Do Some Dogs Cuddle More Than Others?
While always keeping in mind that each pooch has an individual personality, anecdotal evidence suggests some dogs are more cuddly than others. Echterling-Savage says if youre wondering about a specific breed, check their history first.
And even some largest dog breeds, such as Great Danes or mastiffs, can be snugglers, too. “I believe some giant breeds get the stereotype of being lap dogs because they sometimes like to sit on your lap,” Echterling-Savage says. “They dont know just how giant they are!”
However, Pilossoph cautions prospective pet parents not to choose a breed based on a canines natural predilection to cuddle, as a dogs preferences can change over time for various reasons, including unexpected health issues or behavioral problems.
Just because dogs are more affectionate does not mean that cats are not affectionate at all. Cats also produce that hormone oxytocin, but just in smaller amounts. Your cat may not be jumping on you, greeting you at the door, or overly excited to see you. But they do show some affection towards you in subtle ways such as purring, cheek rubbing, sitting next to you, or the tip of their tails will twitch. So do not write your cat off as cold and callous just yet. He or she may have been showing small signs of affection towards you all along. Dogs just wear their hearts on their sleeves more.
Also, dogs are much more social animals than cats are. Dogs originated from their wolf ancestors who lived, worked, and hunted in packs. This social order allowed them to bond with members of their packs. Dogs today see their owner and their owners families as part of their pack and will bond quicker than cats. This is because cats are more rogue than dogs and prefer to go it alone. Dogs also look to their owners for safety, security, and to have their needs met. Cats do not form these secure attachments. Of course, they rely on us to feed them, but if they were really hungry they would find themselves a mouse or chipmunk to devour. Throughout history, cats have been the better hunters. This is no different than today. With that being said, your dog will continue to greet you at the door, pouncing and licking you to death, while your cat will eventually come to you when she wants to be petted. It is just their nature. As long as neither pet is overly scared of you then just know this is perfectly normal behavior.
Dogs need socializing, they actually thrive on it. So do your best to give them the attention they need. Also, think about taking them to dog parks so they can interact with other dogs. Your dog will love you even more for the quality time you spend with him or her. Also keep in mind, in order to keep this great bond between you and your dog, be sure you are meeting your dogs needs such as feeding them appropriately, taking them out to exercise, grooming them, and helping them to have restful sleep. For any pet, when you take care of them, they will reward you tenfold. So, do not get lazy with your responsibilities, especially if you want the best for your beloved pet.
You can’t change the science. Dogs are just more adapted to showing affection and there is nothing wrong with that. Cats make awesome pets as well, but they like to be loners. So do not worry about these behaviors. Nature is funny this way. It has given each animal their own characteristics or personality traits. It is like trying to change a zebra’s stripes, you can’t. Just keep loving your animals, that is all that matters.
The debate on which pet is more loveable has been going on for years. Yet, when you come down to it, one of the root reasons behind why dogs show more affection than cats is because of science. There is a hormone mammals release when they feel love or affection for someone called oxytocin. There have been several studies that show both dogs and cats produce this hormone when they come in contact with their owners, however, dogs produce almost five times more of this hormone upon seeing their owner than cats do. This goes to show that dogs really do love their owners and give more affection to them than cats do. The cats had a very small response to their owners, which may play a part in their timidness or aloofness.
Why do dogs like to cuddle?
“Dogs cuddle to get warmth, bond with their family members or pack, and because it releases chemicals and hormones that make them feel good,” Bernal says.
When dogs cuddle with us, their brains release the feel-good hormone oxytocin, “which reinforces their desire and enjoyment of touch and bonding,” she adds.
The desire to cuddle is rooted in dog domestication — dogs have evolved to be with humans — but it also has to do with a more fundamental evolutionary desire to be in social groups with other dogs.
“Dogs in the wild and young puppies often cuddle with their littermates and mother as a way of bonding and showing subordination,” Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian at Hepper, tells Inverse.
“When your dog cuddles with you, they’re showing their complete trust and love in your relationship,” Bonk adds.
“Dogs are pack animals by nature, so touch and affection are a strong love language,” Bernal explains further.
But cuddles can mean very different things to dogs than humans, she adds. It can even lead to another typical dog behavior: Zoomies.
“For some dogs, especially those who are younger and learning to play, cuddling can be a way of engagement that excites them, leading to a period of hyperactivity or those classic zoomies around your home,” Bernal adds.
Cuddling can also turn into aggression if another person is nearby and the dog feels protective of their pet parent.
Please pay attention to your dog’s body language to assess whether and how they want to be cuddled (more on that below).
Dog Didn’t Like Cuddling Until A Kitten Came Into His Life | The Dodo
Youre snuggled on the couch, relaxing and streaming your favorite show, and whos curled up right next to you with their head on your lap? None other than your favorite canine companion. But have you ever wondered why some dogs like to cuddle … but others dont? Here are some possible reasons.
One primary reason why some dogs like to cuddle is because they consider you part of their close-knit group and want to show affection and love, says Zac Pilossoph, DVM, CMFT, CAVM.
Pilossoph likens dog cuddling to canines meeting at the dog park. First, they smell one another to get a feel for their new friend and generate a memory of them. If they like each other, they cuddle and rub up against each other to show their fondness and friendship.
But theres another important reason why pups seek out close contact. Kristyn Echterling-Savage, PhD, CAAB, BCBA-D, is a certified applied animal behaviorist and behavior analyst, as well as founder and CEO of Beyond the Dog training centers. She says aside from showing affection, some dogs try to cuddle—or appear to—when theyre exhibiting fear.
“Dogs afraid of thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud or scary environmental events might try to cuddle,” she explains. “Knowing the difference is essential, because providing too much attention when dogs engage in a fear-related response can make the behavior worse longterm.”