Dogs are considered by many to be best friends, companions, and partners. The bond between canine and human runs deep, and it’s a special relationship you share with your dog. If you’re the affectionate type, then you like to show your dog how you feel by bestowing all of your affection upon it, hoping that your dog will return the same.
Not all breeds are affectionate, though. That doesn’t mean they don’t love you. A dog can be extremely loyal and love you deeply without being overly affectionate, just like people can. But the following 15 breeds are known for displaying their affection, so if you know you’re a highly affectionate person, these breeds might be a good fit for you.
The 15 Highly Affectionate Dog Breeds
If you’re looking for the most affectionate pooches on the planet, you’ll find them on this list. These 15 breeds are renowned for being affectionate with their family. Ranging from tiny toy breeds to big giants, these dogs are a diverse bunch. No matter your preferences, if you want an affectionate canine, you’ll find a great candidate for companionship in one of the following breeds.
1. Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds around, and part of the reason for this is the affectionate personality common to the breed. They’re known for being loving and loyal, but they’re also very smart dogs, making them quite easy to train. Great with kids and calm in demeanor, Golden Retrievers are commonly used for service work because of their many great qualities.
2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Many small house dogs act like they’ve got something to prove, with aggressive attitudes and ankle-biting annoying antics, breeds like Chihuahuas can be just as awful as they are adorable. But the Pembroke Welsh Corgi isn’t hiding any inner demons. These dogs are sweet all the time, and they’re one of the most affectionate breeds around, though they’re seldom needy or pushy.
3. Pugs
Pugs have long been adored by many prominent figures, including royalty! Chinese emperors loved these little dogs, and they were even made the mascot of the royal House of Orange in Holland. Small but muscular, Pugs pack a lot of personality into their little bodies. They’re the kind of dogs that always want to be part of what their owner is doing. You’ll find that Pugs love to receive affection and dole it out in equal amounts.
4. Boxer
Sleek and muscular, Boxers are a highly athletic breed that comes as an entire package. They’re the 11th most popular breed in America, and there are many reasons for this. They’re known for their incredible loyalty and work ethic, and anyone who’s ever owned a Boxer knows that they’re one of the most loving, affectionate breeds you could ever meet.
5. Collie
Collies have been well-loved for many years. They have faces and expressions that scream of intelligence, and their long, flowing coats are as beautiful as any in the canine world. Part of why so many love these dogs so deeply is the breed’s fierce devotion to their owners. They’re one of the most loyal breeds around, and the bond they share with their owners is very deep, being shown in affectionate behavior and supreme loyalty.
6. Great Dane
Great Danes are the definition of gentle giants. These are some of the biggest dogs in the world, but they’re also the biggest sweethearts. Known for being as loving as they come, Great Danes are the dogs that don’t realize their size. Rather, they’re the world’s biggest lap dogs, always trying to curl up in a too-small lap.
7. Pomeranian
Long loved by royalty and currently one of the most popular breeds in America, Pomeranians are alert pooches with exceptional intelligence. They’re easily trained and make great pets, though they have an awful lot of personality stuffed into their toy-like bodies. These dogs are lovers of the first degree, and they never want to be away from their owners. When you see someone carrying a little pup in their purse, it’s often a tiny toy Pomeranian.
8. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu breed is known for its highly affectionate and outgoing personalities. These playful pups make no bones about showing their love for their owners. They’re lap dogs through and through, and they love nothing more than cuddling up on the laps of their family members. Small in stature but large in personality, Shih Tzus have been called “lion dogs” for centuries!
9. Bulldogs
The sour face of a Bulldog might not look that inviting, but if you’ve ever seen an excited Bulldog, you know there are few things cuter in the world. These dogs are compact and muscular, with adorable faces surrounded by loose skin folds. They bond closely with family members, and they’re the type of breed that wants to be on top of you rather than beside you.
10. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are ankle-biters. They often suffer from small dog syndrome, and they try to act much larger than they are. But with their family members, these dogs display a totally different temperament. They’re loving, affectionate, and want to be carried around with you everywhere you go.
11. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise dogs resemble sheep in a way, thanks to their puffy, curly white coats. They’re known for their charm and wit, making incredible companions that will keep you laughing with their constant antics. Despite their sheep-like coats, they’re considered to be hypoallergenic, which aids in their popularity. These dogs get along with just about everyone, and they’re incredibly affectionate with those they love.
12. Pit Bulls
In many places, Pit Bulls are a restricted breed. Landlords and apartment complexes will refuse to allow these dogs on their premises for fear that they’re an aggressive breed. Of course, anyone who’s owned a Pit Bull knows that this malarky. Pit Bulls are one of the most affectionate and loving breeds imaginable. They are constantly seeking love and attention from their family members, and they’ll lick you to death if you let them, which is the only real danger that most Pit Bulls pose!
13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The 18th most popular pooch in America, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wears a soft expression that endears many to the breed. They’re pretty small, weighing about 15 pounds on average, and they’re known for their gentle tempers and easy-going personalities. Graceful and athletic, these dogs are highly adaptable and will match your lifestyle.
14. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are gigantic dogs that can weigh up to 150 pounds. Despite their bear-like stature, these dogs are gentle and sweet. They’ve even earned the reputation as a “nanny dog” because the breed is so good with kids. Majestic and sweet, the breed is renowned for its calm temperament. They’re also easy to train and show undying loyalty to their family.
15. Labradoodle
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed in America, and Poodles are considered to be one of the smartest breeds around. Put them together, and you get an amazing companion pet with a hypoallergenic coat. They’ve become very popular thanks to their super-affectionate demeanor, always trying to cuddle and never wanting to lie its head anywhere other than your lap!
Less Affectionate Breeds
The 15 breeds we’ve just covered are the most affectionate dogs around, making them some of the most affectionate pets you could ever have. If you’re the type of person who wants to receive loads of love and affection from your pooch, then any of those breeds could be a good choice. But these four breeds are a different story. The following breeds are still great dogs and can be amazing pets, but they’re not very affectionate dogs. While they might make a great fit for the right person, these dogs aren’t the right choice for someone who wants a dog that shows its affection through constant kissing and cuddling!
1. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are called by the AKC a “special breed for special people.” They’re not the type of dogs that get along with everyone, partially because of the breed’s non-affectionate nature. Still, these dogs love their family deeply and display incredible loyalty and devotion; they’re just not very affectionate with their actions.
2. Shar-Pei
Shar-Peis have one of the most unique appearances in the canine kingdom. They’re athletic and muscular dogs from China, with folded-over ears and giant flaps of loose skin around the neck like a bulldog, though they have tall legs and large bodies. These dogs are known for their independent nature; it makes them great guard dogs. On the other hand, that makes them less-than-affectionate, even with their owners.
3. Chow Chow
Another breed hailing from China, Chow Chows are ancient and aristocratic. They have truly noble attitudes with interesting appearances thanks to their bulbous rolls of loose skin around the face, particularly the eyes. Dignified and serious, the Chow Chow is a smart and loyal dog, though they don’t show their love through affection.
4. Shiba Inu
Image Credit: Sakura, UnsplashShiba Inus have become incredibly popular recently as they exploded into stardom on social media sites like Instagram. They have adorable expressions and incredible personalities. Truthfully, Shiba Inus make great pets, but they’re a Japanese breed and they act differently than many Western breeds. These dogs are loyal and form strong bonds with their owners, but they don’t display their love by cuddling and being overly affectionate, which has come as a disappointment and surprise to many new Shiba Inu owners who thought their dogs didn’t like them!
Conclusion
Dogs are just as diverse as people. Different dogs can display wildly diverse personalities and temperaments. Though there are differences among individuals within a breed, most members of any given breed still tend to display certain personality traits that can be associated with the breed. The 15 breeds on this list are known for exhibiting affectionate personalities, giving and receiving love freely with their owner. If you’re a highly affectionate person who wants a dog to.
Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock
