If you have a Pug, there’s no doubt that you’re constantly hugging them, at least I know I did with Mindy my black Pug. If you’ve ever wondered do Pugs like to cuddle and is it actually good for them, you’re in the right place.
Do Pugs Like To Cuddle?
The short answer is Yes, Pugs absolutely love cuddling with their humans. Pugs tend to crave it more than others and tend to be natural cuddlers.
This breed lives to please their human companions and this is what makes them a great pet for families, seniors, or anyone else. Once they bond with you, they’ll become your little shadow and follow you all over. Read this if your dog doesn’t want you picking them up.
Pugs love pleasing their humans and they’ll do anything to make you happy, even if it makes them look comical and foolish. (given their name clown dogs)
Cuddling And Hugging
Pugs even love hugs! I used to hug her every morning. I didn’t consider it destructive behavior because she loved the hugs. In fact, she used to come up to me every morning for her daily hug.
However, some dogs do not like hugs because it makes them feel trapped. (source) Basically, hugging a dog can make some pooches feel like they can’t escape or run away if danger is near.
Those doggie hugs may actually be causing the anxiety and stress levels in dogs to be much higher.
Just because hugging a dog can be bad, doesn’t mean that you can’t spend time cuddling your Pug!
Cuddling VS Hugging What’s The Difference
As I mentioned you should not hug your dog, especially, if they don’t like it. If they start squirming around trying to get away, there’s a good chance you’re cuddling them too much and making them feel uncomfortable.
However, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t cuddle with them. Now you’re probably wondering, what’s the difference?
A hug consists of wrapping your arms around your Pug and making them feel trapped. Cuddling consists of when your four-legged friend snuggles up close to you. It’s their way of showing you affection.
This girl is hugging her Pug and based on the Pug’s face, they don’t look very comfortable. As a Pug owner, it’s important to be sensitive to your dog’s needs.
If they don’t like hugs, then respect their wishes and don’t hug them. Of course, you can still snuggle, pet, and rub those adorable wrinkles.
Most Pugs will snuggle by getting on your lap to watch TV or laying down right beside you. They will want to make sure that they are laying close enough to touch you.
When they do this, it’s okay to acknowledge them by petting them or wrapping one arm lightly around them. As long as you don’t make them feel trapped.
Some Pugs may even nudge your hand because they want you to pet them. Mindy used to do this whenever she snuggled with me.
Let your dog come to you, don’t try to force the cuddles.
It’s also important to remember that too much cuddling can lead to separation anxiety in your Pug.
Other Dogs That Like To Cuddle
While it’s true, not all dogs love to get hugs, most of them do love cuddling. They are extremely affectionate and come in many different sizes. If you’re looking for another dog besides a Pug, and want to make sure you get a dog that is eager-to-please, you’re in luck.
Here’s a list of the top ten of the breeds that will be snuggling any chance they get:
- Grey Hound
- English Mastiff
- Golden Retriever
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Boxer
- Bichon Frise
- Brussels Griffon
- Chihuahua
- Maltese
- Bulldog
And of course Pugs! Do you see your dog on the list? Of course, there are several other dog breeds that like to struggle that isn’t on this list, but these are the ones that love it most.
Why Doesn’t My Dog Like to Cuddle?
If you’ve tried to get your dog to snuggle with you while watching TV or laying in bed and they just don’t want to. It can make you feel like somethings wrong with you or your wrong.
The truth may be that you may just not be fortunate enough to have a dog that loves snuggles. The truth is that some dogs just like to cuddle up.
This can be due to their instinctive nature, or it could be that your dog just doesn’t trust you enough. If you haven’t welcomed your pooches early attempts to snuggle with you, they will eventually stop trying.
You can’t want to snuggle only when you want it. If your pooch needs to be snuggled, you need to acknowledge it when they need it not just you.
Dog Breeds That Don’t Like To Cuddle
If you’re like me, you want a dog that craves attention. If so, then you need to know about these dogs, which don’t care about attention from their owners. In fact, they love their space and could care less about cuddling.
- Cairn Terrier
- Irish Wolfhound
- Shiba Inu
- Chow Chow
- Afghan Hound
- Basenji
- Borzoi
- Jindo
- Shar-Pei
- American Foxhound
If you see your dog on this list, this is the reason you can’t get them to cuddle with you. Of course, these are just a few of the breeds that don’t care to curl up with their humans.
It doesn’t mean that they don’t like hanging out with their humans, it just means they are more independent.
How to Get My Dog To Snuggle?
Unfortunately, not all Pugs will love cuddling, especially, if you’ve never trained them when they were a puppy. However, you can still use a few of these tricks to get any type of dog to snuggle with you, especially, Pugs!
While they won’t always work, especially, if they are older and already set in their way. There’s no reason why you can’t give them a try to see if they work.
- Bribe your dog: Pugs love to eat and there’s no reason why you can’t give them treats like kibble, small pieces of fruit, or their favorite treats to come to lie next to you. It’s so easy to bribe a Pug with food.
- Be playful: Pugs crave your attention, spend time rubbing their belly or petting them. They will be more likely to show you affection and curl up beside you.
- Start early: It’s much easier to teach your Pug to cuddle when they are a puppy. Allow your Puppy to climb up on your bed, couch with you. Make sure you’re using pet stairs to protect their joints. Puppies that are allowed to sleep or watch TV with their owners are more likely to enjoy cuddling.
- Brush your Pug: Brushing not only makes your Pug’s coat look great. It’s also a form of affection. Eventually, your dog will get used to it and will look forward to spending time with you. Here are some of the best dog brushes for your Pugs fur.
- Pet them: Pugs love it and the more you do it, the more they love it. If you feel like petting them, your Pug will be happy to snuggle with you.
Dogs love attention and there are several ways to get your pooch to cuddle with you. The important thing to remember is that all Pugs are unique. Just because one likes to cuddle doesn’t mean they all do.
Final Word On Pug Cuddling
Don’t try to force them into spending time with you cuddling. If they are not comfortable, it’s okay. Give them time and before you know it, your Pug will be curled up with you whenever you’re sitting on the couch or lying on the bed.
My black Pug was always snuggling with me whenever she saw the opportunity. I have no doubt that your Pug will too with enough time and patience.
References and Further Reading
Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC – Canine Corner – The Data Says “Don’t Hug The Dog