19 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds

newfy puppy and golden retriever cuddling in grass

Although individual personalities and quirks will vary from dog to dog, there are some generalizations you can make about some breeds. Some dog breeds tend to be more attached and prefer to close to their humans more often than others. If you’re looking for a cuddly companion that thrives by your side, here are some of the most affectionate dog breeds:

1. Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai may look like a miniature Siberian Husky, but they are an established dog breed on their own. These little dogs tend to bond closely with their owners and can become very attached. They thrive on attention from their favorite human and love to be near them giving and receiving plenty of cuddles and snuggles.

2. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small fluffy dog that looks like they need to be cuddled and also loves to cuddle. They are quintessential companion dogs that love to be near their favorite humans and love even more to receive affection from them. In addition to being super affectionate, they are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners.

Bichon Frise also have an energetic and playful personality. They love to play! Spending time with them and playing with them are some of the best ways to make your dog happy and also to bond with them, which a Bichon Frise will love.

3. Boxer

Boxers may be high-energy dogs, but they also love to spend time with you. They tend to become like shadows and will follow you from room to room just to stay close. You may even bump into them sometimes as you’re moving around if you don’t realize how closely they’ve been following you!

These dogs need a lot of exercise and they prefer to get it while in your company. Boxers also tend to show their affection through snuggling. They will often try to lie next to you or cuddle up to you to be near you, especially if they are lying down to rest after some exercise.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Some of the most well-known facts about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are that they are small, sweet, and friendly dogs with elegant appearances. They were bred specifically to be sweet, gentle, and cuddly companions that also looked fabulous sitting on the laps of their royal owners.

Although Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are still popular with nobility around the world, they are also popular family pets in general. They are known for being an affectionate, sweet dog breed that thrives on attention and loves to cuddle.

5. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas may not be the most open and affectionate dogs with everyone and can have a sassy personality, even if they are well-socialized. But, they do bond closely with one person and are extremely affectionate and protective of them.

They love nothing more than being close and snuggling with their favorite human. One of the facts about Chihuahuas is that Chis will often shadow their favorite human and follow them from room to room just to stay close.

6. Chinese Crested Dogs

Chinese Crested Dogs may not be widely referred to as “velcro dogs”, but they are considered ultra-affectionate companion dogs. They do not like to spend long periods of time alone and they love being around their favorite people.

One of the facts about Chinese Crested Dogs is that, like other affectionate companion breeds, they tend to follow their favorite people from room to room. Cresteds prefer to be near their favorite people, preferably cuddling with them or touching them in some way. It’s rare that they will choose alone time over being with their favorite person.

7. Dachshund

The Dachshund may be small, but they have a big personality and a big heart. They tend to bond closely with their owners and love nothing more than being near them.

Doxies tend to love snuggling, being held, and just being close to their favorite human. These facts about Dachshunds are some of the reasons why they are one of the most affectionate dog breeds.

8. English Bulldog

Although their wrinkles and snub-nose may give them a frowning appearance at times, the English Bulldog is a complete sweetheart that thrives on affection and loves being a companion.

They may be known for their drool, funny grunts, and noises, but they are famous for their sweet demeanor and are known to make a fantastic family pet. After all, some facts about English Bulldogs are that they are quintessential companions, absolute sweethearts, and even popular mascots.

9. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. They tend to be social, friendly, and love attention. This makes them an excellent fit for families as they tend to get along with just about everyone and thrive on attention and affection from them.

10. Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds. In addition to their big size, they also have big hearts and are known to be cuddly and affectionate dogs. They are known for keeping their front paws on the floor and then sitting next to you, or even on you, for some cuddle time.

One of the facts about Great Danes is that they are giant lap dogs. If you are their favorite human or if you’re visiting and they’re comfortable around you, Great Danes will also have no problem lying across you or nudging you for some snuggles and pets.

11. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are sturdy little dogs with a lot of energy and personality. Although they can come across as stubborn and independent at times, they are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds.

If you are one of their favorite people, they will always be happy to greet you and will be more than happy to receive pets, cuddles, and attention from you. They thrive being around people and don’t tend to go off on their own unless they are after an interesting scent or chasing something.

12. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. With their playful, goofy personalities, sweet disposition, and friendly nature, it’s not hard to see why they are a popular canine companion. They are eager to please, have boundless energy, and love nothing more than to spend time receiving attention and affection from the people they love.

13. Newfoundland

Newfies are known for being sweet-natured, gentle giants. As a quintessential companion and a “nanny dog”, they love their families and love nothing more than being near them. The Newfoundland tends to love being active outdoors, preferably with you, and are more than happy to cuddle during downtime.

14. Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their long, fluffy coats and lovable personalities. They tend to retain a puppylike, playful personality and love to receive attention, cuddles, and pets from their favorite people. They bond closely with their families, often get along well with children, and are affectionate with them.

15. Pug

The Pug was originally bred to be a lap dog and they have not forgotten it. They are known to bond closely with their owners and tend to stick close to them.

Pugs love to cuddle and be near their favorite humans. They are also known to become like a shadow as they will tend to follow you from room to room.

16. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are known for being protective of their families. Although they can look intimidating, they are a sensitive and affectionate breed. They bond closely with their families and love to receive attention and affection from them.

They can be suspicious of strangers. But, as long as they have been properly socialized and trained, they tend to warm up quickly and are happy to receive pets from people they have been introduced to.

17. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a companion breed through and through. After all, they were originally bred to be royal lapdogs whose only job was to love and be loved in return. These little dogs love to cuddle and are extremely affectionate with their owners.

Some facts about the Shih Tzu are that they tend to be quiet and also prefer to be nearby, so are known to follow their favorite people from room to room. A Shih Tzu’s favorite place is usually in their owner’s arms or taking a nap on their lap.

18. Vizsla

The Vizsla is a strong and athletic dog with a lot of energy. They also have a sweet, gentle, and sensitive nature. They bond closely with their families and thrive on attention and spending time with them.

One of the facts about Vizslas is that they love being around their favorite humans. In fact, because they like to stick close to you and will often shadow you, they have earned their “Velcro Vizsla” nickname.

19. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are athletic, versatile, and hardworking hunting dogs that are at home on land or in the water. They are also incredibly loving and affectionate with their families.

Some facts about Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are that they are known to bond closely with their families and love nothing more than being near them. These dogs may not have a “velcro” nickname, but if they don’t come straight to you for attention or cuddles, they will still often subtly end up nearby in whatever room you’re in.

These are just a few of the most affectionate dog breeds, but there are plenty of other breeds that are also cuddly companions. If you find a breed that could be the right companion for you, think about your lifestyle and learn more about them to make sure you choose the right puppy for you.