Are Chihuahuas Affectionate?
[The Definitive Guide]

author
Aaron Rice Expert Dog Trainer
Written: January 17, 2022

Known for their playful, affectionate, and heart-melting looks, the Chihuahuas love to cuddle with their beloved humans. They enjoy settling down in their owner’s lap. As they are tiny in size, cuddling and snuggling provide them warmth and comfort, especially in cold climates.

As dog owners, do not try to overdo the cuddles. It is best if the puppies initiate this affectionate behavior. Some Chihuahuas get repelled when forced to cuddle. They may sense an attitude of domination from the human which they do not enjoy.

In this article, we will list why chihuahuas love to cuddle, the right ways to cuddle, followed by the reasons why cuddling can be beneficial for them. So let’s get started.

Reasons Why Chihuahuas Enjoy Cuddling

Owing to their miniature size, Chihuahuas need extra care and protection against external conditions to maintain good health. Let’s look at the fundamental causes why they prefer cuddles.

Body Warmth

Chihuahua puppies cuddle each other as well as their owners to retain body temperature. Excess cold and harsh climates can quickly deteriorate their health and make them weak. 

The next time you notice them sitting on your lap or cuddling you, it is very likely that they’re feeling cold. They are more comfortable during the summers. The behavior mentioned above will be showcased to a lesser extent in the warmer seasons.

Although, we have come across many Chihuahua owners stating that their dog loves cuddling around the year. Still wondering why they’re addicted to cuddles. Keep reading further.

Chihuahuas Love for the Owner

Being passionate and intense about the love towards the owner, you can expect cuddles entirely out of the blue. These affection and caring displays help generate the feel-good hormone known as “Oxytocin” to be generated in them.

Due to this, they take their bonding time with the beloved humans with a great sense of importance and passion. This point answers the question, “Do chihuahuas love their owners?“

Cheering Up the Owner

Dogs are sensitive creatures. The breed of Chihuahua is no different. They have the inherent ability to read human emotions and can sense if you are feeling sad.

When you feel low, they will try their best to cheer you up. If you want to test this trait, try faking a cry while you’re sitting on the couch. The dog will attempt to distract you by cuddling or bringing a toy to play with.

It is their way of saying, “Do not worry, I’m here for you at all times.”

Feeling Tensed or Fearful

The presence of sudden loud noises like firecrackers or thunder can generate fear. This situation may prompt them to cuddle you as they need you to comfort them. 

They may also feel tensed and scared due to the entry of an unknown stranger/animal into your home. These kinds of uncomfortable scenarios can also induce a need to cuddle.

So far, we have seen some of the most common causal factors of the Chihuahua cuddles. The main point to focus on here is that the cuddles need to happen the right way. Let’s address this aspect in the upcoming section.

Cuddling the Right Way

As we mentioned in the introduction, not all Chihuahuas are fans of the cuddle. They have their reasons for displaying this behavior. Some of them can find this affectionate move from the owner offensive at times.

The most significant point to remember is to let the dog come to you if they need cuddles. Not the other way round. If they prefer solitude and are happy sleeping in the corner of your living room, let them enjoy their peace.

For a change, you can try to place the dog on your lap. Observe how they react. If they are uncomfortable and run away from you immediately, do not try to force things and generate an angry response from them.

Some Chihuahuas do not prefer the concept of cuddling and other acts of physical affection with the owner. In the next section, let’s look into the reasons why this is so.

Reasons Why Chihuahuas Don’t Prefer Cuddling 

What makes your dog avoid the cuddles and all the sugary affection you pour on them? Here are some of the possible causes:

  • The bond between you and the Chihuahua is in the nascent stage. If your dog is still new to you and the surroundings, give them some time to adapt and get to know you. Expecting them to cuddle and snuggle in the first few days is just rushing things too rashly.
  • Cuddles are too squishy and tight. Do be aware of the tiny size of your dog. Showcasing your abundance of love by cuddling too roughly can annoy them rather than making them happy. This act from your end can lessen their fondness for you. So we advise keeping the cuddles subtle and let the dog come to you first.
  • Chihuahuas enjoy doing other activities like outdoor games, puzzles, playing with toys, etc.

Whichever the reason, respect your dog’s choices and preferences. Like with humans, never try to force love on another living being. This behavior will lead to the weakening of bonds rather than strengthening them.

Veterinary science shows that there are some health benefits associated with engaging in regular cuddling with your Chihuahua. Let’s look at those in the next section.

Benefits of Cuddling with Your Chihuahua

Why should you find time to cuddle with your little buddy regularly? Here’s why:

Helps Avoid Depression and Loneliness

Being alone for long hours while you are out at work can cause a sense of boredom and sadness in your dog. So, once you are back home, if they settle near/on you, shower them with the much-needed dose of happiness to cheer them up.

Cuddling is a great cure to keep depression in dogs at bay. Dogs are, after all, pack animals by nature. So getting good company and affection has its benefits and it is necessary for them in most cases.

Rise in Oxytocin Levels in Humans

Cuddling with pups not only makes the dog feel good but the same effect is experienced in the owner too. This situation has numerous health benefits such as:

  1. Minimizes build-up of Stress
  2. Helps avoid the addiction to drugs
  3. Better sleep cycles
  4. Prevention of depression

And many more.

Sense of Mindfulness

Cuddling can make you sense the moment and helps you calm yourself down. This activity can enhance relaxation after an overwhelming day of work.

Conclusion

Chihuahuas, in general, cuddle not just for showcasing affection but also for health reasons. Cuddling has its set of merits for both the dog and the owner.

As we discussed earlier, never force your feelings on the tiny creature; let them come to you. Being small in size, they are fragile beings and require extra care to prevent health issues. Supporting them in their time of need helps cement a solid and lasting bond between you and the dog.  

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