Are Boston Terriers Cuddly, An Owners Review


Some people love to cuddy and some just want to be left alone and relax. This concept is true for dog breeds as well. Some will love to be close and cuddly while others just want a bone. We have learned a lot about Boston Terriers over the past few years of owning them.

Boston Terriers are one of the most cuddly dog breeds you can own. They like to play and run around just like any other dog, but they are extremely happy if they can snuggle with you on the couch. If you are looking for a dog to cuddle with this is the breed for you.

If you are looking for more details on these little stinkers and what makes them tick read on. I had to push mine off of me so I could type this article.

What do Owners Say, when asked “Do Boston Terriers like to cuddle”

While researching for this post to ensure that my experience matched the majority of owners I found a Reddit post and did some polling. Here is what I found:

  • Out of 58 Boston Terriers 69% were cuddlers the other 21% only seemed to cuddle when they were cold or wanted to get under your covers.
  • When people had more than one Boston Terrier it appears that one would be a cuddly bug while the other would be more like a cat.
  • A few of the dogs mentioned in this review were foster and rescues which seemed to not be as trusting or want to cuddle.

My favorite what that a Boston Terrier is described in this Reddit post, they call their Bostons Stickers and velcro…… that to me is the perfect way to describe the two I have.

If we want to go further we can add in the numbers from a poll done on the Boston Terrier Society website which asked 50 people and came out 94% to 6% as shown below.

image

From adding the two polls together we concluded that 80.5% of all Boston Terriers love to cuddle!

Are Boston Terriers snuggle bugs?

I have never had a dog that loves to snuggle up with me as much as a Boston Terrier. I feel like I have two sharks always swimming at my feet waiting for me to sit down, so they can attack. Of course, when they attack it means landing on my lap or under my covers as close as they can possibly get. So if you ever wanted to know are Boston Terriers cuddly, the answer is without question yes.

Ruby the Boston terrier Cuddiling with my duaghter for are Boston Terriers cuddly post

As per buzzfeed.com Boston Terriers are one of the 14 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds To Snuggle With Endlessly, “According to Dogtime, Boston terriers were originally bred to be fighting dogs, but they’re actually one of the gentlest and most affectionate breeds.” They have come a long way now from fighting to answering yes when asked are Boston Terriers cuddly.

Are Boston Terriers clingy?

Would I say my Boston Terrier is clingy and is that the same question as asking are Boston Terriers cuddly? When I think about something being clingy it makes me picture something that is stuck to me to the point of being annoying.

So I have two Boston Terriers and they are not exactly the same in their cuddling or clinginess but they are similar. If I am walking around the house the dogs will either be following me at my feet the entire time or they will be asleep.

When they are following me for the most part it’s either because they are waiting for me to drop some food or they are giving me the look. When I say the look it is the look of go sit down so I can lay on you.

Boston Terrier Ruby trying to cuddle in a little space

The amount of clinginess will be based on how spoiled any dog is but this is especially true with Boston Terriers. Our male Boston was raised sleeping in the bed with my son so he needs to be around people all the time.

On the other hand, my female was kennel trained most of her life and for that part of her life she would go to sleep when told and wasn’t very clingy. Well then she started sleeping in the bed with my daughter and now she is a little spoiled.

Now to go back to the questions; are Boston Terriers clingy or are Boston Terriers cuddly? I will vote that mine are very cuddly but I could see how they would get on a person’s nerves if you don’t like to cuddle with a dog. If you don’t like to snuggle you should probably pick a different breed.

How affectionate are Boston Terriers?

When it comes to affection Boston Terriers are lovers. I compare mine to my other dog who is a Miniature Schnauzer. When I play with Zeus the mini he will very seldom give you a kisses or licks. When he does it is almost special it means he is really glad to be being held given time. For the most part, he makes a lot of sounds but no real affection.

Now the Boston Terriers are on an entirely different level. When you walk in the house and get down to their level, they are pushing you over with affection. They want to kiss you and be held and cuddly all the time.

Now there are differences in the many Boston Terriers I have been around. Mainly the differences are how excited they are or how you have to approach them.

For example, my mother inlaws Boston Terrier likes to steal things from you and run. He loves being chased. Once you catch him though he will attack you will affection. So even when I use him to answer the question are Boston Terriers cuddly the answer would be yea…. except you have to cath him first.

Our two Bostons are a little different as well on affection. The mail will lick you up and jump on your while the female will be really pushing about you petting her but less on the kissing. Then she goes through spurts where she won’t stop kissing you. It’s just all on her terms.

Do Boston Terriers get attached to one person?

Male Boston Terrier looking sad

When you think about are Boston Terriers cuddly, the second thing you wonder is will they be attached to one person only. I have watched our dogs over the past few years and I can say they are not attached to one person.

Boston Terriers are attached to the person that is giving them attention. During the day when my wife and youngest child are home alone, they will become the focus of all the dogs’ attention.

