I’m a dog behaviourist and these are the nine most loving breeds – so, is yours on the list? 

Valentine’s Day is typically reserved for romance and smooches with your partner – but what if you fluffy four-legged companion also wants a little TLC?

Dog owners with Labradors, German Shepherds and Staffordshire Bull Terriers should prepare for cuddles with their pups, which are all said to be deeply affectionate breeds. 

Those with Hungarian Vizslaz can also expect some canine snuggles on the romantic holiday, as can Newfoundland owners.

With science showing that these adorable animals feel love and affection, canine behaviourist Kamal Fernandez has shared the top nine most loving dog types to shower in cuddles.

The ProDog Raw advisor has also outlined how you can help your pups, especially those which are a little less confident, feel the love and be more comfortable around other people.

1. LABRADOR 

 Kamal also said love and loyalty is inherent instinct to ‘sensitive and affectionate’ Labradors (stock image)

‘Labradors are known for their sensitive and affectionate nature,’ the behaviourist said.

‘They’re great with other pets and children, and thrive when they feel like a member of the family.’

Kamal also said love and loyalty is inherent instinct to Labradors.

He continued: ‘It’s their natural instinct to love and protect their own.’

2. COCKER SPANIEL  

Kamal added that the connection is even stronger with their owners, 'with whom they form close bonds' (stock image)

Kamal added that the connection is even stronger with their owners, ‘with whom they form close bonds’ (stock image)

‘Cocker spaniels are known for having ever-wagging tails,’ the expert said. 

‘They’re super friendly and are very affectionate.’

Kamal added that the connection is even stronger with their owners, ‘with whom they form close bonds’.

3. GOLDEN RETRIEVER 

Golden retrievers are praised a being one of the most affectionate breeds, and want to please the people around them (stock image)

Golden retrievers are praised a being one of the most affectionate breeds, and want to please the people around them (stock image)

Kamal praises these ‘incredibly loving’ breeds as ‘people pleasers’. 

‘Nothing makes them happier than cuddling their loved ones,’ he said. ‘Golden retrievers are one of the most affectionate, gentle, and soft-natured breeds.

‘As they say, money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a golden retriever!’

4. SPRINGER SPANIEL 

The behaviourist also remarked on Springer Spaniels' trust in the people they love (stock image)

The behaviourist also remarked on Springer Spaniels’ trust in the people they love (stock image)

Anyone who has Springer Spaniels knows how energetic and lively these breeds are. 

And Kamal says they love just as strongly, enjoying snuggles and affection with people.

The behaviourist also remarked on these dogs’ trust in the people they love. 

‘They’re also very loyal and enjoy being close to their owners,’ he added.

5. STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER 

Despite stigmas associated with this breed, Kamal stressed that Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a lot of love to give (stock image)

Despite stigmas associated with this breed, Kamal stressed that Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a lot of love to give (stock image)

Despite stigmas associated with this breed, Kamal stressed that Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a lot of love to give.

He said they ‘might not always get along with other dogs, but they’re very loving around people’.

A little patience with these pups could mean many snuggles. 

‘With a little patience and love, they can be some of the most affectionate dogs,’ the expert added.

6. GERMAN SHEPHERD 

German Shepherds are 'very intelligent and show a lot of affection towards their owners', the expert said (stock image)

German Shepherds are ‘very intelligent and show a lot of affection towards their owners’, the expert said (stock image)

It will come as no surprise that these gentle, protective giants are big softies.

German Shepherds are ‘very intelligent and show a lot of affection towards their owners’, the expert said.

‘You can count on them for a good cuddle!’

7. AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS 

Kamal says these 'playful, loving' creatures make for excellent cuddlers and may even jump on you to get a hug (stock image)

Kamal says these ‘playful, loving’ creatures make for excellent cuddlers and may even jump on you to get a hug (stock image)

Kamal says these ‘playful, loving’ creatures make for excellent cuddlers.

