Dogs are fun pets to spend time with. They are usually fond of and loyal to their family members, yet they challenge us with mischievous behavior from time to time. They also like to do adorable things like cuddle with us. So, why do dogs like to cuddle?
There are many reasons that your dog might enjoy cuddling with you and other family members in the household. But do note that not all dogs like to cuddle. Here are the most common reasons that many dogs like to cuddle, as well as an explanation of why not all of them enjoy doing so.
Top 4 Reasons Why Dogs Like to Cuddle
1. To Get Warm
Sometimes, dogs get chilly and want to warm up. There is no better way to do so than to cuddle with a human family member! If it’s early in the morning, late in the evening, or cold and rainy outside, you may notice that your pooch cuddles with your feet or gets on your lap when you are hanging out on the couch.
Maybe your pooch enjoys getting under the covers and cuddling up while you sleep throughout the night. If they seem to want to cuddle whenever it’s chilly, you can safely assume that they are doing it to get warm.
Image by: Piqsels
2. To Bond
Another reason that your pooch might enjoy cuddling is to bond with you deeply. Your pooch enjoys your company and wants to make sure you feel the same way, so they may utilize behaviors like cuddling to show their love, affection, and loyalty, hoping to receive your loyalty and affection in return.
The bottom line is that cuddling can be a reassuring activity for your dog that gives them peace of mind in knowing that you love them just as much as they love you. Cuddling to bond is most typically seen during naps or bedtime.
3. To Enhance the Pack’s Unity
Dogs have a pack mentality. They know how important it’s for everyone in their pack to share a common bond and respect for one another. In the wild, you will see wolves and stray dogs on top of each other because they are creating unity among the pack. A pack that sleeps together eats together and protects one another.
Therefore, your pooch may have a desire to pile on your legs while you sleep or slink into your lap while you watch television to create that pack unity that they yearn to have. If you have more than one dog, you may notice that they pile up near you while sleeping and lounging.
Image by: Daniel Myjones, Shutterstock
4. To Show Subordination
If you are doing a good job in your role as a pack leader, your dog will want to show signs of their subordination to you. One effective way for them to do this is to cuddle up with you whenever they can. Snuggling up under your chin while you nap on the couch or around your legs when you’re lying in bed could be signs that your dog thinks of you as their pack leader, and they want to show you respect as such.
Dogs that cuddle to show subordination may come and cuddle anytime that their owners ask them to.
Not All Dogs Like to Cuddle
Image by: VK Studio, Shutterstock
Not all dogs like to cuddle, or at least not all the time. Some dogs will show interest in leaning against you while they sleep, but they won’t get up as close and personal as a cuddly dog would. This is simply due to their personality and independence. Some dogs don’t require much physical attention to feel confident in their position in the household.
Conversely, some dogs do need physical reassurance that they are the center of your life. Therefore, they are more likely to cuddle up on your lap and nestle in while on the bed with you. These dogs are typically not as independent or confident as the pooches that don’t seem to desire much cuddling.
Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000. In this time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need, both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and flock of chickens.
Service dogs perform a wide range of invaluable work that helps people live more independent lives. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines...
Black beans are a common side dish for many meals, and it’s hard to say no to our dog’s begging eyes. Whether you’re thinking of feeding them some or they stole a bite, you’re probably wondering whether black beans are...
Farmina Dog Food Review Summary Farmina dog food is available at retailers in the United States and Europe. Farmina is an Italian pet food company that produces three lines of dog food full of only high-quality ingredients. It’s difficult to...
Our canine companions require a lot of enrichment and a good variety of it. Including exercise and playtime in their daily lives is easy, but how can you enrich their mealtimes? Meals can always be made more fun and exciting...
Nopals are large cacti with pads (leaves) that are edible when the plant is young. You might know nopales by their nickname, the prickly pear cactus, and if you live in states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, you’ve likely...
Eating a cold and refreshing bowl of sherbet on a hot summer day sounds incredibly appealing, and it’s quite likely that your dog is watching every spoonful going into your mouth. This is the point when you wonder if it...
Honeydew melon is a favorite treat to eat in the summer heat. But if your dog is trying to get a piece, you want to make sure it is safe. Can dogs eat honeydew? Yes, dogs can eat honeydew in...
Getting a new puppy is always so exciting! You have this little bundle of fur just wanting to eat, sleep, and play with you. As a veterinarian, we often get asked how much food is appropriate to be feeding a...
Most Chinese food in the United States comes with a fun dessert—a classic fortune cookie. Fortune cookies are a charming way to cap a filling meal. Some diners end up with too many fortune cookies after eating, making it tempting...