Hello, my lovely hoomans.
It’s me, Pickles. Your resident cuddle expert and part-time sock thief.
I’ve tested every cuddle position known to dogkind:
the chest flop, the chin rest, the “I’m definitely not sitting on your bladder”, and of course, the classic full-body nap drape. I take my research seriously.
Some dogs like affection in small doses.
Others?
They cuddle like it’s who they are.
So here are the 10 dog breeds who are scientifically, emotionally, and spiritually committed to snuggling… with little stories to help you picture life with each one.
Blanket ready? Kettle on?
Let’s begin.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – The Velcro Sweetheart
Cavaliers don’t just enjoy cuddles. They need them.
This is a dog that will gently place its paw on your ankle as if to say, “Excuse me hooman, but I believe your lap is free.”
They read emotions beautifully, love soft human contact, and will happily snooze on your shoulder like a tiny furry scarf.
Pickles’ Top Tip: Great for gentle homes, cosy evenings, and hoomans who don’t mind sharing every square inch of sofa space.
2. Labrador Retriever – The Leaning Lover
Labs do this thing where they push their full body weight against you… slowly… like a warm, happy avalanche.
They’re affectionate, loyal, and famously tactile.
This is the dog that will sleep at your feet, follow you from room to room, and rest its head on your knee with a sigh heavy enough to melt your bones.
Perfect for big, sturdy cuddles.
3. Golden Retriever – The Warm Fuzzy Hug
If sunshine were made into a dog, it would be a Golden.
They cuddle with emotional commitment, head nudges, soft paws, and entire body flops. Goldies want to be right in the middle of your family energy.
They’re gentle with kids, patient with other dogs, and will happily curl around your legs like a giant fluffy pretzel.
They’re also very fond of being spooned.
(I asked around.)
4. Cavapoo – The Curly Snuggle Magnet
Half Cavalier, half Poodle, and roughly 200% cuddly.
Cavapoos attach deeply to their hoomans and love soft, close contact. They’re sensitive, affectionate, and have the kind of fur you accidentally stroke for hours.
They’ll follow you from laptop to sofa to kitchen to loo (sorry), hoping you’ll sit still long enough for cuddle time to begin.
A dream for homes that want constant companionship in a small, sweet package.
5. Cockapoo – The Snuggleball of Joy
Cockapoos are full of beans… until they aren’t.
Then they become the warmest, fluffiest little cuddleball.
After a burst of zoomies or a good sniff around the garden, Cockapoos will happily curl into your lap, tuck their head into your elbow, and drift off with tiny contented snoots.
They’re emotional dogs, very people-focused, and brilliant for hoomans who want a balance of fun + affection.
6. Dachshund – The Long Dog That Loves a Lap
Sausage dogs may have attitude, but they also have enormous cuddle energy.
They burrow under blankets.
They wedge themselves behind your knees.
They crawl up your chest like a little furry heating pipe.
Dachshunds form deep attachments and love nothing more than being close — especially at night or during a good Netflix series.
Also excellent at warming cold feet.
7. French Bulldog – The Chunky Sofa Buddy
Frenchies look tough, but they are giant softies.
They love warmth, soft blankets, and being glued to their favourite human.
A Frenchie cuddling you feels like a warm, snorty pillow deciding you’re its property.
They’re affectionate, hilarious, and surprisingly gentle.
Perfect for hoomans who enjoy laid-back snuggles and don’t mind the occasional adorable snore.
8. Greyhound – The Elegant Cuddle Monster
People think Greyhounds need loads of exercise.
Nope.
They run fast… and then they sleep faster.
These gentle giants adore snuggling. They fold themselves up like sleepy origami and gently lean into your chest or lap. They’re calm, undemanding, and incredibly affectionate.
If you want a peaceful cuddle companion, this is your breed.
9. Labradoodle – The Fluffy Hug Enthusiast
Labradoodles are joy in dog form.
Affectionate, people-oriented, and wonderfully cuddly.
They adore soft blankets, sofas, laps, your pillow… pretty much anything soft that involves you. After their playtime, they settle beautifully into cuddle mode, often resting their chin on your leg with an expression that says:
“This is my spot now. Forever.”
Perfect for families and active hoomans who also appreciate a good evening snuggle.
10. Rescues – The Heart-Melters
Us mixed-breeds come in all shapes and sizes, but most of us love with our entire hearts.
Rescue dogs especially can be incredibly affectionate, once they trust you, their cuddles are deep, grateful, and soul-warming.
We’re loyal, expressive, and often surprising.
You never quite know what mix you’re getting, but you’ll always get a whole lot of love.
Why Some Dogs Are More Cuddly Than Others
Cuddle levels depend on:
- breed tendencies
- early socialisation
- attachment style
- environment
- the bond with their hooman
A normally cuddly breed raised with little affection may be hands-off.
A traditionally independent breed raised with warmth may become a total snugglebug.
The magic is in the match.
Thinking About Getting a Puppy?
My cheeky advice as Pickles:
- Choose based on personality, not just looks.
- Meet the pup’s mum if you can, her temperament is a big clue.
- Notice which puppy naturally leans into touch.
- And ask yourself…
“Do I want a clingy cuddler, a polite cuddler, or a part-time cuddler?”
There’s a perfect pup out there for every hooman.