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Do Dobermans Like to Cuddle? Breed Temperament Explained

Rachael Gerkensmeyer

By Rachael Gerkensmeyer

girl and brown doberman dog

Doberman Pinschers are large, athletic dogs that have historically been bred to guard and protect their human companions, so they developed a reputation for being aggressive and unpredictable. However, this perception doesn’t tell the whole story. This breed is loyal, affectionate, and playful, and they love spending time with kids. It might also surprise you to know that Doberman Pinschers can be big cuddlers!

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Do Dobermans Always Like to Cuddle?

While most Doberman Pinschers enjoy cuddling with their human family members, not all of them do. Some Dobermans prefer to simply lie next to their companions, where they are close enough to know what’s going on but not close enough to get cuddly. Some Dobermans prefer getting petted rather than lying in laps.

However, when a Doberman does like to cuddle, every companion in the household is sure to know it. These dogs will shamelessly climb right into someone’s lap when the family is watching a movie or rub up against their owner in hopes of a cuddle session. They may even want to sleep in bed with their owners — if they were allowed to.

Do Dobermans Cuddle With Kids?

baby sitting on the grass beside a doberman dog
Image Credit: Nikolai Tsvetkov, Shutterstock

What’s special about Dobermans is that they love kids and tend to show great affection toward them. These large dogs are patient and tolerant, so they don’t usually mind when a child in the household hugs them. They also don’t mind cuddling up on the couch together when it’s quiet time in the house. Every Doberman is different, though, so some might not be as cuddly as others. Also, remember to never leave a child alone with a dog, no matter how well-behaved they are.

Do Dobermans Cuddle With Other Animals?

This dog breed has been known to cuddle with other cats and dogs, especially when they grow up with said animals. However, this is not a general rule of thumb. Dobermans are not as generally accepting of other animals as they are of human companions. Whether a Doberman will cuddle with another animal will depend on their unique personality and temperament. It’s never a good idea to try to force a Doberman to cuddle with another animal, as it could cause a fight. If they want to cuddle, they will naturally do so.

Do Dobermans Cuddle With Visitors?

young woman sitting on the floor with doberman pinscher dog
Image Credit: gemphoto, Shutterstock

Doberman Pinschers generally reserve their cuddling for immediate household members that they feel completely bonded to. When a visitor comes to their home, they may want to sit next to them in hopes of getting petted or treats, but they will likely not try to cuddle. This does not mean they don’t like visitors; it just means they do not fully trust or feel comfortable with the visitors as much as they trust and feel comfortable with their owners and other household members.


What If a Doberman Doesn’t Want to Cuddle?

Not all Dobermans like to cuddle, no matter how close they feel to their humans at home. This has no bearing on how they feel about their companions, just that cuddling is not a preference. Taking strolls around the neighborhood, practicing tricks, and engaging in long petting sessions are all great bonding activities to consider instead.

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In Conclusion

The typical Doberman, whether a companion pet or guard dog, loves to interact with their human companions, which can include cuddling on the couch together. But if your Doberman does not have an interest in cuddling, avoid trying to force them into it, and focus your attention on other bonding activities that you can do together.


Featured Image Credit By: Primorac91, Shutterstock

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