Do Dachshunds Like to Cuddle?

Since you’ve found your way to this article, you are probably curious if Dahchsunds like to cuddle.

Perhaps you got a Dachshund because you believed they make cuddle buddies but it turns out yours doesn’t like to get too close.

You are left wondering why your Dachshund doesn’t cuddle with you, or you’re wishing it was more frequent!

Or perhaps you’re interested in adopting a Dachshund, and you’re curious as to the affectionate nature of the breed.

Dachshunds do like to cuddle – with their favorite person. But preferences always differ from dog to dog.

You may end up with a Dachshund who absolutely loves humans and wants to cuddle any chance they get.

On the flip side, your Dachshund may end up preferring constant independence and prefers to be left alone.

Below we’ll talk about the Dachshund’s willingness to cuddle, as well as how you can work on your bond and trust with your pup to encourage more snuggling.

Do Dachshunds Like to Cuddle?

Many small dog breeds are lovingly referred to as “lap dogs.”

This term can have different meanings depending on who you ask, and Dachshunds are among the list of breeds that have earned the famed nickname.

The truth is, Dachshunds do commonly love to lay on their owner’s lap (but read why Dachshund’s aren’t really lap dogs at all).

Our loyal weiner dogs make excellent personal heaters in the winter, or when we need a bit of comforting from our furry pals.

Be careful not to confuse lap dog tendencies with laziness when it comes to the Dachshund, though.

These mighty hunters are highly active, and they will not be happy with life just as a couch potato.

Dachshunds love to relax on their owner’s lap but also need regular exercise.

To remain physically and mentally fit, your Dachshund absolutely needs plenty of exercise.

So even if your pup does like to cuddle regularly, be sure that they are still getting daily walks and additional mental stimulation.

Why Does My Dachshund Only Cuddle With Another Family Member?

Dachshunds are a breed that tends to create a close bond with a certain human in the household.

While Dachshunds are small enough to easily cuddle with, not all dogs appreciate the closeness. Humans have their preferences when it comes to intimate physical touch, and the same is absolutely said for dogs.

If this is the case in your home, your Doxie will probably only be fond of cuddling with that member of the family.

Dachshunds love their people, so it’s natural that these dogs enjoy relaxing on a warm lap of this chosen person.

But, although Dachshunds can seem clingy, they may only seek out the attention and companionship of their most beloved human.

They may shy away from, or avoid, cuddling with other people in the same household.

Although potentially disappointing, this is normal behavior, so don’t be shocked if it’s the situation in your home.

How Can I Encourage My Dachshund to Cuddle With Me?

If your Dachshund naturally inclined to cuddle, or you were not selected as the primary person in the household to be affectionate with, and you would like your Dachshund to cuddle with you more, there are some things you can do to try to change that.

There are several ways you can encourage your Dachshund to cuddle with you.

Below are a few ways you can encourage your Dachshund to cuddle with you:

• Offer a healthy snack to your dog while they relax in your lap.
• Give your Dachshund a massage, or lightly brush them (if your pup likes being brushed) while in your lap.
• Keep the experience positive so your Dachshund will want to continue cuddle sessions.
• Bond with your Dachshund in other ways in order to build more trust.
• As a puppy, teach them to relax in your lap or by your side using positive reinforcement.
• Since Dachshunds love to burrow under blankets, place one on your lap to help make it an irresistible place to lay.

Never force your Dachshund to cuddle with you. It’s best to give them a choice.

If you bring your pup to lay with you but they get up to leave, allow them to go on their terms.

Attempting to force cuddles will only agitate your dog, eliminating progress you may have made.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not your Dachshund likes to cuddle is mostly up to chance.

You may be able to entice your pup to relax with you on the bed or couch for a bit, but a Doxie won’t stay for an extended period of time unless they genuinely enjoy it.

If your Dachshund loves cuddling with you, it’s a clear sign that they absolutely adore you. Cuddling with their human is a showcase of love and trust.

Just remember that even if your Doxie doesn’t like to cuddle with you, they are likely expressing their love and devotion in other ways.

About the Author: Through her 17 years of owning and caring for Dachshunds, and almost 10 years researching and writing about them, JW has become a respected expert in the Dachshund community. Read more about her here.