10 of the Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Michelle Milliken
Sharing your life with a dog has plenty of benefits, from staying active with them on walks to having someone with whom you can enjoy some adventures. At the end of a fun day with your pup, though, it may be nice to have a little snuggle with them. Here are some affectionate dog breeds that are more than happy to get a bit cozy with you.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is pretty fluffy and adorable. It’s hard not to love them just for that. But wait... there’s more! These dogs are among the breeds known to be good with cats. The same goes for other dogs and kids. Their charm makes it pretty easy for anyone they encounter - from human to animal - to enjoy their company, too. While these dogs enjoy the company of most people in return – and certainly enjoy making them laugh – there’s a special place in their canine hearts for their human family. Get ready for lots of cuddles amid the silliness.
Border Collies
Border collies are working dogs at heart, so they need lots of exercise and require a fair bit of upkeep to make sure their energy is channeled in the right way. However, at the end of the day, they’re ready to recharge with a bit of a cuddle. Their hardworking nature extends to their role as furbaby, as they want to spend lots of time with their human. These loyal pups are ready to follow you around and love on you during your adventures, even those around the house.
Boxer
Boxers look tough, with their strong, athletic build. They also need lots of exercise, and can be determined guard dogs. However, they are also lovable, needy goofballs. This breed is especially fond of kids, protecting them and sharing affection with them in equal parts. They have a strong attachment to their humans and need to get plenty of attention from them. If they don’t get enough time with their owners, there could be some separation anxiety. They just want to follow their people around, ready to snuggle up against them when the opportunity strikes. This may be especially helpful during the winter, as these pups are among the breeds that don't do so well with cold weather.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
With such a noble name, there’s one throne the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could sit on: that of the kingdom of cuddliness. This breed is known to be gentle, sweet, playful, and a friend to other pets and strangers. In fact, it may look on strangers as buddies it just hasn’t met yet. In addition to this easygoing, friendly nature, these pooches are highly affectionate. They like to interact with their humans as much as possible, whether it’s lounging around the house or going for a walk, making them a pretty great lap dog.
Golden Retriever
A highly popular breed among animal lovers, golden retrievers are great members of the family. They’re easygoing, playful, quick to learn, and sharp as a tack. Their sweet nature extends to strangers, other pets, and children. There’s extra sweetness in store for their favorite people, though. These dogs love to be showered with love and give back just as much.
Great Dane
Great Danes cut a pretty imposing figure, but they’re sweet as can be. These amiable giants make friends easily, can be fairly playful, are dependable, and are ready to protect their families. They’re also steadfast companions. even for kids. When their people are kicking their feet up at the end of the day, these pups are ready to join in, cuddling up to them on the couch, possibly unaware of their size.
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are gentle, friendly, entertaining, and best kept inside. They’re relatively low maintenance, too, since they don’t require much exercise. What they do require is attention… and LOTS of it. Sometimes described as clingy, this breed can be downright needy in their quest for love. Wherever you are, that’s where they’d like to be. Once they catch up with you, get ready for lots of attention and affection.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds. There’s good reason for that, too! They’re trainable, playful, sharp, and full of pep. These lovable pooches are also known to get along well with kids, cats, and even other dogs. That’s not even the best part, though. They really love to be with their people, enjoying whatever activity their humans are doing, and they’ll love filling your home with some canine affection.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands, or Newfies, are among the breeds that love the water, and they have a history of working as water dogs. They’re also pretty adept at rescuing swimmers, even spending time as lifeguards in the past. They’re quite large and protective, too, earning them the moniker of “nanny dog” for their guardianship of kids. These brave giants are also cuddle monsters, though. They are ready to keep all their humans company, not just the little ones, happy to snuggle up against them on the couch for some bonding time.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers may look big, bulky, and intimidating, but for the most part, only the first two apply. While they are tough, protective, and stubborn, they’re also playful, fun-loving, and gentle. They’re so gentle in fact, that they’re also often called “nanny dogs” for how good they are with kids, both in play and protection. This lovable pooch needs time with all of his people, though, so be sure to spend lots of time with him so he can get his fill. He’ll return that attention with all kinds of love.
