Dogs have unique personalities when it comes to cuddles and hugs. Some pups practically melt into your arms for a snuggle session, while others would rather keep their paws firmly on the ground.
Understanding which breeds naturally enjoy close contact can help you find your perfect canine companion or better respect your current dog’s boundaries.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Lap-Sized Love
Bred specifically to warm the laps of royalty, these elegant pups consider cuddling their noble duty. Their compact size fits perfectly in your arms.
With silky coats and those soulful eyes, Cavaliers practically beg for hugs. They’re known for their extraordinary patience, often staying nestled against you for hours while you read or watch TV.
2. Golden Retriever: Cuddle Champions
Imagine a living teddy bear that actively seeks out hugs! Golden Retrievers are famous for leaning against their humans during cuddle time.
Their soft, dense coats make them naturally huggable, while their patient temperament means they’ll tolerate extended embrace sessions without squirming away. Many owners report their Goldens initiating hugs themselves!
3. Bichon Frise: Cloud-Like Cuddle Buddies
Hugging a Bichon feels like embracing a warm cloud! Their cotton-ball appearance isn’t just for show – their plush double coat creates the perfect cushion for hugs.
Naturally affectionate and bred as companion dogs, Bichons thrive on physical closeness. Their small size makes them ideal for carrying around, and most will happily nestle into your arms whenever given the chance.
4. Newfoundland: Gentle Giants Who Love Closeness
Despite their massive size, Newfoundlands are surprisingly tender when it comes to physical affection. These gentle giants have earned nicknames like “nanny dogs” for their patience with children.
Their thick, water-resistant coats feel like hugging a big, warm bear. Newfies often lean their substantial weight against their favorite humans – their version of returning a hug!
5. Labrador Retriever: Enthusiastic Huggers
Labs approach hugging with the same enthusiasm they bring to everything else in life! Their sturdy build and medium size make them perfect for bear hugs.
What makes Labs especially huggable is their responsiveness – they actually seem to understand and enjoy the emotional connection of a good squeeze. Their short, dense coat feels wonderful against your cheek during those heartfelt embraces.
6. Pomeranian: Fluffy Armfuls Of Joy
Holding a Pom feels like cuddling a living stuffed animal! Their disproportionately fluffy coat creates a delightful cushiony feeling when held.
Despite their tiny size, Pomeranians have big personalities and generally enjoy being at eye level with their humans. Many Poms will actually raise their front paws, asking to be picked up for a proper cuddle session.
7. Havanese: Velcro Dogs With A Hugging Habit
Affectionately nicknamed “Velcro dogs,” Havanese pups love staying glued to their favorite humans. Their soft, wavy coats and compact build make them ideal lap companions for long cuddle sessions.
These cheerful dogs thrive on attention and are quick to snuggle close the moment you sit down. Whether lounging on the couch or nestled in bed, they’ll happily nuzzle in for a warm, affectionate hug.
8. Great Dane: Lap Dogs In Giant Bodies
Despite weighing as much as an adult human, Great Danes famously think they’re lap-sized! These gentle giants love to press their bodies against yours for maximum contact.
While their size makes traditional hugging challenging, Danes often initiate their own version by resting their massive head on your shoulder. Their short coat feels sleek and warm against your skin during these heartwarming moments.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog: Snuggle Bears
Berners combine the best hugging qualities: a plush, thick coat with a gentle, patient temperament. Their tricolor fur creates a natural pillow effect against your chest.
Despite their working dog heritage, Bernese Mountain Dogs have an incredible capacity for stillness during cuddle time. They often lean in with their full weight – all 100+ pounds – creating an immersive hugging experience unlike any other breed.
10. Shih Tzu: Born For Embraces
With a name literally meaning “little lion,” these imperial Chinese companions were specifically bred for one purpose: being held and cherished by royalty. Their compact bodies fit perfectly in your arms.
Shih Tzus have remarkably human-like eyes that seem to express gratitude when cuddled. Their luxurious, flowing coat creates a silky sensation that makes hugging them an extra special experience.
11. Afghan Hound: The Elegant Avoider
Behind that glamorous, flowing coat lies a deeply independent spirit! Afghan Hounds typically view hugs as an unwelcome restriction on their freedom and dignity.
Their aloof nature isn’t personal – they simply prefer admiration from a respectful distance. When forced into embraces, their stiff posture and subtle squirming clearly communicates their discomfort. Best to appreciate these majestic creatures without squeezing them!
12. Basenji: The “Hugs? No Thanks” Breed
Known as the “barkless dog,” Basenjis communicate their dislike for hugging quite clearly through body language. Their cat-like independence makes forced cuddles extremely uncomfortable for them.
Originally bred as hunting dogs in Africa, Basenjis prefer to express affection on their own terms. They might rest briefly against you, but full-on hugs? That’s crossing a line for these dignified, self-sufficient pups.
13. Chinese Crested: Surprising Hug Resisters
Despite their fragile appearance and need for sweaters, Chinese Cresteds often resist close embraces. Their partially hairless bodies make them surprisingly slippery when trying to hold them!
These unique-looking dogs prefer gentle pets to full-body hugs. Their sensitive skin makes tight embraces uncomfortable, and many will squirm dramatically if you attempt to scoop them up against their will.
14. Alaskan Malamute: Working Dogs, Not Cuddle Buddies
Built for pulling heavy sleds across frozen tundra, Malamutes often view hugging as an unwelcome restriction of their movement. Their powerful bodies aren’t designed for being confined in arms.
While their thick, plush coat seems perfect for squeezing, most Malamutes prefer showing affection through activities rather than cuddles. They’ll happily work alongside you all day but might squirm away when you go in for that bear hug.
15. Chow Chow: The Dignified Hug Dodger
Behind that magnificent lion-like mane lies a proud, dignified soul who typically views hugging as beneath their royal status. Chow Chows are notoriously selective about physical affection.
Their independent nature dates back to their ancient Chinese origins. While their plush coat seems perfect for squeezing, most Chows will stiffen or actively pull away from embraces, preferring to show loyalty through respectful proximity instead.