Cavaliers are one of the most affectionate dog breeds and love to cuddle with their owners.
They are also known for being very patient, which makes them great dogs for families with small children.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels love to be close to their people and will often follow them around the house. They’re also known for being Velcro dogs, which means they like to stick close to their owners and be involved in everything they do. While all dogs enjoy a good cuddle, Cavaliers take it to the next level.
So why do Cavaliers love to cuddle so much?
Part of it has to do with their history – Cavaliers were bred as companion dogs and were historically owned by royalty and the upper class.
They were bred to be lapdogs and to provide companionship, which is why they have such a strong need for human interaction.
Cavaliers are also known to have been used as ‘bed warming dogs‘ for the ladies of the upper class, snuggling down beneath the bed covers to keep the human occupants warm at night.
They are also known for being very intuitive and attuned to their owner’s emotions. They can sense when you’re sad or upset and will often come over to offer comfort.
This makes them the perfect dogs for cuddling – they know exactly when you need it the most.
Cavaliers are often used as therapy dogs
Due to their ability to sense and respond to human emotions, Cavalier King Charles spaniels make excellent therapy dogs.
They are often used in nursing homes and hospitals to provide comfort and companionship to patients.
Their calming presence can help to lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels, and they have even been known to help ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
How do Cavaliers like to cuddle?
Cavaliers are relatively small dogs, so they are often content just being picked up and held close.
They also love to be petted and will often lean into your hand when you stroke them.
Some Cavaliers also enjoy being wrapped in a blanket or scarf – this makes them feel safe and secure, like they’re being hugged.
Do all Cavaliers like to cuddle?
Most Cavaliers do love to cuddle, but there are always exceptions to the rule.
Some Cavaliers may not be as fond of cuddling because they are more independent, or they may not have been socialized properly as puppies.
It’s also important to remember that all dogs are individuals and some may simply prefer not to be picked up and cuddled.
That’s perfectly normal – just respect your dog’s wishes and don’t force them into a cuddle if they don’t want one.
There are plenty of other ways to show your affection, such as giving them a belly rub, letting them sleep on your bed, or feeding them their favourite treats.
How can you encourage a Cavalier to cuddle?
If your Cavalier isn’t naturally inclined to cuddle, there are a few things you can do to encourage it.
One of the best ways to bonded with your dog and encourage them to cuddle is through positive reinforcement – offer them treats or verbal praise when they do something you like.
You can also try gently petting them while you’re sitting on the couch or in bed, and see if they respond by coming closer or nuzzling up against you.
Some dogs also enjoy being wrapped in a blanket – this makes them feel safe and secure, like they’re being hugged.
You can try this method if your Cavalier seems hesitant to cuddle.
Why does my Cavalier not want to cuddle?
There are a few reasons why your Cavalier may not want to cuddle.
The most likely one is that your Cavalier is busy doing something else.
Remember that, although he may be a cute dog, he is also a spaniel and, spaniels, by their very nature, are inquisitive dogs that love to explore things.
If your Cavalier seems reluctant to cuddle then he might just be distracted by something else that has caught his interest.
It is also possible that your Cavalier doesn’t like being cuddled because he isn’t used to it.
If you have only recently got your Cavalier, then he may need some time to get used to being close to you and being touched.
Try gently petting him while you are sitting on the couch or in bed and see if he responds by coming closer or nuzzling up against you.
Remember also that the temperature can have an effect.
On a hot day your Cavalier is probably much more interested in lying on a cool floor than being cuddled, whereas on a cold, winter’s night he’s more likely to snuggle up to keep warm.
Illness or injury can also affect your Cavalier’s desire for cuddles.
If he is uncomfortable or in pain then he probably wants to be left alone. The best thing to do in this case is to take him to the vet for a check-up.
Some dogs just don’t like being cuddled and there is nothing you can do about it – they are individuals after all.
Just respect your dog’s wishes and don’t force him into a cuddle if he doesn’t want one.
Final Words
Most Cavaliers love to cuddle, after all they’ve had centuries of practice in being the perfect lap dogs.
However, each Cavalier is an individual so there will always be exceptions to the rule.
If your Cavalier doesn’t want to cuddle, just respect his wishes and enjoy all the other ways you can show affection such as belly rubs, letting him sleep on your bed or feeding him his favourite treats.