7 Dog Breeds That Lick a Lot
Licking is a behavior dogs pick up as puppies when they use it to communicate with their mother.
A lick can mean anything from “I’m hungry” to “I love you” in the dog world.
However, when dogs lick people, it’s usually a sign of affectionate. Your pooch feels safe and secure with you and wants to show you how much you mean to him.
That’s why almost all dogs lick their owners from time to time.
But some overly affectionate dogs tend to express how much they love you far more often. So, here are 7 dogs that love to lick.
Unsurprisingly, the Labrador Retriever is the first in my list of dogs that lick a lot.
This cute dog remains one of the most popular breeds thanks to its friendly nature, eagerness to please, and gentle characters.
They also make excellent service dogs due to their relaxed temperament.
Usually, Labrador Retrievers are very affectionate towards their owners and often will lick to express their feelings.
In addition to this, Labradors tend to bond closely with their chosen human. So they might lick excessively as a way relive their anxiety when left alone.
Second in popularity, the Golden Retriever is also a dog that forms close bonds with his family and tends to be overly affectionate with almost everybody. Golden Retrievers are also sensitive to their owners’ moods, and they don’t hesitate to offer emotional support whenever you need it.
In addition to this, Golden Receivers are not shy to show how much they love you and will insist on proving it to you every day. That’s why they are among the breeds that lick a lot.
So, get used to receiving a lot of slobbering kisses from your Golden Retriever, especially when they haven’t seen you in a while.
Poodles aren’t only majestic and glamorous with their fluffy coats, but they are one of the smartest dogs in the world.
But as many Poodle owners could share, these cuties love to lick every chance they get. That’s because Poodles are a companion breed, despite their fowl retrieving past.
In addition to licking their owners, some Poodles also tend to lick themselves in a cat-like manner. While it’s cute, usually, the reason behind this behavior is allergies.
So, you’d want to take your Poodle to the vet if he is licking his paws or coat excessively.
Chihuahuas might one of the smallest dog breeds, but they have the personality of a giant dog. They are intelligent, curious, and bold.
But since Chihuahuas are companion dogs, they feel the happiest when they are around their people and are part of the action.
That’s also why they tend to show their affection by constantly licking their owners.
However, Chihuahuas often have dental problems and bad breath.
They often suffer from teeth overcrowding because they are mouths are too small for 42 teeth. As such, sometimes, Chihuahuas lick a lot when their teeth hurt.
Another dog breed that often gets mentioned when people talk about dogs that lick a lot is the goofy Pug. This cute often lick his people with the same enthusiasm a cat cleans a food plate.
While there are many reasons why your Pug is licking you like crazy, the most likely one is affection.
These dogs are companions and feel heartsick when you leave them alone for more than a couple of hours.
In addition to this, some Pugs like the salty taste, and as such, they might lick you excessively because you’re delicious.
Some Pugs also lick because they want you to pay them more attention.
White, small, and fluffy, the Bichon Frise is another small dog that licks a lot. In most cases, Bichon Frise licks people’s faces, feet, and hands because they’re showing affection.
These cuties are full of love and have a strong need to show how happy they feel every chance they get.
In addition to this, for some Bichon Frises, licking is like a security blanket because it brings back good memories from puppyhood.
So, some Bichon Frise dogs might overindulge in licking you whenever they feel anxious.
Moreover, Bichon Frise is prone to separation anxiety, and licking you might be their way of saying that they have missed you.
Last, but not least in our list of dog breeds that lick a lot is the Pit Bull. Unfortunately, Pit Bulls have quite the “bad” reputations, and people often consider them “aggressive.”
The truth is that a well-socialized Pit Bull is one of the best dogs you can ever have. They are lovable, gentle, and outgoing.
Despite their size, a lot of Pit Bulls will try to snuggle in your lap and demand attention.
They will also try to show how much love you by licking you whenever they have the chance to do so.
#6 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One of the most popular Spaniels, the “Cavi” is an attention hog and is always most content when he’s on your lap. A kiss wouldn’t hurt either.
Love at first kiss! Often seen as the epitome of the “lap dog,” it’s easy to see why 18th Century French Royals were taken with this loving little dog.
If you don’t have one, this may come as a shock to you, but the Am. Staffies is known for being people-orientated and loving with a personality similar to the Labrador Retriever. And slobbery kisses. The best kind!