They may even jump onto their owner just to sneak a hug.

‘They form bonds quickly,’ Kamal added. ‘And enjoy being affectionate.’

8. HUNGARIAN VIZSLA 

These 'fearless' dogs are deeply loving and affectionate because of the special bond they have with their owner (stock image)

These ‘fearless’ dogs are deeply loving and affectionate because of the special bond they have with their owner (stock image)

These ‘fearless’ dogs are deeply loving and affectionate because of the special bond they have with their owner. 

‘Hungarian Vizslas are gentle, very affectionate, sensitive,’ the dog expert explained.

‘They will cuddle as often as possible.’

He added: ‘It’s said that having a vizsla is like having a shadow because they love to be close and follow you around!’

9. CHIHUAHUA 

Chihuahuas love being stroked, carried and generally pampered. Kamal said they will often nuzzle to show affection (stock image)

Chihuahuas love being stroked, carried and generally pampered. Kamal said they will often nuzzle to show affection (stock image)

It’s stereotyped that these sweet little dogs demand lots of attention – so it make come as no surprise that this involves hugs too. 

Kamal said: ‘Chihuahuas love being stroked, carried, hugged, and will often rest on you and nuzzle to show affection, whilst giving kisses by licking your hand. 

‘Although, they can pick favourites and will be most affectionate towards those they feel closest to!’

A dog behaviourist’s guide to making your pup feel safe and loved 

Showing dogs love and affection is often one of our favourite pastimes, but owners sometimes don’t consider whether or not their dog actually wants to be smothered in kisses!

A lot of dogs don’t like having people or other dogs in their space; they might act out or show discomfort, so it’s important that you’re aware and understanding.

Getting your dog to be comfortable with people and other dogs is a necessary part of raising a well-adjusted family pet. Be sure to invest in this process!

The dog behaviourist has shared his tips for making sure your dog feels comfortable around others. Stock image used

The dog behaviourist has shared his tips for making sure your dog feels comfortable around others. Stock image used

Kamal’s tips for making your dog feel loved:  

1. ‘View handling and socialisation as an ‘education’ for your dog and don’t assume this will be a seamless and immediate process. Start off a little at a time, allowing your dog to feel comfortable whenever you introduce them to someone new or an unfamiliar environment.’

2. ‘Try to ‘vet’ the dogs and people you introduce your dog to, as these meetings can impact their long-term confidence. If in doubt, opt out!’

3. ‘Think of socialisation as a series of life lessons and have a clear plan for your dog’s training. For example, today they are meeting a small dog, next week they’re meeting a man, and so on. View each ‘life lesson’ as a separate entity, as this will allow you to monitor and access your dog’s confidence each time, instead of overwhelming them.’

4. ‘Position meetings with other dogs and/or people as rewards; by giving them treats as positive reinforcements, for example. This will help your dog form positive associations with new dogs and people. Overall, they will become more relaxed and social, instead of showing signs of anxiety.

5. ‘Use these meetings to practice core skills such as recall, impulse control, and working against distractions. When your dog does meet other dogs and people, you will then have more control.’

6. ‘Teach your dog a word or ‘cue’ which signifies when it’s appropriate to approach a stranger.’

7. ‘Not all dogs, and people, like dogs! So, work on teaching your dog to ignore people when necessary, too. Socialisation is great, but be mindful that your dog’s approach won’t always be welcome.’

8. ‘If you have a small dog, consider that people approach from above. Ask them to kneel down instead, to make their introduction less intimidating.’

9. ‘Teach your dog to sit upon hearing the word ‘hello’, so that they automatically sit when you greet someone.’

10. ‘Photograph or video your training sessions! This will allow you to look back on your dog’s behaviour and determine whether or not they were at ease, making positive adjustments moving forward.’

For more ways to show your dog you love them this Valentine’s Day, visit: https://www.prodograw.com/valentines-day-how-to-love-yourself-and-your-dog/.

Source: ProDog Raw 

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk