This is an easy question to answer. Most pugs absolutely love cuddling; firstly because they are lap dogs and secondly, it is in their nature.
Pugs are kind of perfect for cuddling except, of course, when it is too hot to do so. Otherwise, they really enjoy being on their human’s lap.
But before you consider this a verse from the Bible and move on, there are a few things you should know about pugs and cuddling. Let’s check them out.
Why Do They Love It?
One of the great things about having a pug in winter is that it is a great time, weather wise, to cuddle with your little guy. It also keeps them a bit warm which is a great incentive for them to just lay down on your chest.
Even in the summer, a lot of them try to do the same. But you must understand if it is too hot for contact.
They are like little babies that need and love the attention they get from humans. Pugs, in fact, like this kind of contact more than some other breeds, which is great if you have always wanted a clingy dog.
Pugs also like pleasing their humans as much as possible, which is why active and healthy dogs will shadow you when you are moving around the house. And it’s adorable that they don’t mind doing foolish things to bring a smile to your face.
These are very loving dogs that are all about creating a bond with you. So, cuddling is only natural for them.
And these dogs sleep A LOT, meaning more than 12 hours, which means any time you are asleep, they are ready to snuggle into your blanket and get some quality time with you.
But if you haven’t had a pug before, it is worth mentioning that these dogs snore and do so rather loudly. So, you might want to be prepared for that, especially if you are a light sleeper or sleep with your dog too close to your face.
The other thing to note is their weight. While pugs are small dogs, they are not the smallest and most healthy pugs have some solid muscles.
This is what makes them cuddly but they are also prone to gaining weight. While you have them on your chest, it is a good time to take stock of how they are growing and how many extra pounds they might have to shed.
Obesity is a real problem among pugs and it reduces their lifespan too. So, keep an eye out.
Basically, they love being in constant contact with their humans. This should not come as a surprise because they were meant to be companion dogs.
And it is not just about you. They like getting comfortable with anyone that approaches them including everyone in the house and sometimes your neighbors too.
It is nothing to worry about because a friendly dog is good news in most neighborhoods.
Also Read: Are Pugs Hyper?
What about Hugs? Is It the Same Thing?
You might think that a dog that likes to cuddle, craves affection and likes human contact, loves to hug too. Well, there is a little bit of a difference between hugging and cuddling and as a pug parent, you should know what it is.
Lots of pugs actually really don’t like it when you give them bear hugs by wrapping both your arms around their body. Cuddling is different because you are close to them and they are comfortable because they don’t feel trapped in your arms.
Snuggling next to you on the couch or bed is also pretty much the same as cuddling. If you can’t control the amount of love in your heart, what you can do is to keep them close to your body and wrap an arm around them so that they have space to move and even leave if that’s what they want to do.
While you are doing this, it is important to make sure that they are comfortable. If they are not, you will notice it in their body language and they might even squirm.
Some of them might even try to push your hand around to signal that they need some space. So, keep your eyes and ears open while showing excessive love.
Keep in mind that they are small dogs and need space to breathe. You might also want to let them come to you instead of pulling them towards you.
And don’t worry. You won’t have to wait too long because that’s how much pugs love to cuddle. While we are on the subject, it is also worth pointing out that excessive cuddling might leave them with separation anxiety if you are not around to do it all the time for whatever reason.
What If My Pug Doesn’t Love Cuddling?
Well, this is unfortunate but if you have noticed that your little guy does not want to snuggle up next to you while you are working or watching TV, they are telling you that they might not be that into cuddling. A lot of pet parents tend to think they are doing something wrong, but the truth might just be that your pug is not as big a fan of cuddling as you seem to be.
When you get a lap dog that has cuddling listed as one of the defining traits, to not get that all the time might sound like a bummer… and it is, to an extent. But sometimes, it is also possible that your dog does not trust you yet to cuddle with you 24×7.
If you have arrived late to the cuddling party, they might take some time to warm up to you. It is also possible that you might have rejected their advances early on and they have stopped trying.
You need to remember that while you might choose to “own” a dog, they are not a thing. There will be times when they want to cuddle and you might not, but you have to give them what they want unless it becomes a problem.
Also Read: Why Do Pugs Fart So Much?
Can I Trick My Dog into Cuddling?
Well, first of all, let’s hope that it doesn’t come to that. If your pug is not a big fan of cuddling, which happens if they were not trained as a puppy, you can try a few things to get them to snuggle with you.
Now, this is not an exact science so it might not work with some pugs, especially the older ones that have decided how they feel about you.
- You might want to get started early by letting them get into bed with you while they are still a puppy. Help the little ones up so that they don’t apply too much pressure on their joints trying to please you. Or let them watch TV with you.
- You can always try to bribe them with pieces of fruit or treats and get them to come closer to you. Don’t spoil them too much though because they are prone to obesity, remember?
- Pugs also like getting attention from their humans. So, petting them and showing love by rubbing the belly are both good ways of inviting them to cuddle.
- Pugs have a fairly low maintenance coat but brushing it signals to them that you like having them around. This is something they will start looking forward to.
These might or might not work for all pooches depending on the way your little guy is used to being treated. Sometimes it just takes time and effort.
Maybe My Dog Is Showing Love In Other Ways?
Yes, that is most certainly a possibility unless you’ve done something to antagonize your little guy.
Sometimes, no matter the bribe or the tricks you play it just might not work. While that is unfortunate, it is nothing to be alarmed about.
Not all pugs love to cuddle, but that does not mean they don’t love their humans. They have a few other ways of showing their love.
- If your pug is yawning near you, it might not seem like a big deal, but it is a sign that your dog is very comfortable around you. No matter how laid back the breed is, dogs are meant to be alert. So, if your little guy is chilling next to you, it means they are sure that neither you nor they are in any kind of danger.
They are also likely to mirror whatever you do and sometimes that includes yawning. This is because they want to show that they have empathy for you. Kind of cute, isn’t it? And it is a sign of love and appreciation too.
- Licking is a fairly well-known trait of dogs and it is true for pugs too. It is their way of giving you a kiss. Accept it and they will take it as a positive response.
Also Read: Are Pugs Good With Kids?
Parting Thoughts
Just because pugs are known to like cuddles doesn’t mean all of them like it. So, be patient and gentle but don’t force them to hang out with you.
But if your dog doesn’t fall for the tricks, you might want to give them space instead of forcing bear hugs on them. That absolutely will not prove your point.
