Do Siberian Huskies Like To Cuddle?
Siberian Huskies are smart, independent dog breeds who like being around people but do Huskies like to cuddle? If you are a pet parent of a Siberian Husky and are wondering whether they like to cuddle, your question is along the same lines of whether fish like water. Or do birds like flying? The answer is getting more clear, isn’t it?
Do Siberian Huskies Like To Cuddle?
Huskies are typically known as affectionate, cuddly dogs. They like being petted and hugged by their owners and enjoy belly rubs. However, some Huskies may be different. They may prefer to be more independent and like being alone with little attention.
Siberian Huskies are a smart, amicable dog breed, and while they can be independent, they also enjoy being around people. Most Siberian Huskies like being petted and hugged, especially by their owners and family. Moreover, Siberian Huskies often greet people amicably, hoping to get a belly rub.
It must be great news if you enjoy cuddling your pet, but let’s not forget that Siberian Huskies have a thick coat that feels great when someone cuddles them.
The breed’s attraction to people and fondness for the company shouldn’t surprise you as it is linked to the breed’s heritage. Siberian Huskies are an old breed dating back to over 3,000 years, where they stayed in close collaboration with the Chukchi tribe of northeast Asia.
And since they have been working dogs for humans for years, they have developed close associations with people. Over the years, these traits have continued to pass down and inherited since then.
However, while Siberian Huskies enjoy cuddles and belly rubs, they still need a very strong owner who can lead them, or else, Siberian Huskies can take over. So it is critical that even though you show your love for your pet, you still need to have a firm hand when starting to train them.
How Do Huskies Show Affection?
Siberian Huskies don’t only enjoy your affection, but they also love to demonstrate their fondness for their owner. They often show their affection by laying next to you or nudging your hand to pet them. Often Siberian Huskies may also cuddle up to you.
You will often notice their expression of affection, especially if you have adopted a Husky since a young age.
Moreover, Siberian Huskies also show their affection by gently holding on to your hand. Some of the other ways Siberian Huskies show affection include
- Leaning on you while you are sitting,
- Rubbing against your legs,
- Lay on your lap while you are sitting,
- Curl up next to you on your couch,
- Show affection and excitement when you come home,
- Gaze at you,
- Be playful with you or bring its toys so you can play with them,
Why Do Huskies Like To Cuddle?
For Siberian Huskies, cuddling is not just a way of showing love and affection. While they make a social dog breed, they tend to enjoy cuddles to keep themselves warm and feel safe. Some Huskies also resort to cuddling to relieve stress and feel protected. Moreover, they may also cuddle to provide protection for their loved ones and families.
Huskies are typically an amicable dog breed, and typically greet everyone they meet. Here are some of the reasons why your Siberian Husky would want to cuddle with you.
Keep Themselves Warm
Even despite the thick Husky coat, it is common for them to feel cold from time to time. It can happen when your pet is sick or has been outdoors for quite some time. And when your Siberian Husky feels cold, cuddling serves as a quick and easy way to get warm.
You should remember that Huskies are a dog breed that comes from a very cold climate with extreme conditions and has been domesticated to humans over the years, which is why cuddling to keep warm appears second nature to them.
Help Relieve Stress
Cuddling is one of the stress-relieving tactics that work similarly in humans and dogs. Cuddling up with the owner helps lower stress levels by releasing the love hormone oxytocin.
Feel Safe
Siberian Huskies have spent thousands of years with their human owners and a large pack of dogs. Being close to humans and other animals is how Huskies feel safe, and that’s precisely why cuddling with the owner may appear as a way for your dog to feel safe.
To Protect the Owner
Since Siberian Huskies have spent a long time around the human owner, they have developed an instinct to protect you by naturally getting closer to you.
Why Do Some Huskies Not Like To Cuddle?
While most Huskies are friendly and like to cuddle, you will find certain Siberian Huskies who are more inclined towards independence and are less affectionate in general, which is why they do not like to cuddle.
Some of the reasons why a Husky may not like to cuddle its owner include the following.
Former Mistreatment
If you adopt a young Husky, you are more likely to get an affectionate dog, but if you find your Husky pet at a later stage in their life, you are more likely to get a less affectionate dog, especially if you rescue them. Former mistreatment by previous owners or injuries due to an accident can cause your Husky to be on guard and even be fearful of people.
But since Huskies are a social breed, you can still expect them to be around you and like you, but they may hesitate to cuddle or hug you, especially until you have gained their trust.
No Enough Socialization or Training
Siberian Huskies may be naturally inclined to interact with people. However, they still need training from a young age so they can turn out to be affectionate dogs.
If your Husky has not been properly trained to socialize with people and other animals from a young age, you are more likely to end up with a Husky who doesn’t like to cuddle much.
Old Age
As Huskies age, they have less energy which is why they can’t show the affection that you will notice with younger Huskies.
Depression
It might be surprising, but dogs too can develop mental health conditions such as depression. If there is a change in your pet’s routine or how often you interact with them, they may experience depression which can cause your pet to respond to your calls by not wanting to cuddle you.
Health Condition
Often physical illnesses may cause your Siberian Husky to not want to cuddle you. While some Huskies are not as cuddly and affectionate as others, if you have recently noticed a change in your Husky’s behavior, it could indicate a physical illness, which is why you should get your Husky checked by your vet.