Thinking All Dogs Love Cuddles? These 5 Breeds Strongly Disagree

Chow Chows and Shiba Inus are often admired for their majestic looks and confident personalities. What many first-time owners do not expect is their clear dislike for excessive touching. Chow Chows were historically bred as guard dogs, which made them naturally alert, reserved, and territorial. They bond deeply with their chosen people but prefer to keep physical affection limited. Many Chow owners notice that their dog will follow them everywhere but quietly, without demanding hugs or cuddles.
Shiba Inus take independence to another level. They enjoy companionship but on their own terms. Sudden hugs, tight holds, or forced petting can make them stiff or irritated. This breed values control over its personal space. When a Shiba chooses to sit next to you or gently lean in, that moment means far more than any forced cuddle session.



Belgian Malinois are brilliant, energetic, and driven dogs. They thrive when they have a job to do. Police work, agility training, and obedience tasks excite them far more than lying on a couch being petted. Too much physical affection can actually distract or frustrate them. Owners who understand this breed quickly learn that playtime, training, and structure are the real love language of a Malinois.
Basenjis, often described as quiet and cat-like, also dislike unnecessary touching. They are curious, observant, and emotionally self contained. Many Basenji owners share that their dog tolerates touch rather than seeks it. They prefer sitting nearby, watching the world, and engaging when they feel like it. Their affection is subtle and often misunderstood by people expecting constant physical closeness.



Afghan Hounds look like they belong in a royal portrait, and in many ways, they act like it too. This breed is highly sensitive and deeply aware of its surroundings. Afghan Hounds do not enjoy rough handling or sudden touch. They can pull away or shut down if they feel overwhelmed.
Their dislike for physical affection is often tied to their emotional sensitivity. They prefer calm environments, gentle voices, and predictable interactions. Many Afghan owners find that their dog shows affection by staying close, making eye contact, or quietly resting in the same room. When touched slowly and respectfully, they may accept it, but they rarely crave it.



Not all dogs express love through cuddles, and that truth is often hard for humans to accept. These breeds remind us that affection comes in many forms. Loyalty, presence, quiet companionship, and trust can be just as powerful as hugs. Choosing a dog that dislikes physical touch does not mean choosing a distant or unloving companion. It means learning a new emotional language. When we stop forcing affection and start respecting boundaries, the relationship becomes deeper, calmer, and far more meaningful for both human and dog.

Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do some dogs hate being cuddled?
   Because certain breeds value personal space and feel stressed or trapped by physical restraint.
2. Are dogs that dislike touch less loving?
   No, they simply show affection through loyalty, presence, and companionship instead of cuddling.
3. Which dog breed dislikes physical affection the most?
   Breeds like Chow Chow and Shiba Inu are known for being highly independent and touch-averse.
4. Can a dog learn to like cuddling over time?
   Some dogs may tolerate touch, but forcing cuddles can damage trust rather than build it.
5. How can I bond with a dog that hates physical touch?
   Engage through training, play, routine, and calm companionship instead of constant petting.