Our furry friend, the dog, has a place in human society and can fill many roles from companion to farm worker to medical service dog. Some breeds are selected for their intelligence, others are prized for their value as travel companions, but the doggies on this list of the most cuddly dog breeds are all snuggle monsters! Though there may be any number of reasons that a person might want a dog, some people want a cuddly teddy bear that they can love on.

It’s no secret that pets hold a special place in their owners’ hearts, as eight in 10 say that their pets are their number one source of joy, according to a survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners. Pets give so much more than just love and loyalty to their parents, whether it’s helping them become more mature (48%), teaching them patience (45%), or improving their overall mental health (43%). It’s no wonder that six in 10 pet owners admit to confiding in their pets when they have a bad day and prefer to snuggle up with them instead of their partners. It is precisely these individuals that we had in mind when researching our list.

Dogs also have a well-documented ability to help raise the spirits of hospital patients. Therapy dogs in children’s hospitals significantly uplift the spirits of both patients and staff, a new study reveals. Recently, dogs have helped to soothe children in various countries receiving their COVID vaccinations. This recent study confirms that these canine companions indeed offer essential support during challenging medical experiences. The researchers from Japan report that the most profound impacts take place in palliative care — easing suffering among patients with serious or terminal conditions. A considerable majority of the new study, approximately 73 percent, indicated that therapy dogs were “very often” or “always” beneficial during terminal phases. Similarly, these respondents confirmed that full-time “hospital facility dogs” (HFDs) consistently assisted in gaining patient cooperation.

People considering adding an affectionate dog to their home might find our list of the top five most cuddly dog breeds to be a very important resource in their research for snuggles. Let us know your favorite affectionate dogs in the comments below!

The List: Most Cuddly Dog Breeds, Per Canine Experts

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are love muffins. “The golden retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States since they tend to be very affectionate, gentle, fun-loving, and smart. They are often a top choice as a family pet. Goldens enjoy playing with kids, although they can get easily excited, and their playful energy can overwhelm smaller kids. Their intelligence and eagerness to please also make this breed easier to train than most. This breed remains happy and content when they get plenty of exercise and enrichment. If you’re the type of person who likes to have a dog sleep with you, a golden might just take you up on the offer,” raves The Spruce Pets.

“Golden retrievers were initially bred to work with people, so that’s where they’re the happiest. They’re not even considered good watchdogs because they’re glad to see everyone. Let them share your bed so they can spoon you at night! Goldens also make great service and therapy dogs because of their kind, gentle, affectionate nature,” according to Daily Paws.

“Golden Retrievers are by far one of the most affectionate dog breeds out there, which makes them excellent family dogs. They’re great with children, they’re gentle, loving and kind and will never say no to a belly rub. They love to lay down and cuddle with you, and they’ll give you just as much affection as you give them. They’re loyal dogs that are loving and trustful,” offers Yahoo!News.

2. Pug

For some people, pugs are just right. “Pugs love their owners and can be very needy, demanding attention from them nearly all the time. They’ll often follow you around and want to sprawl out on the bed or in your lap – anywhere near you will do. They enjoy belly rubs, kisses, and cuddles and are the perfect snuggle buddy whenever you need a pick me up,” exclaims Pets Radar.

“They follow their owners from room to room and have zero notion of personal space. Originally bred for Chinese royalty, these tiny pups were intended to be lap dogs making them extremely affectionate towards humans. They love to be the center of attention, and generally like to stick close to the people they love,” adds Reader’s Digest.

“Pugs are ridiculously friendly little doggos who love anyone and everyone who is around them. They tend to be outgoing little goofballs who are super busy living their best lives at the dog park, at home, and everywhere in between. They exude happiness from their funny little faces,” offers Southern Living.

3. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers consistently show up with our sources as one of the best all-around dog breeds. “Look at that lil face! You can count on Labs (your options are black Labs, yellow Labs, and chocolate Labs, which are all equally cute, so good luck not coming home with all three) to love you just as much as they wanna run, play, and go on hikes,” explains Cosmopolitan.

“Labradors are known for their sensitive and affectionate nature, They’re great with other pets and children, and thrive when they feel like a member of the family… love and loyalty is inherent instinct to Labrador[s]. It’s their natural instinct to love and protect their own,” writes Daily Mail.

“Labs have long reigned as America’s most popular dog breed. They are incredibly gentle and sweet, always wagging their tails at one thing or another. While they are sometimes confused with golden retrievers, the comparison is always a good one. Both breeds are good-natured and great with families. If you do add an affectionate Lab to your family, remember that they are high-energy dogs that require lots of activity, but these intelligent dogs are eager to please and highly trainable,” according to Daily Paws.

4. Great Dane

One of the most famous large dog breeds is also said to be one of the most affectionate. “Originally known as the gentle giant, they adore snuggling up to the people that they love and don’t handle being alone very well. As Great Danes tower over other dogs and most humans on their hind legs, just the sight of them may make people cower, but they are one of the most patient and friendly pups around,” writes Reader’s Digest.

“Despite being super-sized and somewhat intimidating, Great Danes are actually complete cuddle bugs! Truly embodying the ‘gentle giant’ label, Great Danes are big pooches (they’re actually the largest dog breed in the world by most measures) who often act like tiny little lap dogs, given the intense way they bond with their people,” adds K9 of Mine.

“Don’t be fooled by their size. Great Danes are darn good cuddlers. Friendly, patient, and dependable, Great Danes are ‘a joy to live with,’ according the American Kennel Club. These majestic dogs are often rambunctious as puppies, but they become gentle giants in adulthood,” writes Southern Living.

5. English Bulldogs

Bulldogs are often regarded as a very affectionate breed. “Speaking of good-natured lugs: the English bulldog also qualifies for that moniker. They are naturally sweet, extremely docile, and known for their gentle dispositions. They are loyal and dependable… ‘people-oriented’ and ‘actively solicit human attention.’ Plus, they are fun to look at and even more fun to cuddle up with for a nap (although they are known to snore),” according to Southern Living.

“Don’t let that mug fool you. The English Bulldog has a reputation of being sweet and lazy—which comes in handy if you’re looking for a four-legged pal to curl up with. They have gentle, good-natured dispositions, but with a snout like that, don’t be surprised if you catch them snoring… constantly!… So, if you’re the one craving affection, we guarantee that if you have an English Bulldog, the feeling is mutual,” explains Parade Pets.

“Bulldogs are exceptionally cuddly and can often be big sleepyheads. They love attention and only get more relaxed as they get older, so if you bond with them when they’re young expect a constant cuddle companion. They can be incredibly gentle and affectionate, and their short stature makes them especially cuddly,” claims Yahoo!News.

You might also be interested in:

• Best Dog Breeds For Busy Owners
• Best Dogs For Emotional Support
• Best Dog Breeds For Warm Climates
• Best Dog Breeds For Travel

Sources

• The Spruce Pets
• Pets Radar
• Cosmopolitan
• Daily Mail
• Daily Paws
• Reader’s Digest
• K9 of Mine
• Southern Living
• Parade Pets
• Yahoo!News

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.