Known as the over-grown lap dog, these gentle giants are as affectionate as they come, often leaning on their person to beg for attention. Don’t let the size fool you, Great Danes are incredibly laid back and content to bask in the warmth of the sun, next to the person they love most. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a loving smooch from this giant pooch.
This charming little dog steals the hearts of everyone they meet, and it’s a good thing too. He wouldn’t be happy if he wasn’t getting attention from everyone in the room.
This compact canine isn’t the typical Terrier type. Give this dog his daily walk and he will be content to curl up on the couch. As long as his human is close, the Skye Terrier is a happy non-camper.
Bred for companionship, the Tibetan Spaniel needs a daily leg stretch (as all dogs do) before they reclaim their place on the sofa, next to a warm body of course. How could you not kiss that lovable little face?
Weighing in between 150-175 pounds, the Newfoundland is an incredibly easy breed to keep happy. After a walk, they’re content to stretch out on a Lazy-boy next to their human. However, they may wonder why the human isn’t so keen to share the furniture with them. Share a wet one with the loving big lug.
These droopy eared canines are just as enjoyable to watch romp as they are to snuggle with. Bassets are likely to share a companion’s taste in movies, music and snacks provided they get first dibs on the snacks.
Swifter than lions, the Whippets feet may skim the ground as they fly around a dog park, working off the long night’s sleep. By the time they get home, it’s time for a long siesta, and some good old fashioned hugs and kisses.
Cheerful, loyal, happy, gentle are a few of the adjectives used to describe the Havanese. They are considered playful, a rousing game of fetch in the living room, a daily walk and hours of cuddles, this dog would continue to be cheerful and happy.
Whether it is decided to live with the “powder puff” or the “hairless” variety, the Chinese Crested breed is considered charming and friendly. Use the couch time to knit a sweater for the hairless one it may need a little extra warmth on those chilly morning walks.
Belly scratches. English Mastiffs love a good belly scratch, while stretched out across the sofa, watching Dog TV. The dog may seem reluctant to go on his daily walk, that is only because the couch cushions are finally where he wants them.
Laid back and devoted, two words Greyhound owners use to describe this breed that loves giving kisses. These racing dogs have earned their spots on the couch. With a daily walk about town, there is nothing better than circling a cushion three times and plopping down for a spell. A little snuggle. A peck or two. That’s a happy dog.
Whether it’s a mutt or a Great Pyrenees, let’s face it…most dogs love to give AND receive when it comes to kisses. Did we miss your breed? Share with us in the comments.
As with many dog behaviors, there are many reasons dogs give us tongue baths. Mostly, it’s a sign of affection, and we call them “kisses” for a reason. Sometimes dogs just enjoy the flavor of your skin or sweat perhaps.
Licking can also be a calming activity for dogs, literally. According to Victoria Stillwell for Animal Planet:
When puppies are born, their mother licks them, so they learn the action from day one. Licking is an instinctive behavior in dogs, and often a sign of submission. Good thing it’s just too darn cute to be icky!
What dog breeds kiss the most?
Also known for its loving nature, the Golden Retriever is commonly used for therapy work due to its friendly attitude toward everyone, even strangers. They definitely top the list of dog breeds that give the most kisses.
Why Do Dogs Lick Everything? | COLOSSAL QUESTIONS
We all have our own love languages, and so do dogs! If youre looking for a furry friend who loves physical touch as much as you do, look no further than the most affectionate dog breeds. Dogs show affection in many different ways, according to Julie Burgess, CPDT-KA, including licking, leaning on you, wagging their tail, nuzzling, and even jumping up on you, to name a few.
Dogs may exhibit all or some of these behaviors, depending on their individual personality or even breed history. Some breeds have historically been known to show more than an average amount of affection, but dont let a dogs breed deter you from believing they could be a huge cuddler.
“Any breed with the right amount of love and care can be affectionate,” says American Kennel Clubs Brandi Munden. “An affectionate breed is one that enjoys being with their owners, seeks out affection from their owners, and easily and happily receives affection.”
The number one way to get your dog to be more affectionate with you is to establish trust. Dogs who feel relaxed, content, and comfortable with humans are more likely to show affectionate behaviors, according to Janet Cutler, PhD, CAAB, CPDT-KA, with SeniorTailWaggers.com.
Building trust takes patience, but consistent training can expedite the process, says Burgess. Be clear with your dog about what you expect, and have patience. The truth is that all breeds are capable of affection, especially when they live in a caring household.
