Cocker Spaniels are wonderfully happy and energetic dogs but do they like to cuddle? Yes, they do, a lot, but it obviously depends on each individual dog, but as a breed, they are very affectionate and love to cuddle up to their humans.
In this guide to whether Cocker Spaniels like to cuddle, you’ll learn:
- Why Cocker Spaniels are affectionate
- How they show their affection
- How you can help them to be affectionate
- And, lots more…
Why do Cocker Spaniels Cuddle?
Cocker Spaniels are dogs that are bred to be around humans.
Whilst they were originally bred to be working dogs, the role was to be alongside their owner (a hunter in most cases) and flush birds out of trees and undergrowth.
There’s an important owner and dog bond which means they are very dedicated to their important human which manifests itself in physical affection.
Spaniels are also on the smaller side of the dog size spectrum, which simply means that physically cuddling your dog, or having them by your side is easier, and more comfortable.
Cocker Spaniels are “People Pleasers”
Cocker Spaniels are known to be “People Pleasers” and always want to make their humans happy.
There’s nothing they enjoy more than being praised by you for them having done something well, or simply for just being a good “boy” or “girl”!
They are generally great family pets that develop extremely strong bonds with their family.
But, please do remember that with all dogs, you should teach your children how to interact with your dog to understand the boundaries of play.
Having said that Cocker Spaniels love to be around people and will be at your side most of the time.
They tend to need human interaction and can struggle if they are left on their own for long periods.
Some dogs and our Cocker Spaniel is no exception, will either sit by the door or peer out of the window waiting for you to arrive home.
In fact, our Cocker Spaniel is definitely happier when the whole family are at home.
Ultimately, the more time you put into your Cocker Spaniel, the more you will get back from them and the more they will want please you.
Are Cocker Spaniels ever Clingy?
Cocker Spaniels prefer to be around people so there are times when they can be clingy and want to be close to their humans.
This doesn’t always manifest itself in overly clingy behaviour, but it will, more than likely, they will be by your side.
In our view, this type of behaviour is why we chose to have a Cocker Spaniel and really don’t think this companion-based behaviour is a problem. If anything, it’s completely the opposite.
How do Cocker Spaniels Show their Affection?
At a very basic level, Cocker Spaniels show their affection towards you with simple companionship.
They will be by your side wherever you are, whether you’re taking them for a walk, with you in the kitchen when you’re cooking or sitting by your side when you’re watching TV.
Some of the basic ways a Cocker Spaniel will show you affection:
- Licking
- Closely sitting next to you
- Sleeping next to you
- Resting their legs over you
- Hugging you. Yes, some Spaniels actually hug you…!
Cocker Spaniels are known for being super happy when their humans arrive home and show happiness and affection by grabbing one of their favourite toys, or a shoe, or a slipper, whatever item is closest, in their mouth and showing it off to their human.
They also excitedly waggle their tails and body until you give them some attention.
Obviously, each Cocker Spaniel will have their way of showing its affection for its humans. Some love to cuddle close to you, and some will simply want to be in the same room as you.
Are show and working Cocker Spaniels equally affectionate
There aren’t any really significant behavioural differences (most differences are appearance related) between the show and working Cocker Spaniels, so they are equally affectionate towards their owners.
What if my Cocker Spaniel stops or refuses to cuddle or show affection
Most Cocker Spaniels will show affection in some form. They are wonderful, happy, loving and affectionate dogs that simply want to be around their humans.
If you give your dog time and attention, they will respond with affection and give it to you in spades!
If your dog is unwell, nervous or feels threatened in any way, it might withdraw from human companionship or simpler be quieter around the house.
In these instances, it’s just a case of taking care of them and giving them some time - soon enough they’ll be back to their affectionate selves.
Are Cocker Spaniel Puppies More Affectionate than Adult dogs?
This purely depends on the individual dog, but in our experience, if your Cocker Spaniel is affectionate and cuddly as a puppy, it will be equally affectionate as a grown dog.
Again, the more time you dedicate to your dog in terms of training, exercising them and just being with them, the more likely they will be cuddly towards you.
Better still if you dedicate time to them during those informative few puppy months.
Final Thoughts
Many dog breeds are affectionate towards humans, but the Cocker Spaniel is number one on the list.
They thrive on human interaction and love nothing more than pleasing their significant human with affection and cuddles - it’s simply in their breeding.
If your preference is for a less attentive and affectionate dog that isn’t demanding of your time, we suggest you look for a non-Spaniel breed and certainly not a Cocker Spaniel.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to whether Cocker Spaniels like to Cuddle. We have a number of other Spaniel related content if you’re interested in finding out more:
Does my Spaniel make a good running companion?
All content is written by actual Spaniel owners.
