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Do Australian Shepherds Like to Cuddle?

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Do Australian Shepherds Like to Cuddle?

The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, as it’s nicknamed, is a working dog. Originally bred and used to herd livestock, this dog is always happiest when it has a job to do. Aussies are known for their high-energy, intelligence, and loyalty. 

The desire to herd has been bred into them for so long that it remains strong even today. This means that if you choose an Aussie as a family pet and not as a working dog, he will still try to herd other pets, wildlife, and even your kids! 

There is no doubt this enjoyable dog is a fun addition to your family, but how affectionate is this breed? Can a dog recognized for its work ethic be cuddly, too?

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Can I cuddle with my Australian Shepherd?

The short answer is simply: yes, with the right people. Your Aussie was bred historically to be a dog that guards and herds livestock. This dog is protective and smart but also very strong-willed and loyal. He doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods. He will bond with his owner or family members and then tend to protect them, as well. His sense of loyalty will lie with his family and only them.

Aussies tend to be very wary of strangers. This isn’t a dog that will automatically let just anyone into his group of people he feels compelled to keep safe. It takes a while for him to warm up to a new person, and sometimes, it won’t happen at all. 

While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they don’t know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.

aussie with owner cuddling

The Aussie’s desire to cuddle

Many people choose to add a dog to their family because they want an affectionate companion. Dogs in general are known for being happy, cuddly, sweet, and soothing for a human to pet. Some breeds are, by nature, more affectionate than others. While the Aussie will typically reserve cuddling for one person or a group of trusted people, sometimes he won’t want to cuddle at all. Let’s take a look at some reasons this might be the case.

  • Their age. As Aussies grow up and get older, they can become calmer. This is a very high-energy dog. Their energy may run out faster than it did when they were puppies, and as a result, cuddle time will be more appreciated by them.

 

  • Health issues. Aussies are prone to hip dysplasia, a very painful condition that occurs during the growth of the dog and causes abnormal formations of the hip sockets. Eye conditions, such as retinal atrophy and cataracts, can make it difficult or impossible for your dog to see clearly. If your dog isn’t feeling well, is in pain, or having trouble seeing, cuddling isn’t going to be something he’s eager to do.

 

  • He just doesn’t want to. Remember that strong will the Aussie possesses? Sometimes, your otherwise cuddly Aussie may just not be feeling like it at that moment, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you or feel bonded to you. Some Aussies just prefer to cuddle only when they want to.

 

  • Was your Aussie adopted? If you weren’t your dog’s first family, then you may not know his history. Not all dogs that wind up in rescues and shelters have been abused or neglected, but some have. If this is the case for your dog, he doesn’t know what cuddling is.

 

Your Aussie may require time to adjust to a new life and learn to trust you before he feels comfortable enough to cuddle with you. To cuddle means to be vulnerable, and your dog may just need patience and time to understand that his vulnerability won’t put him in a position to be hurt.

aussie with owner in a sweater

Affectionate signs from your Aussie

Even if your Aussie isn’t super cuddly, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you! Dogs, like people, show affection differently and some enjoy cuddling more than others. If you’re wondering how your Aussie is showing you his love, cuddler or not, here are some signs to watch for. 

  • Bringing you toys. If your dog is bringing you his favorite things, he wants to play with you and make you happy. Since he feels happy with his toys, he assumes you will, too. Asking for playtime is definitely one way your dog is showing he enjoys being around you. 
  • Showing you his belly. While cuddling puts a dog in a vulnerable position, he can still show his vulnerability to you without being so close. If your dog exposes his belly to you, he is showing that he trusts you. Even if he isn’t super affectionate, this is his way of showing he knows you won’t hurt him and he feels comfortable around you. 
  • Nosing you. Does your Aussie nudge you a lot with his nose? This can be a sign of affection. Not only does he want you to pet him, but he also wants to assess you. By smelling you, he wants to determine where you’ve been and if you’re okay. Dogs can gather a lot of information with their noses. His nose nudging can be a sign of checking on you while seeking affection from you. 
  • Sitting on you. If your dog sits right on you, he’s establishing that you’re his! You’ve just been claimed by an Aussie. You might think he just assumes he’s a lap dog, but he could also want you to know you’ve been chosen by him. What an honor!

If your dog is normally the affectionate type and suddenly stops that behavior, pay attention to reasons this could be the case. Injuries, health problems, and/or emotional issues may be the cause of his sudden change in personality. 

If you think your dog may be experiencing any of these things, a trip to the vet is in order. The first sign something is wrong is when your dog stops acting like his usual self.

The bottom line

While Australian Shepherds are known for being strong working dogs, they can be cuddly and affectionate, too. Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that even though Aussies have strong guarding and herding instincts, they are sweet and cuddly indoor dogs that can even be kept in apartments.

When strangers come around, he will feel obligated to keep his family safe. Therefore, he may be reserved and standoffish when it comes to people outside of the home. An Aussie will have to build up trust with someone before he feels comfortable around them. 

Factors that can influence an Aussie’s desire to cuddle vary, and include the dog’s age, his background, any health issues he may have, and his personality. Maybe he just isn’t a dog who enjoys cuddling, but will still make an excellent companion and bring joy to your household in other ways. 

Aside from cuddling, Aussies show affection by bringing you toys, nudging you with their noses, sitting on you, and showing their bellies to you. By putting himself in a vulnerable position, he’s showing that he trusts you. 

If your dog was once very affectionate and has now suddenly stopped, watch for signs of illness or injury. If the change persists, getting him checked out by a vet is a good idea to rule out any health issues that may be the cause. 

Each dog has his or her own personality, and sometimes the desire for physical affection from humans is low. That doesn’t mean your Aussie isn’t a great dog and a valued member of the family. 

By respecting your dog’s unique personality, you are showing him that he is important, that you love him, and that he’s safe. The best way to encourage your dog to be more cuddly is to establish trust with him, meet his needs, and give him a fun and enriching life.

Author: Jessica Rossetti

Author: Jessica Rossetti

Jessica lives in Chicago with her husband, Dominic, and their rescued cat, Toast. She has lived with dogs for over 30 years and spends her days writing, caring for various animals, and enjoying her backyard that has become an oasis for wild creatures.

Her passion for animals began at a young age when she would bring home the lost dog or cat. As she got older, she went on to bring home an injured bird or raccoon. This love and desire to help all creatures led to her work as an adult with various animal rescues, where she saved the lives of many domestic and wild animals while learning the necessary skills to care for them.

Owning and operating a professional pet care service in Chicago for the past twelve years, Jessica cares for dogs in her home while writing full-time.