Here are some of the most affectionate dog breeds, ready to give (and receive!) lots of love.
Golden retrievers were initially bred to work with people, so thats where theyre the happiest. Theyre not even considered good watchdogs because theyre 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.
American pit bull terriers temperaments are largely misunderstood. In reality, they absolutely love their humans and want to spend as much time as possible with them. Pitties can be incredible family dogs, even around children, with their affectionate, loving, and energetic nature. And if theyre socialized at a young age, they can also make like-minded doggy friends easily. The key with pit bulls is to understand their care and exercise needs and to stay consistent with positive reinforcement training.
Labs have long reigned as Americas 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.
Talk about a sweetheart with floof that a child could get lost in while cuddling! Newfoundlands are gentle giants that love to loaf around—and on—their humans. If youre ever in doubt if your Newfoundland thinks fondly of you, theyll literally crush that doubt out of you during cuddle time, if you let them!
Great Danes stand almost three feet off the ground, but their big personalities are known for being lovable and kind, even around children. Additionally, they are very loyal and tolerate smaller beings, including children and cats, with proper introductions. Just make sure they dont get underfoot. Their feet are quite big!
Talk about a cuddle monster. Boxers absolutely love attention and crave affection from their families as much as they love giving it. If youre looking for an 80-pound lapdog, then this is your guy. Boxers will nuzzle up to you as close as possible with no regard for their size. But can you blame them? They love you!
Are we giving out awards for the sweetest dogs in the world? The Cavalier King Charles spaniel may be our winner. They were literally born to sit in your lap and love every stranger they come across, even veterinarians! Because of their affable personalities, they make a great pal for all ages.
No need for stuffed animals. Just adopt a curly white bichon frise. Their ultimate life goal is to make their humans happy, and they do that by always being down to snuggle. Plus, they dont weigh more than 18 pounds, making them the perfect furry baby to carry around.
The Welsh springer spaniel is not only historically known as a hunting dog from Great Britain but also a Velcro dog. These dogs absolutely love their humans and are incredibly affectionate, especially with kids, making them a great choice for families of all kinds. They love nothing more than to follow their humans around and are up for anything, making them great hiking and running companions. And with puppy dog eyes to boot, you wont be able to resist sharing the couch with them after a good stroll.
Originally bred for herding livestock in Scotland, collies now make popular family pets and great therapy dogs. Collies were originally bred to be caretakers, and they show up every day to do just that with their families (and would prefer youre around more often than not so they can do their jobs). They want nothing more to be your companion, making eye contact with you to let you know youre their special person. In return for all that shedding and long hair, you get a dog that will be completely devoted to you forever.
It should come as no surprise to you that goldendoodles made our list. Goldendoodles, a highly affectionate crossbreed of the poodle and the golden retriever, are known for their intelligence and loyalty to their humans. They love to socialize and rarely meet someone they dont like. Plus, their soft, curly coats make them super cuddly and comfy.
Big, beautiful Bernese mountain dogs have always charmed owners for a reason and are beloved for their sweet, calm, easygoing nature and their devotion to their families, including children. They dont like being alone and prefer to hang out with their humans—whatever theyre doing. Berners are considered a lower-energy breed, which makes them the perfect snuggle partner at the end of the day. And their big, floofy coats make pets irresistible!
In addition to boasting a sweet little face and silky coat, cocker spaniels are the absolute best on the home front, whether theyre walking around the backyard with the kiddos or cuddling up next to their senior owner on the couch. While they were originally bred as hunting dogs, they now relish in their role as companion animals at home with their humans. Theyll follow you from room to room until youre settled down—then, theyll settle down right next to you.
Do you have a surplus in attention to give? Then, whistle over to your shih tzu and invite them to perch on your lap (theyve perfected their role as lap dogs for more than a thousand years). Theyll lounge there all day if you let them. You can get up and move around, but make sure to let this long-haired beauty come with you—theyll demand attention and affection from you!
Although Tibetan terriers are incredibly shy, they instill a lot of trust in their owners and cant wait to spend time with you. As much time as possible, in fact. They historically watched over families in ancient times and arent giving up that duty any time soon. So, humor them and let them keep a close eye on you. And that beautiful, thick coat (that happens to be allergy-friendly) is just waiting for a pet from their favorite humans!