30 Dog Breeds That Love to Cuddle With Their Humans

Some dogs want to chase balls or guard the yard. Others? They’re happiest being little spoon. If you’re the kind of person who wants a warm body curled up against you on the couch or in bed, these 30 affectionate breeds are known for their love of human touch and serious cuddle game.

Golden Retriever

These gentle giants are known for their sweet nature and deep loyalty. After playtime or a long walk, they love pressing against you for warmth and reassurance. Whether it’s a nap on the floor or a quiet night on the couch, Goldens are happiest when they’re touching their favorite human. Their affectionate nature is matched only by their eagerness to please.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These graceful lap dogs seem built for snuggling. With their soft fur and loving gaze, they’ll happily curl into your chest or nestle beside your legs for hours. They don’t just tolerate closeness, they actually crave it. Their calm temperament and quiet affection make them one of the best breeds for bonding.

Labrador Retriever

Labs may be known for their energy, but they’re also incredibly affectionate. Once they’ve burned off steam, they often sprawl across your lap or snuggle beside you with a paw resting on your foot, as if to say “I’m staying right here.” Their loyalty is unwavering, and they never miss a chance to show it.

Great Dane

They may be massive, but Great Danes have no concept of personal space. These affectionate giants will lean into you, climb into your lap, or rest their entire head on your chest. Despite their size, they’re incredibly gentle and emotionally sensitive, making them surprisingly loving companions.

Bichon Frise

Small, fluffy, and endlessly cheerful, Bichons love being cradled, snuggled, and doted on. They’re often happiest tucked into the crook of your arm or burrowed into a blanket on your lap. Their joyful personality and love of attention make them natural snugglers who seek constant closeness.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are famously gentle giants with an incredibly affectionate nature. Despite their large size, they’re incredibly soft-hearted and calm, often called “nanny dogs” for their sweet interactions with children. When they cuddle, they don’t just lie beside you—they melt into you. You’ll often find them resting their huge head on your lap, leaning their full weight against your body, or gently pawing you for affection.

Havanese

The Havanese is a small breed with a big heart. Originally bred as a companion dog, this fluffy bundle of affection adores human contact and craves closeness. You’ll often find your Havanese following you from room to room, just waiting for the next opportunity to curl up beside you. They’re incredibly adaptable, equally happy cuddling on the couch or snuggled up under your arm while you read.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffies might have a stocky, muscular frame, but underneath their tough appearance is a heart full of love. They’re sometimes called “nanny dogs” for their affectionate, protective behavior around children, but their love extends to every member of the family. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier will happily curl into your lap, even if they barely fit, and press their face into your chest, neck, or hands.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu has centuries of lapdog history behind it—and it shows. Bred to keep Chinese royalty company, this breed is essentially a living cuddle magnet. Shih Tzus are incredibly people-oriented and love to nestle into soft spaces right next to their humans. They’ll climb onto your lap, tuck themselves against your side, and happily spend the whole afternoon dozing in your arms.

Pug

Few breeds are as naturally cuddly as the Pug. With their compact size, squishy faces, and warm personalities, they are built for closeness. Pugs adore burrowing into blankets, curling into your lap, or sleeping with their head resting on your leg. They love being the center of your attention and are often happiest when they’re physically touching their humans. Expect them to follow you around the house and settle beside you the moment you sit down.

American Pit Bull Terrier

Pit Bulls are among the most affectionate, people-loving dogs you’ll ever meet. While their reputation has been unfairly shaped by myths and misinformation, their reality is all about loyalty, love, and closeness. These dogs thrive on touch. They’ll rest their chin on your shoulder, curl up with their entire body pressed into yours, or climb into your lap like an oversized baby.

Maltese

Elegant and devoted, the Maltese is a toy breed that excels at affection. Their tiny size makes them the perfect lap companion, and their calm, trusting demeanor ensures they’re always happy to settle in for a snuggle. Whether they’re resting in your arms, cuddled under a blanket, or nestled next to you on a chilly evening, the Maltese wants to be close. They bond deeply with their people and often follow them around the house, looking for any opportunity to connect.

Boxer

Boxers are bouncy, energetic dogs by nature—but once they’re done playing, they crash hard and love to snuggle. Their deep loyalty to their family makes them constant companions who will happily lean into you, rest their heads in your lap, or even try to climb into bed for a nap. Boxers are known for their expressive faces and deep, soulful eyes, which they use to beg for one more cuddle.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, loving, and deeply attached to their families. They have a calm, peaceful energy and love resting beside their humans, especially after a walk or time outside. You’ll often find them leaning against you with their head on your lap or sitting right beside your feet like a loyal statue.

Yorkshire Terrier

Small but fiercely loyal, Yorkies form intense bonds with their humans and love being physically close. They’re known for curling up on laps, hiding under blankets, or sleeping with their tiny bodies pressed right against you. Yorkies may have a big personality, but at heart, they’re soft, affectionate, and eager to connect. Their cuddles are more than cute—they’re a way of claiming their favorite human and showing trust.

Papillon

Don’t let their dainty appearance fool you—Papillons are bold, devoted, and incredibly affectionate. These small dogs form deep bonds with their humans and love to stay physically close. Whether they’re perching on your shoulder like a feathered friend or curling up beside your leg, they’re happiest when they’re touching you. Their long, flowing ears give them a regal look, but their behavior is pure lovebug.

