Every dog owner loves to give and receive affection from their beloved canine on a regular basis. Even if you do not own a dog but love the species, you cannot help but stop to show affection to any dog you meet on the street. Should they decide to show some affection back by licking you or just being close to you, you can’t deny that this canine affectionate that you’ve received was the best part of your day. Having an affectionate dog breed as part of your family is even better!
There are a handful of affectionate dog breeds that stand out among the rest as incredibly affectionate creatures. These are the breeds who might enjoy spooning in bed with you at night or snuggling close by when you’re watching a movie on the couch at night. Be warned, some of these dogs can grow to be rather large, and you might be in for it if they try to show affection by sitting on you with all 100+ pounds of their weight. However, they quickly become family members and you will love them so much.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon was originally bred to hunt small critters such as mice in the stables of Belgium. Eventually, humans discovered how affectionate and playful these little canines could be and began keeping them in their homes with them as lovable lap dogs. If you want a breed loves by many, this is it.
When the Brussels Griffon isn’t demanding your attention, he will likely be smothering you in his own attention. This cuddly and affectionate dog breed can become so affectionately attached to their family you may even notice that they have some trouble with times of separation, such as when you need to go to work each day. If your dog is having too much separation anxiety, you might want to find someone who can spend time with them while you are gone. If that isn’t possible, you should leave with plenty of puppy chew toys for them while you aren’t home.
However, this means you can expect to be greeted with lots of love and affection the minute you walk in the door from work each day because your Brussels Griffon will have missed you very much while you were gone all day.
Boxer
Contrary to what their name or appearance might make you think about their breed, Boxers are a lovable and very affectionate dog breed. Many Boxer owners will quickly tell you that their Boxer is quite the cuddle bug, whether they are resting on the couch with you or tucked in bed with you at night.
If you are feeling lonely, a Boxer can make you feel much better. They're also considered to be quiet dogs that don't bark much.
Boxers are known also for their high energy and rambunctious personalities. Choosing to own a Boxer means you are committing to taking the time to properly train them, to avoid any mishaps with their high energy levels later on down the line. Without this training, your Boxer could be so hyper that they accidentally hurt someone. However, once they’ve been trained and taught proper guidelines/rules, you can fully expect them to shower you and the rest of their human family in love and affection.
Bull Dog
It may come as a surprise to some that the Bulldog has made it onto a list of the most affectionate dog breeds. Their name and bulky stature may tell you otherwise, but this short and stout breed of dog loves to love on their owners and show them how much they love them. At times they are even known to be overly affectionate.
It is important to remember that Bulldogs do like to show dominance. If you train them early on to know that you are the Alpha, but they are your loving family pet (family member) and companion, they are much more likely to be on their best behavior. In addition, if you want a dog that is eager to please, a Bull Dog will fit that bill.
There are many types of Bull Dog breeds. There is the French Bulldog, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and more.
Caring for your dog
Caring for your dog is sometimes a full-time job. There are so many things to know, and so little time to research!
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Great Dane
These gentle giants are great family dogs that love to show affection to their beloved owners. You have to be able to have the patience for an enormous dog who thinks he is lap sized, in order to enjoy the affection that a Great Dane will show you. Great Danes are also known for their protectiveness of children. Especially of the children that they’ve come to claim as their own family.
Interestingly enough, these great dogs were once a ferocious hunting dog. But thanks to some careful breeding through the 1800’s Great Danes were transformed. The once stealthy and lethal Dane is now the lovable and affectionate large dog breed that we’ve now come to know and love.
If you are looking for a larger dog breed that will still be lovable and friendly, a Great Dane is an excellent option.
Bichon Frise
These small dogs that look like teddy bears couldn’t be anything but affectionate. They’re incredibly adaptable to their owner and their living situation. They are known to make great apartment dogs, as they are perfectly comfortable with expending their energy in a smaller space. They are often referred to as one of the happiest and most cheerful breeds of dog out there.
If you have been looking for a smaller dog breed, but you don’t really like the shih tzu breed, a Bichon Frise is a wonderful choice.
American Pitbull Terrier
Pitbulls have had a bad rep for the past few years now, but contrary to popular belief, this breed of dog is incredibly affectionate and loving. Not only are these misunderstood dogs very affectionate with their humans, but they also hate to be left alone without their humans.
You may find that Pit Bull Terriers do not show the same level of adoring affection towards other dogs as they do you, but that is part of their protective nature. This breed was once known as the “nanny dog” because of their extreme protectiveness, especially over children.
It is important to make sure your American Pit Bull Terrier is properly trained. Just like any other dog breed, if you want them to be friendly, loving, and affectionate, you must show them how to do those things.
Collie
Collies love their humans, there’s no question there. They’ve worked loyally alongside humans for decades now. Whether they are out herding sheep in the fields or living happily at home as man’s best friend. The Collie will be committed to their family and try to please you in any way that they can.
Collies will cultivate a bond with their owners like nothing else. The love and affection that they will show on a regular basis is everything that an affectionate dog lover would want in a dog, and then some.
Other Great, Affectionate Dog Breeds
If you are looking for an affectionate dog breed, the list could go on and on. There are so many loving and friendly dog breeds available today. With more and more designer dog breeds coming forward all the time, it can be tough to make the choice as to the best affectionate dog breed for you and your family. However, there are some other dog breeds that might check off the box as the most affectionate dog breeds.
Some of the dog breeds that are very affectionate, when trained properly, are the cavalier king Charles Spaniel, Labrador Retrievers, Irish Wolfhound, and English Sheepdogs. If you are interested in learning more about any of these dogs, you can research them today.