When the rest of the family comes home then the focus changes. Some of the people equal, play fighting time. Others in the family equal, they feed me. Personally, I fall into the he doesn’t like to cuddle but we should jump on him as often as possible. For me the answer to are Boston Terriers cuddly is yes even if you don’t want to cuddle.

Are male or female Boston Terriers more affectionate?

We have already answered yes to are Boston Terriers cuddly, but does it make any difference if the Boston you have is a male or female?

www.omlet.us writes about picking a male dog in general if you are looking for a more affectionate dog, “Male dogs are usually more affectionate than females, and some positively crave human attention.”

In our house not only does our male Boston Terrier get more vocal as we wrote about in do Boston Terriers Bark, he also shows much more affection. He will sit there and love on you, cuddly and lick your face until you have to push him away.

Our female Boston Terrier will let you love on her as much as you want. No only will she let you love on her she will keep pushing you to continue that love. So maybe it isn’t so much that males are more affectionate then female Boston Terriers, maybe is just that their love language is different.

Are Boston Terriers lap dogs?

Our two boston terriers sitting on my wife lap

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words so if you look above you will see yes Boston Terriers are lap dogs. Now depending on how much a pig your Boston Terrier is they may or may not fit on your lap.

At first I thought the question of is a Boston Terrier a lap dog and are Boston Terriers cuddly would of course be the same. I mean any dog that is a lap dog would be cuddly and any dog that is cuddly would be a lap dog.

Well then I thought back to the Grate Dane I had years ago. He was very cuddly and wanted to sit on your lap but by no means was he a lap dog. So with Boston Terriers the answer to both questions ends up being yes. They are lap dogs who love to cuddle.

Why is Cuddling Important

Cuddling is important to humans for several reasons, primarily because it fulfills a fundamental human need for physical touch and emotional connection. Here are some key aspects of why cuddling is significant:

  1. Releases Oxytocin: Cuddling stimulates the release of oxytocin, often called the ‘love hormone’ or ‘cuddle hormone’. Oxytocin fosters a sense of bonding and trust, reduces stress, and can create a feeling of calm and security.
  2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Physical touch, through cuddling, can help reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This can lead to a calming effect, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of tranquility.
  3. Boosts Immune System: Some studies suggest that the positive emotional and physiological effects of cuddling, like the reduction of stress, can help boost the immune system.
  4. Improves Heart Health: By reducing stress and anxiety, cuddling can also contribute to heart health. Lower stress levels are linked with reduced blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
  5. Deepens Relationships: Cuddling can strengthen relationships by increasing emotional intimacy and a sense of connection. It’s a non-verbal way of communicating affection, care, and a sense of closeness.
  6. Enhances Mental Well-being: The warmth and comfort of cuddling can provide emotional support, which is beneficial for overall mental health. It can help combat feelings of loneliness or isolation.
  7. Improves Sleep: The relaxation that comes from cuddling can help improve sleep quality. The sense of safety and comfort can make it easier to fall asleep and maintain a peaceful sleep.
  8. Pain Relief: The release of oxytocin during cuddling can also act as a natural pain reliever. It can help reduce minor aches and pains by promoting relaxation.
  9. Developmental Benefits: For infants and children, physical touch and cuddling are crucial for emotional and physical development. It helps in developing a sense of security and attachment.
  10. Non-verbal Communication: Cuddling serves as a form of non-verbal communication that can express love, understanding, and empathy without words.

If you would like to dig dipper into the question of why cuddling is important please check out this post from WebMD.

Conclusion: The Affectionate Companionship of Boston Terriers

In answering the question, “Are Boston Terriers cuddly?” the response is a resounding yes. This breed exemplifies affection in the canine world, meriting a top spot on any list that ranks the most cuddly dog breeds. Their distinct personality combines a playful spirit with a profound desire for close, physical companionship, making them the perfect lap dogs.

Boston Terriers are not just about sitting idly on your lap; they are dynamic companions. They thrive in environments where they can engage in playful activities, yet they equally cherish moments of relaxation and snuggling with their human family. This balance of energy and affection makes them uniquely adaptable to various lifestyles, whether you’re an active individual or someone who enjoys quieter, more relaxed environments.

Their adaptability extends to their interactions with all family members. Unlike some breeds that may bond closely with a single person, Boston Terriers distribute their affection generously among all household members. They’re sensitive to the mood and attention of their humans, adjusting their behavior to suit the moment – whether it’s a time for play or a moment for a comforting cuddle.

Furthermore, Boston Terriers are surprisingly quiet for such expressive dogs. While they will alert you to important events (like the arrival of pizza), they are generally less prone to incessant barking compared to other breeds. This trait adds to their appeal as ideal indoor pets, particularly for those living in apartments or urban settings.

To sum up, Boston Terriers are not just pets; they are heartwarming companions, ever-ready to offer affection, warmth, and a sense of belonging. Their dual nature of being playful yet peaceful, active yet affectionate, makes them an unparalleled choice for anyone seeking a loyal and loving dog breed. So, if you’re pondering over the perfect cuddly companion, look no further than the delightful Boston Terrier.

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