Do Beagles Like to Cuddle? Why They Do & May Not

Beagles are a popular choice for companion dogs. If you want a dog that will snuggle up on the couch with you, you want to know whether they will enjoy doing so. Beagles make good pets because they are friendly dogs that like to be petted, touched, and held by their family members. Cuddling is in their nature!

Why Beagles Like Cuddling

Beagles were originally bred as scent hounds to track and kill small animals, so it may seem strange that they would enjoy life as cuddly lap dogs. But at the core of their personality, Beagles are pack animals. They rely on other members of their pack to help provide for their basic needs: staying warm, providing companionship, and cuddling.

Most Beagles today aren’t required to hunt or even work on a daily basis, but they still enjoy cuddling, love, and companionship. Many Beagles enjoy cuddling so much that they show signs of separation anxiety when they don’t get enough affection.

Do Beagles Like Being Held and Carried?

Most Beagles are comfortable with being held, but some of them don’t care for it. Their desire to be picked up depends on their level of socialization as puppies and how much human interaction they’ve had throughout their lives.

Even if you have a snuggly Beagle, they may not like being picked up. Recognizing your Beagle’s preferences and respecting them is important. If your Beagle shows signs that they dislike being held or carried, it’s best to respect that. Many dogs will cuddle with you on the couch but don’t want to be held.

Benefits of Cuddling With Your Beagle

Cuddling has many benefits for both you and your dog. If you have the luxury of a “cuddly” dog, take advantage of it!

Benefits for Humans

Beagles are particularly good at sensing their humans’ moods and making them feel better. Snuggling your dog is a built-in stress reliever. It can fight off feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress and create a more positive environment. It’s also a great way to relieve tension or nervousness.

Petting and interacting with dogs has been shown to raise levels of oxytocin in the human brain, which is a hormone responsible for social bonding and feelings of affection.

Benefits for Dogs

Cuddling reduces stress levels in dogs too. It reduces cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for stress reactions). It lowers their heart rate and improves levels of relaxation. Their oxytocin levels are also raised, which increases contentedness and mental calm.

What If Your Beagle Doesn’t Like to Cuddle?

If your Beagle doesn’t like to cuddle, rest assured that there’s nothing wrong with them. While every breed has typical behaviors, all dogs are individuals. This means many dogs can exhibit personality traits or behaviors uncharacteristic of their breed. Dogs are products of their environment as much as their genetics.

If you have a Beagle that prefers not to cuddle, you cannot force them to like it. Doing so will harm your relationship with your dog. Learning how your dog prefers to give and receive affection and respecting this will be the best way to show your dog that you love them.

Conclusion

Beagles are generally affectionate dogs that like to cuddle. Cuddling with your dog has several benefits for both you and your dog, and it’s a great way to relax and find stress relief. A Beagle is a great choice if you are looking for a cuddly lap dog. If your Beagle doesn’t enjoy cuddling, though, be aware that there’s nothing wrong with them. They may just enjoy expressing their love for you in a different way.

Featured Image Credit: Soloviova Liudmyla, Shutterstock