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Do Poodles Like To Cuddle? The Surprising Truth

How cuddly are poodles? It’s a great question asked by both existing and future owners. After all, we all like a snuggle on the couch with our furry friends. This article explains everything you need to know about poodle affection and their cuddling habits.

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Do Poodles Like To Cuddle?

In general, poodles are considered an affectionate breed, and most won’t have any issues giving or receiving cuddles. It must be said, however, that some poodles will naturally be more cuddly than others…

What’s more interesting with poodles is that there appears to be a difference between breed variation and their affection.

Toy poodles and miniature poodles are considered by many to be more affectionate and willing to cuddle than standard poodles. This doesn’t mean to say all standard poodles are not cuddly or affectionate, but according to many owners, there is a difference.

Are Toy Poodles More Cuddly Than Standard Poodles?

Although standard poodles can of course be affectionate with their owners, it makes sense that toy poodles are naturally more cuddly than their larger cousins. The answer lies in their history…

Standard poodles

Standard poodles were originally bred in Europe during the 15th century as hunting dogs and water dogs, helping their owners retrieve wild game on land and in water.

Standard poodles were also known for developing strong bonds with their owners and were considered great companions.

Toy poodles

Toy poodles were bred much later throughout the mid-20th century in America. They were developed purely to act as tiny companion dogs for people who lived in the cities.

Due to the fact that toy poodles were bred to be more like lapdogs than working dogs, it’s no wonder they have developed to be an extremely affectionate breed. Just like all small lap dogs are.

Miniature poodles

Miniature poodles fit somewhere along the middle and were frequently used as companion dogs to the french nobility throughout the 18th century.

The common theme seems to be as the poodle breed progressed and different breed variations were developed, they were used more as companions and lapdogs rather than working dogs like the standard poodle.

So does this mean that standard poodles are not cuddly? Certainly not. And despite primarily being used for working purposes, they are still capable of giving and receiving plenty of cuddles.

Other Ways That Your Poodle Shows Affection

Giving and receiving cuddles is just one show of affection. Even if your poodle isn’t a cuddler, it doesn’t mean she isn’t showing you affection in other ways.

Other ways your poodle shows affection:

  • Physical contact with you (leaning up against you)
  • Choosing to play with you (bringing her toys to you)
  • Getting excited when you arrive home
  • Making frequent eye contact with you
  • Licking you when she gets the chance
  • Showing you attention in general
  • Being very attentive to your every move and command

There are many different signs of love and affection that your poodle is showing you on a daily basis, besides just cuddling.

Interesting Read: 10 Signs Your Poodle Actually Loves You

Why Doesn’t My Poodle Like To Cuddle?

If your poodle isn’t very cuddly, you’re likely wondering why and if there’s anything you can do about it.

1. The way your poodle has been raised

You have no doubt done an amazing job raising your poodle! But it’s known that if we don’t familiarize our dogs enough with our physical touch, then they can grow to become apprehensive when we try to cuddle, touch or put too many hands on them at once.

Emotional issues are extremely common in rescue dogs too. Dogs are incredibly sensitive animals and traumatic pasts can potentially change their mental state for the rest of their lives.

2. Some poodles prefer to cuddle on their own terms

Perhaps your poodle does like cuddling, but only when she wants to. This is quite common among standard poodles who sometimes have a strong independent and stubborn streak in them.

If she likes to test your authority and push your buttons, she may only decide to cuddle when she feels like it.

3. The age of your poodle

Age also has quite a big impact on your poodle’s willingness/ability to show affection and cuddles.

Puppies are nearly always too hyper and have not yet matured enough to understand what a cuddle is. A puppy will pull away from most cuddles and see it as nothing more than an attempt to play.

Seniors on the other hand can go either way. Some poodles will get more cuddly as they age, and others will actually shy away from the affection.

4. Some poodles are just less cuddly!

Sometimes, there isn’t any special reason other than their natural temperament and personality. And that’s okay!

It helps to remember that it’s also normal for dogs not to be cuddly. Some just aren’t!

As long as there are not obvious behavioral issues at play as well then not being very affectionate doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an issue.

Hot topic: Why Is My Poodle Shedding So Much?

Can You Make Your Poodle More Cuddly?

Many owners would like to know if you can make your poodle more cuddly, and it’s a great question.

Unfortunately, you can’t force or make your poodle be more cuddly, but there are a couple of things you can try to encourage your poodle to be more cuddly.

1. Don’t cuddle your poodle if she doesn’t want it

If you’ve realized your poodle pulls away from you every time you try to cuddle her, then you’ll need to stop attempting cuddles in the first place.

By constantly putting her in a situation she doesn’t like, you are only reinforcing to her just how much she dislikes it… So with every attempted cuddle, it’s reminding her she doesn’t like them.

Of course, continue to show your poodle plenty of love and never stop giving her your best “good girl” voice. Just try to avoid smothering her if she doesn’t want it. This will instantly improve the way she feels about cuddles, and it may even lead to her giving you some off her own accord.

2. Increase physical contact slowly

It will help to increase physical contact in general, from petting, stroking, belly rubs, brushing, and random touching.

After a few weeks or even months of an increased level of physical contact, your poodle will no doubt be more comfortable with cuddles and snuggles.

And remember to never push it too far. Even the most affectionate dogs in the world rarely enjoy complete smothering!

Popular Poodle Articles on The Puppy Mag:
How To Remove Poodle Eye Stains? Poodle Eye Tear Tips
How Long Can Poodles Be Left Alone? The Best Answer

Last Thoughts

Whether your poodle is cuddly or not, remember that there are many ways she’s likely showing you her love. Please also keep in mind that some poodles will just be more cuddly than others, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

For now, all the best, Harry.



Disclaimer

Before making any decisions that could affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. Even though this content may have been written/reviewed by a trained veterinarian, our advice to you is to always consult your own local veterinarian in person. Please read our full dislcaimer if you have any questions.