There is a common question among many that ask, “Do Chihuahuas like to cuddle?”.
The answer is a resounding YES! Chihuahuas, in general, love to cuddle. This is especially true if they are around their owner or family that they are comfortable with. They enjoy being close to their loved ones and love to sit on their lap or lean against them.
So, why do Chihuahuas enjoy cuddling? And are they affectionate? What are the benefits of cuddling? Keep reading to find out!
Why do Chihuahuas Enjoy Cuddling?
Chihuahuas are small dogs known for being very affectionate and loving toward their owners.
One of the most common ways they show their love is by cuddling.
Chihuahuas enjoy cuddling because:
Bond With Their Owner
Chihuahuas are very loyal dogs and form strong bonds with their owners.
Cuddling is a way for them to express their love and affection for you physically.
It also strengthens the bond between you and your Chihuahua, making it even more vital.
To Be Warm
Chihuahuas are originally from Mexico and are used to warm climates.
Cuddling with their owner or another dog helps them retain their body heat and stay warm.
This is especially important in colder climates where the weather can quickly deteriorate a Chihuahua’s health.
It is a good idea to get your Chihuahua a snuggle dog bed to be cozy and warm when you’re not available to cuddle.
To Feel Secure and Safe
Chihuahuas, like all dogs, have an instinct to seek out a pack leader.
In the wild, this would be the alpha dog.
In your home, your Chihuahua sees you as the pack leader.
They feel secure and safe when they cuddle with you, knowing their pack leader is close by.
This is especially important when there are unfamiliar people or animals around.
Cheer Up Their Owner
Chihuahuas are very intuitive dogs and can sense when their owner is sad or down.
Cuddling is one of the ways they try to cheer up their owner.
This is one of the reasons why Chihuahuas make such great therapy dogs.
Their natural ability to sense and respond to human emotions makes them perfect for cheering up anyone who needs it.
To Smell Your Scent
Dogs have a fantastic sense of smell due to their 300 million olfactory receptors inside their nose.
They can smell things that we would never even think to try and smell.
One of the things they love to smell is their owner’s scent which can activate the pleasure center of their brain.
Cuddling is an excellent way for your Chihuahua to get a good sniff of you and your unique scent.
This helps them to recognize and remember you, even when you’re not around.
To Show, You’re Their Favorite Person
Chihuahuas are loyal dogs and usually pick one person to be their favorite. If you’ve been with your Chihuahua for a long time, you’re likely the person they’ll gravitate to.
This is because they’ve spent the most time with you and have formed a strong bond.
They may also choose a person because of their personality.
For example, if you’re always gentle and loving toward your Chihuahua, they’ll likely see you as their favorite person.
Cuddling is a great way for your Chihuahua to show you that you’re their favorite person.
It’s also a way for them to express how much they love and appreciate you.
To Protect You
Chihuahuas are small dogs, but they have big hearts.
They’re fiercely loyal to their owners and will do anything to protect them.
Cuddling is one of the ways they show their protective instinct.
When cuddling with you, they instinctively try to keep you safe and sound.
This is especially true if there are unfamiliar people or animals around.
Chihuahuas are known for being great watchdogs and will bark to alert you of any potential danger.
Natural Instinct
Just like any other animal, Chihuahuas have an instinct to cuddle.
They’re born with the need to be close to their mother and littermates for milk and warmth.
As they grow older, this instinct remains, and they continue seeking physical contact with their owner to fulfill their natural instinct.
So these are some of the reasons why your Chihuahua loves to cuddle.
Are Chihuahuas Affectionate?
Some people think that Chihuahuas are not affectionate, but this is not true.
They just came across a Chihuahua that isn’t affectionate.
And think that all Chihuahuas are like that.
But that’s not the case.
Chihuahuas are one of the most misjudged dog breeds.
This is because they’re super cute, and people let them do whatever they want. So they develop Small Dog Syndrome.
Small Dog Syndrome refers to a condition where the dog thinks they are the pack’s alpha.
They start to misbehave and usually refuse to follow commands.
This is often the case with Chihuahuas.
But if you treat them like a dog and not as fashion accessories, you will have a well-behaved and affectionate Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas are brilliant dogs that are so kind and loving.
They make great companions, and their loyalty is unmatched.
One of my Aunts had a Chihuahua that used to follow her everywhere she went.
The dog was so attached to her that whenever she came home from work, the dog would yell with happiness and wouldn’t stop kissing her.
My Aunt says the dog could sense when she was sad and would come and sit with her to provide support.
This just goes to show how intuitive and affectionate Chihuahuas can be.
If you have a Chihuahua, then you should consider yourself lucky.
You have one of the best dogs in the world.
Why May Some Chihuahuas Not Prefer Cuddling?
All dogs are not the same, and that includes Chihuahuas.
While most Chihuahuas love to cuddle, some may don’t prefer it.
There can be several reasons for this.
Bond is Not Strong Enough:
If you’ve just got your Chihuahua, then the bond between you two is not yet strong.
And it will take some time for your Chihuahua to trust you enough to cuddle.
This is why it’s crucial to spend a lot of time with your Chihuahua when you first get them.
Your Chihuahua Doesn’t Feel Comfortable:
Another reason why your Chihuahua may not want to cuddle is that they don’t feel comfortable.
