We love all dogs, but sometimes you want to cuddle with something a little more fitting
to be sitting in your lap.
No big dogs here.
In this edition of Animal Facts, we look at the small dog breeds that love to cuddle so
that you will never feel lonely again.
10.
Maltese
The Maltese, a loyal companion breed, exists for human contact, so prepare yourself to
spend a lot of cuddle time with your little white furball.
The breed originated entirely as companions and “comforters,” especially favored by
royal ladies, who often carried them in their sleeves or held them in their laps when in
their carriages for warmth.
These pups don’t shed much and happen to be an excellent choice for those that have
allergies.
So, go ahead and cuddle up to your charming companion.
9.
Pug
The Pug will do more than fill your lap.
It will fill your life with laughter and love.
A fun-loving dog with an incredible amount of energy and an amazingly even temper, the
Pug is a sought-after choice as a small family companion that gets along well with children
and other pets alike.
An active attention-seeker by heart, the Pug, enjoys a good cuddle, especially if a nap
is involved.
And when the nap is over, remember Pugs just wanna have fun.
Fun fact: Emperors of China from as early as 400BC kept
Pugs as lapdogs and treated them to all the lavishness of royal life, including giving
them their own mini palaces and guards.
8.
Affenpinscher
Ever wanted to cuddle an Ewok?
Well, the Affenpinscher almost makes your dreams come true.
According to the AKC, “This isn’t a breed you train.
He’s like a human.
You befriend him.”
And once you befriend it, you receive a cuddle buddy for life.
Some might say it’s not the prettiest dog on the list, but the “monkey terrier,”
as fans sometimes call it, is considered one of the top dog breeds for emotional support
animals.
And, after all, isn’t that what cuddles are for?
7.
Havanese
I often get a lot of comments mentioning that I left out the Havanese once again.
I know, I know.
It’s just that its cousins, the Bichon Frise and Maltese, often overshadow it in popularity.
Here, the Havanese absolutely fits in.
It is a stage 5 clinger.
Havanese dogs love to cuddle with their owners.
They give never-ending attention to anyone who loves them back.
They are playful, they love to be affectionate, and they despise independence.
If you were in a relationship with this small velcro dog, you would never be allowed on
the Internet, or you’d have a joint Facebook account.
6.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be one of the smallest dog breeds on the planet, but they possess the
most enormous personalities with their sometimes overdramatized and sassy charm.
Chihuahuas prefer one person.
They develop strong bonds with their owner, often loving nothing more than a lap snuggle
as long as that person will sit still.
It’s not to say that the Chihuahua is not playful.
They are quite lively and are animated characters to boot.
But, if you’re sitting, your Chi will be near you, very near you.
5.
Italian Greyhound
Many of you know the Italian Greyhound through YouTube superstar Jenna Marbles.
And, you’ll let us know in the comments.
Go ahead; we love Jenna.
And her Iggies love her.
Italian Greyhounds love to cuddle.
They also like to burrow under blankets and even pull a blanket off the back of the couch.
If you pick up a blanket, chances are there’s your dog under it, just waiting for you to
join the cuddle.
Iggies are a bit more active than their not so miniature Greyhound cousins and are prone
to getting a case of the zoomies up and down your hallway, but they lie around about 22-hours
a day, so you’ll have plenty of time to cuddle your pup.
Fun Fact: Cuddling your dog isn’t just good for your pet — it’s excellent for you.
While oxytocin is released, human cortisol levels drop, alongside a calmed heart rate
after a session of petting and cuddling.
Cortisol is your body’s stress hormone, used to bring about metabolic action to help
you deal with your “hostile” environment and regulate your body — but excess levels
lead to physical breakdown and anxiety.
4.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are incredibly loyal, brave, and affectionate with their people, making them
a top cuddle candidate.
Sassy and vocal, they like to be the boss.
Poms can also be stubborn if not getting what they want.
The Pomeranian demands to be the center of attention.
If your lap is the place to get that attention, then that is where the attention will be had.
3.
Dachshund
If you’ve ever met a strange Dachshund, you likely met a surprisingly loud bark for
a little dog.
And, many Doxies are not all that comfortable meeting a stranger.
But, with their people, Dachshunds are absolute Velcro dogs.
They love to snuggle with you on the couch, sleep with you in bed, and follow you around
the house (including into the bathroom).
Generally, they excel at being your shadow.
A social dog, the Dachshund does not like solitude.
A lonely Dachshund will find a way to keep itself entertained.
2.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Not so much a couch-potato, because it is, after all, a Spaniel, the Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel is a true companion dog.
While not as busy as its Spaniel cousins like the Cocker Spaniel or English Springer, the
Cavalier loves to play, loves to run, and loves to chase birds and squirrels in the
garden.
But, when play and frolicking end, a good cuddle while winding down in front of the
TV is a great way to finish the day.
It was a companion dog for 17th-century nobility, after all.
This little toy really is the king of the lapdogs.
Cavaliers are consummate lap dogs.
Known for their friendliness and affection, they love nothing more than cuddling up with
their owners.
Cavaliers bond with their masters so strongly, they aren’t recommended for people who are
often away from home.
Before I move onto number one, what dog breed shares your sofa for a good cuddle?
1.
Shih Tzu
We are drawn to the sweet temper and fun appearance of this diminutive Asian breed.
Shih Tzus are perfect for couch potatoes since they’re more than happy to snuggle up in
your lap for the long haul, whether you’re reading a book or binging on the latest Netflix
hit.
Shih Tzus have a long lineage of cuddling.
With roots in Chinese royalty dating as far back as 800BC, Shih Tzus were (and are) prized
for their companionship.
These adorable, plush canines are intensely loyal, affectionate, and always down to cuddle,
which is why they’re widely loved across class lines today.
You don’t even require a palace.
Why don’t you cuddle up with a few more videos?
You know ya wanna.
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And as always, catch ya next time.