more affectionate than others are. Although breed can play a role, other elements like age, experience, and health can contribute to whether a dog likes to cuddle or not.
Some breeds that are known to be affectionate are:
- Golden retrievers
- Labradors
- Pomeranians
- Pugs
- Chihuahuas
- Shih Tzus
- Maltese
- Newfoundlands
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
As stated before, all dogs are different, so your dog’s breed may be super cuddly, even if not featured on this list.
If your dog is typically snuggly and affectionate and these behaviors abruptly stop, it may be a sign of adverse health conditions, so check in with your veterinarian. Cuddling your dog can increase the bond you have and strengthen the relationship you have with your furry friend.