This could be because they’re not feeling well or they’re stressed.
If you think this is the case, you should take your Chihuahua to the vet to rule out any medical issues.
And if everything is fine, try to provide a calm environment for your Chihuahua.
This will help them relax and feel comfortable enough to cuddle.
Your Chihuahuas May Not Enjoy Cuddling:
Your Chihuahua may just don’t like to cuddle.
And that’s okay.
You can do plenty of other activities with your Chihuahua that will help you bond.
You can go for walks, play fetch, or just spend time together.
Do whatever makes your Chihuahua happy.
Can You Teach Your Chihuahua to Cuddle?
So, now you know that some Chihuahuas may not cuddle.
But what if your Chihuahua doesn’t cuddle, and you want them to?
So, Can you teach your Chihuahua to cuddle?
The answer is yes.
You can train your Chihuahua to cuddle, but it will take time and patience.
Here are a few tips that will help you train
Tips to Cuddle With a Chihuahua:
1. Be Patient:
The first and most important thing you must do is be patient.
You can’t expect your Chihuahua to cuddle with you right away.
They will need to trust you and feel comfortable enough to cuddle.
2. Create a Comfortable Environment:
The second thing you must do is create a comfortable environment for your Chihuahua.
This means providing a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
You can do this by playing soft music, diffusing essential oils, or providing a comfy bed.
3. Bond With Your Chihuahua:
The third thing you need to do is bond with your Chihuahua.
This means spending a lot of time with them and doing activities they enjoy.
This will help them trust you and feel comfortable around you.
4. Offer Treats:
The fourth thing you can do is offer treats.
When your Chihuahua come close to you, give them a treat.
This will help them associate being close to you with something positive.
5. Give Massages:
The fifth thing you can do is give massages.
Start by petting your Chihuahua and then slowly move to give them a massage.
This will help them relax and feel comfortable with being touched.
6. Cuddle With Your Chihuahua:
The sixth and final thing you must do is cuddle with your Chihuahua.
Start by putting your arm around them and slowly moving to hold them.
Do this until they’re comfortable with being held.
However, don’t force them to cuddle if they’re not comfortable.
Forcing your dog to cuddle will worsen your relationship and make them less likely to cuddle in the future.
You would know if you’re forcing the dog to cuddle by their reaction.
If they struggle to get away, that’s a sign you’re holding them too tight.
If they seem relaxed and are not trying to get away, then you’re good.
Cuddling is supposed to be a relaxing experience for both you and your dog.
If you follow these tips, you will be able to train your Chihuahua to cuddle.
Benefits of Cuddling With Your Chihuahua
Even though some Chihuahuas don’t like to cuddle, there are still many benefits of cuddling with your Chihuahua.
Here are a few benefits of cuddling with your Chihuahua:
1. It Reduces Stress:
One of the benefits of cuddling with your Chihuahua is that it reduces stress.
When you cuddle with your Chihuahua, your body releases oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone.”
This hormone has many benefits, one of which is reducing stress.
2. It Boosts Immunity:
Another benefit of cuddling with your Chihuahua is that it boosts immunity. Oxytocin also helps to boost immunity.
3. It Improves cardiovascular health:
Cuddling with your Chihuahua also improves cardiovascular health.
When you cuddle with your Chihuahua, your heart rate and blood pressure decrease.
This is good for your heart and can help to prevent heart disease.
4. It Decreases Pain:
Cuddling with your Chihuahua can also decrease pain.
When you cuddle with your Chihuahua, your body releases dopamine, a natural pain reliever.
5. It Increases Happiness:
Last but not least, cuddling with your Chihuahua will make you happier.
This is because oxytocin and dopamine are both happiness-inducing hormones.
So, if you’re feeling down, cuddling with your Chihuahua is a great way to boost your mood.
FAQS
Here are a few frequently asked questions about cuddling with your Chihuahua:
Will My Chihuahua Get Too Attached to Me if We Cuddle?
Yes, your Chihuahua can get too attached to you if you always cuddle with them. Chihuahuas are needy dogs and can develop separation anxiety if they’re not around you often enough.
Do Chihuahuas Like to Be Held?
Yes, Chihuahuas like to be held, and they seem to need it more than other dogs. They’re small dogs and feel safe when they’re being held.
Do Chihuahuas Like to Be Petted?
Chihuahuas like to be petted, but they don’t want to be touched everywhere. They like to be petted on the back of the neck, under the chin, and on the base of the tail. However, they may not want to be touched at the ears, nose, or paws.
Do Chihuahuas Like to Be Kissed?
No, Chihuahuas don’t like to be kissed. They may tolerate it from their owners but don’t enjoy it. They may see it as a sign of aggression.
Do Chihuahuas Like to Burrow?
Yes, Chihuahuas like to burrow. This is because they’re used to living in burrows in the wild. When they burrow, it makes them feel safe and secure. You may want to get a burrow bed for your Chihuahua to make them feel more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped you to understand the benefits of cuddling with your Chihuahua.
Cuddling is not only good for you but also suitable for your Chihuahua. It reduces stress, boosts immunity, improves cardiovascular health, decreases pain, and increases happiness.
So, if you have the time, cuddle with your Chihuahua today! They’ll love it, and you’ll love it too.