Bulldog

Bulldogs may look a little gruff on the outside, but they’re big-hearted, easygoing snugglebugs. These dogs adore lounging around the house and will happily plant themselves against your side, or even across your legs, for a cozy nap. They love routine, and if cuddling is part of it, all the better. Bulldogs are emotionally loyal and love touch, often pressing their full weight against their favorite person.

Chihuahua

These tiny companions are fiercely devoted and clingy in the sweetest way possible. Chihuahuas want to be wherever you are—curled in your lap, tucked under your sweater, or even zipped into a hoodie. They don’t just like warmth; they seek your body heat as a source of comfort and connection. Their size allows them to get incredibly close, and they form powerful attachments to their favorite person. While they can be sassy and bold, their cuddly side is undeniable.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are curious, clever, and famously snuggly. These long-bodied dogs love to burrow, making them natural blanket dwellers and bed companions. Whether they’re tunneling under the covers or nestling behind your knees, Doxies want full contact. Their strong bond with their family often shows up in the form of persistent cuddling and gentle nudges for affection. They may be independent outdoors, but once inside, they’re all about warmth and comfort.

Collie

Collies are sensitive, elegant dogs with a calm demeanor and a strong desire to be close to their family. They’re incredibly loyal and emotionally perceptive, often sensing your mood before you say a word. When they cuddle, it’s not just for comfort—it’s to offer reassurance and love. You’ll find them lying next to you with their head on your lap or gently leaning into you with a soft gaze. They may not demand attention like some breeds, but their presence is constant and comforting.

Australian Shepherd

Smart, active, and incredibly bonded to their humans, Australian Shepherds aren’t just athletes—they’re affectionate companions. After a full day of play or training, they love nothing more than curling up next to their person. Aussies are known for resting their heads on laps, pressing their bodies into yours, or placing a paw gently on your chest. They crave connection and reassurance, often using physical closeness to feel secure.

Irish Wolfhound

Despite their towering size, Irish Wolfhounds are gentle, affectionate giants. These calm and noble dogs often surprise people with how tender their personalities are. They enjoy lying quietly beside their humans, resting their long heads in your lap, or curling around your feet like a living throw rug. They’re incredibly patient, intuitive, and deeply bonded to their families. When they snuggle, it’s soft, slow, and intentional.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are sweet, sensitive souls that adore being near their people. With their soft coats and trusting eyes, they’re natural cuddlers who thrive on gentle touch. They love curling up at your feet, nestling into your lap, or resting their head on your arm while you relax. These dogs are emotionally in tune and often seek closeness when you’re feeling down.

Japanese Chin

Dignified yet affectionate, Japanese Chins have an aristocratic air balanced by an intense love for their humans. These elegant lap dogs are happiest when nestled in your arms, lying on your lap, or resting gently against your shoulder. Their silky coats make cuddling feel extra luxurious, and their calm, quiet nature is ideal for peaceful snuggle time. They don’t demand attention, but they melt into your presence when given the chance.

Miniature Schnauzer

Mini Schnauzers are lively, loyal, and deeply affectionate with their families. Though they have a strong independent streak, their love for cuddling is just as strong. After a day of play or barking at birds, they’re quick to settle next to you, head resting on your leg or shoulder. They enjoy closeness but prefer it on their terms—always with heart. Their wiry coat and expressive eyes add to their quirky charm, and their snuggles feel like a reward for mutual trust.

French Bulldog

Frenchies are cuddle pros. These compact, muscular pups love curling into your side, sprawling across your legs, or wedging themselves into small, warm spaces. They snort, grunt, and wiggle with contentment during snuggles, and they’re happiest when pressed against you under a blanket. Despite their tough little build, they’re deeply attached to their humans and thrive on affection. They don’t need much space or exercise, but they do need a lot of love.

Pekingese

Bred to sit on the laps of Chinese royalty, the Pekingese has never forgotten its legacy. This breed loves being held, stroked, and admired—all while nestled cozily in your lap. They have a proud but affectionate temperament and enjoy quiet companionship. Pekingese often nap close to their humans, wrapping themselves in soft blankets and exuding a calm, cuddly energy. Their long fur and compact size make them ideal for gentle, soothing snuggles.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties are gentle, intelligent, and extremely devoted to their families. While they may be reserved around strangers, they’re total cuddlebugs with their loved ones. They’ll lie at your feet, press against your side, or gently rest their head in your lap. Shelties are intuitive and often pick up on your emotional state, offering affection when you need it most. Their beautiful coats and calm disposition make every snuggle feel peaceful.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are compact, goofy, and full of charm—and they love nothing more than being close to their humans. They’ll crawl into bed, tuck themselves into your side on the couch, or curl up under the covers like a seasoned cuddler. Their big, round eyes and expressive faces melt hearts, and their quiet snuggles are filled with warmth. They’re also sensitive, so if you’re sad or tired, they’re quick to press close and offer company.

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are sleek, elegant, and extremely affectionate. Because of their thin coats, they’re always looking for warmth, which usually means burrowing under blankets or snuggling right up against you. They love being cradled, held like babies, or draped across your lap like a scarf. Their bond with their humans is intense, and they use physical closeness to express their love and loyalty. Don’t be surprised if they shiver their way under your sweater and stay there for hours.