Conclusion
Dog cuddles are arguably one of the best forms of affection a canine-loving human can receive. these dogs here are some of the most affectionate dogs breeds out there. From Great Danes to Brussels Griffon, canine affection can come in all shapes and sizes.
If you are looking for an affectionate dog for your family or household, you have your work cut out for you. There are so many different dog breeds out there. There are small dogs, medium-sized dogs, and larger dog breeds. If trained properly, just about any dog breed can be affectionate. However, you also want to look at the nature of the dog and their temperament to decide if that dog is right for you and your household.
What are the most affectionate dog breeds?
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Comments
I was so happy to see that the American Pitbull was listed as one of the most loving dogs. They have been blacklisted for too long and it’s people who are to blame for their bad reputation. I have a Staffy x and she is the best, most loving companion I’ve ever had. If you train your dog correctly you will be well rewarded
We have a Chinese sharpei and he is the most loyal and protective dog I have ever owned. the amount of affection he has to show is endless. My partner and I have both said we would never own another breed.
I love dogs and cats we have right now 2 cats and 1 dog and we consider them like family. I am a disabled veteran and our family pets have helped me through my PTSD. We love them so very much that I just cannot think about not being without them. They look for me and we look for them. We live in a one bedroom apt. and there is always enough room for our family.
I have my seventh boxer, everyone of them including the one I have very lovable and sweet, but this one is more hyper than any other one I had, very protective with kids. I also have a Shih Tzu, she is very lovable
That list make me smile and shake my head as we have a Collie who loves us dearly but is in no way an affectionate dog. She is so unaffectionate that some days it makes me sad and that being said she would protect us till the end with her love. All dogs can be affectionate just as all humans can be different.
I raised three Rottweilers each one had its own personality and each one was very obedient very loving and yes they’re like a child you show him love and they love you right back we loved our dogs
hey huys this breed was breed to be loving
King Charles Spaniel .I have worked with dogs in a first response level for 10 years,was at ACC of NYC for 3 and am at the ASPCA for 8 years.
Such a great artical.So many dog breeds now it would be hard to rate!
I have owned 3 full bred boxers, an Eskimo husky, an American bull dog , and a red chow. They were all special to me and very protective and loveable to me and my family I can not just say that anyone of them was better then the other but in all were a major part of my family.
I have a male Shih Tzu who is happiest when he’s curled up in my lap or being held in my arms. He loves to be loved. He’s a wonderful companion that I can’t imagine my life without.
Rottweiler is definitely right there with the Great Dane thinking they need to be in your lap all of the time. Very loving to the whole family.
I have a shihtzu and he is extremely lovable, but I do think any dog is capable of giving love, it’s how their raised
We all have our favourite breed which we can’t help but side with, mines black Labs but when I lost my old boy getting another Lab was the furthest thing I wanted. Think it was the comparing thing I didn’t want…… So I have a wee yorkie boy & a staffi lab X chihuahua!! Yes she’s v special, her mummy as 30 kg & daddy was 4kg max…….. & they r the most affectionate & both have beautiful temperaments although so different. My heart is Lab shaped but I think it really doesn’t matter what shape or size they are we are so lucky to have them in our lives 😊
My husband and I have owned many dogs from mutts to pure breeds and we loved them all. We now have a older dachshund mix he’s a love bug!! You can teach any dog to be living no matter the breed. You just need to treat them with lots of love and patience!!!
I have to agree that there is no breed considered the most affectionate, but then this article was written to enlighten people to some breeds that are very affectionate…
I personally don’t think there is a specific breed that is most affectionate, I feel its how the dog is raised! I adopted 2 (bother and sister) golden retriever/german shepherd mixes (what alot of people call ‘mutts) from a shelter when they were about 10 weeks old and raised them with my 3 daughters. My youngest was 7 months old. They learned that my house was crazy, noisy and full of chaos back in 2015 and it is still crazy, noisy and chaotic! My oldest who is now 11 years old can lay on the couch with her arm around our male dog and they both fall asleep! Our female can alert us when my 7 year old daughter is going to have a seizure and she has never had training! She will lay beside her and stare at her until she comes out of the seizure. When my daughters are all outside, our dogs HAVE to be outside and near them. One time, we had someone pull into our driveway that we didn’t know and they jumped in front of my daughters barking hysterically. The person wouldn’t get out of the car because they were scared but our dogs would not leave my 3 daughters side.
So to me, it doesn’t matter if its a 100% pure breed or a ’mutts, its almost all in how the dog(s) are raised! Raise them with love and affection, they will give it in return. Raise them with yelling and smacking, they will be either scared and shy or mean and attack.
No u have it all wrong. The Bernese Mountain dog is #1
Dogs are like kids, if you show them love then they will love you.
What about Chinese crested they so loyal and lovable breed. I have had 2 of this breed
You forgot Dobermans! They are as velcro as they come. Not only do they stay right by your side, they lean on you. You’ll never go to the bathroom, mailbox, closet or kitchen alone if you have a Doberman. They do require training and are not for a first time owner. They have to know who is the pack leader. Also, they are wicked smart. Once you convince them your IQ is higher than their’s, you can train them to do anything you want. However, you cannot train them to not sit on you, lean on you, follow you eveywhere, or voluntarily not sleep in your bed. Bonus: they will lay their life down for their families in heart beat.
I have my 7 years with a boxer he is now 13 years old ,I showed in AKC dog shows and he is a champion in the show ring but more especially in my heart and well being, DOG spelled backwards means so much, all r angels