Do Dachshunds Like to Cuddle? Facts & FAQ
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Dachshunds, or “sausage dogs,” are small, affectionate pups that are famous for enjoying being close to their owners, which includes being accepting of cuddles. Dachshunds are also easy to pick up and make great company.
Cuddling is a way that humans can show affection to their beloved canine companions, but not all Dachshunds will want to be cuddled, as it depends on their personality and past experiences with being handled by humans.1 Some Dachshunds might be big cuddlers, while others prefer to lie near you but not be held.
Are Dachshunds Cuddly Dogs?
Dachshunds can be quite cuddly and are often described as one of the cuddliest dog breeds that love being near their owners. These affectionate dogs can form strong bonds with their owners and cling to them. Most Dachshunds enjoy interacting with their owners and show their loyalty and devotion to those they love.
Dachshunds will typically only be interested in cuddling with their favorite person, and they may not want to cuddle with strangers. Some dogs may prefer their independence, especially if they did not grow up being cuddled and held by their owners.
One reason Dachshunds may be so cuddly is their hunting ancestry, as they would burrow in the wild, which is why they can be seen trying to sleep underneath blankets or pillows rather than on top of them. Therefore, many owners will notice that their dogs nuzzle up to them or will willingly lie on their laps.
Should I Cuddle My Dachshund?
There is nothing wrong with cuddling with your Dachshund if they feel comfortable and relaxed, but it can be stressful for dogs that do not like to be held or cuddled. A Dachshund will mainly cuddle for safety and warmth, and most like to be held and petted by their owners, which makes them more tolerant of being cuddled.
If your Dachshund has a bond with you and enjoys being handled, they will be comfortable enough to cuddle with you. If you have a dog that prefers to be independent and does not show much affection, they might not be interested in cuddling, and it can make them uncomfortable if they feel forced to cuddle you.
Most Dachshunds will only cuddle and show affection to owners that they feel familiar with, which means it is important to form a strong connection with your dog before you start to cuddle them. Even though the breed is known to be overly clingy, cuddly, and affectionate, they still need time to feel comfortable with you before they can be cuddled.
What Does It Mean If My Dachshund Likes to Cuddle?
It is not unusual to have a Dachshund that likes to be near you all the time, and this can come off as overly clingy behavior. Your dog might try to lie on your lap, lean against you, or try to be petted whenever you show them affection. This is usually a sign that your dog trusts and loves you, and some Dachshunds may be more affectionate and cuddlier than others.
Dachshunds may like to cuddle if they feel connected to you and see you as one of the members of the “pack.” Dogs that have a more affectionate nature will be more likely to cuddle you or allow you to hold and cuddle them. Some inquisitive Dachshunds will try to initiate a cuddling session by nudging you with their nose or following you around the house to be picked up and cuddled.
Can Dachshunds Be Taught to Cuddle?
Dachshunds naturally have a clingy personality and enjoy being close to their owner, which makes them interested in being cuddled by the owner whom they feel most comfortable with. Like most dogs, cuddly behavior depends on the dog’s personality, and it is not always because of their breed.
It can be difficult to teach your dog to cuddle if they are not naturally affectionate, as some Dachshunds like their space and prefer to be on their own. Cuddling may not be something all Dachshunds feel comfortable doing, so it is important to read your dog’s body language and make sure they are relaxed and content when cuddling with you. If your dog is not enjoying being held during cuddling, perhaps you can instead allow them to lie next to you while you pet them instead.
If you want your Dachshund to become cuddlier, it is important to bond with them and make sure they associate being petted and cuddled with something positive, which makes it a good bonding time for them.
Conclusion
Dachshunds can make great cuddle buddies, and they will appreciate the time they get to spend with their favorite owners by being petted and cuddled. There is no guarantee that all Dachshunds would like to be cuddled, but in comparison to other dog breeds, the Dachshund is known for being more likely to cuddle because of their affectionate and clingy personality.
Featured Image Credit: Leka Sergeeva, Shutterstock
