9 Cute Reasons Why Chihuahuas Like To Cuddle + 5 Signs

After a long day at work… Does your Chi come jumping at you for a cuddle?

When you lay in bed at night… Do you feel your Chi snuggle close to you?

If you answered yes to these questions, congrats!

You have a pooch who likes to cuddle.

But do you ever wonder why?

Continue reading to discover:

9 cute reasons why Chihuahuas like to cuddle.
3 reasons why some Chihuahuas don’t prefer cuddling.
5 signs to recognize when your Chi is asking for a cuddle.
And many more…

9 reasons why Chihuahuas like to cuddle

#1: To bond with you

Do you know what’s one adorable reason your Chi likes cuddling with you?

It’s a reminder to them of the great bond you share.

To your Chi, cuddle time is bonding time. And cuddling is a nice and relaxing way to do it.

Just sitting on the couch or lying on the bed while your pup snuggles close to you is their way to deepen your relationship.

Not only that, cuddling helps you and your pup build a stronger and unbreakable bond.

So keep on cuddling and let your little pooch bond with you!

But did you know there are also other ways you can bond with your Chi?

Try doing the following to keep building your bond:

Build a routine.
Play with them.
Groom regularly.
Exercise together.
Teach them tricks.

#2: To show their affection

For most dogs, cuddling is a way for them to show their affection to us.

It’s your furry friend’s way of telling you how much they love you.

And this is exactly why Chihuahuas like giving cuddles.

Chihuahuas are one of the most affectionate dogs. That’s why they like snuggling close to their pet parents.

Did you know that showing affection can cause several chemicals to be released in the brain, both for humans and dogs?

This happens during cuddle time. Which can bring many advantages to you and your pooch.

“What kind of chemicals?”

One is oxytocin. It’s also called the “love hormone”.

A study suggests that the more affectionate you are with your dog, the more love hormones are released. Which makes your pooch love you more.

Some advantages of oxytocin for you and your Chi are:

Relaxation.
Building trust.
Relieving stress.
Deeper connection.
Decreasing the heart rate.
Lowering the blood pressure.

Cuddling also releases the “pleasure hormone”, dopamine. This helps in boosting your mood and long-term memory.

A furry snuggle is a clear sign that your pooch loves you. But do you also take the time to show them how much you love them?

And do you know how to do this through dog language?

If not, here are things you can do to show them you love them in ways they can understand:

Belly Rub.
Feeding by hand.
Rubbing their ears.
Having fun together.

#3: To comfort you

Chihuahua Likes To Cuddle To Comfort You

Do you ever feel like crying and the moment you look down…

You see your pooch leaning or snuggling close to you?

One study found that dogs know when their humans are sad.

And not only that, but they would also do things in order to comfort their fur parents.

“But how do dogs know how we feel?:

Our furry friends are able to pick up human emotions through:

Voice.
Smell.
Body language.
Facial expressions

Likewise, Chihuahuas sometimes like to cuddle so they can comfort you.

We all know that a hug is one of the most comforting ways to cheer someone up.

And to your small pup, cuddling is their way of hugging you. They do this with the hopes to make you feel better.

Let me share a heartwarming example…

A dog parent has recently been through a divorce. On the day she couldn’t handle the pain anymore, she knelt on her bedside crying.

To her surprise, she felt her Chihuahua snuggling close to her. This made her feel like she wasn’t so alone anymore.

And even during nights that she lays in bed crying… Her Chi would always be there for her.

Aren’t dogs amazing?

This clearly shows that even though dogs can’t talk, their actions can be healing to us.

On the other hand, there will also be times when your pooch would come running to you for comfort as well.

When they do this, don’t hesitate to give them lots of cuddles.

Aside from a warm snuggle, we can also comfort dogs through:

Exercise.
Distraction.
Classical music.
Offering a time-out.
Other forms of physical contact (such as petting).

#4: To feel safe

Chihuahuas also like to cuddle because it makes them feel safe.

It’s natural when you think about it. You’re their most trusted companion.

They may also do this when they’re feeling anxious or scared.

As responsible paw parents, we should be aware when our Chis are in distress.

Make sure to be on the lookout for the following signs:

Cowering.
Lip licking.
Whale eyes.
Barking or growling.

If you notice such behavior, help your Chi feel safe.

“But how can I do that?”

Here are some things you can do to put your Chihuahua at ease:

Don’t force them.
Don’t use punishment.
Create a safe resting place.
Introduce them to different places.

Did you know that Chihuahuas also burrow to feel safe?

When your Chi gets scared, they will find a safe place to hide.

Most of the time, they’ll burrow into a blanket. And they’ll even feel better if they’re burrowing right beside you.

So if your Chi cuddles with you under covers, it’s a sign that they feel comfortable with you.

And that they’re looking up to you for safety and protection.

You might also like: Quiz: Does My Dog Trust Me? Test It With These 17 Signs

#5: To keep warm

Imagine it’s a cold winter night. Your Chi is freezing.

And their first instinct is to snuggle with you for warmth.

Isn’t that sweet? Doesn’t it make you feel warm inside?

Due to the Chihuahua’s small body and thin fur, they can be vulnerable to the cold.

Fun fact: Chihuahuas originated from Mexico where the weather is mostly hot. This is also the reason why they usually shake and shiver. And why they need to regulate their body temperature.

Your Chi may do this by sitting on your lap or cuddling with you.

They do this because snuggling close to you can be a good way to raise their temperature.

So if you see your Chi suffering from the cold, it’s important to give them extra attention.

Chihuahuas need special care, especially during the winter season.

Neglecting them during these times may lead to dehydration or worse, hypothermia.

“What’s hypothermia?”

According to PetMD, extremely low temperatures can cause a dog’s body temperature to fall, leading to hypothermia.

Symptoms to look out for include:

Lethargy.
Shivering.
Dilated pupils.
Slow heart rate.
Cold skin or fur.
Trouble walking.
Pale or blue gums.
Breathing problems.

If you suspect your Chi to have hypothermia, quickly do the following:

Put them in a warm place.
Dry them off thoroughly.
Wrap them in a blanket.
Use heating pads.
Let them drink hot fluids.
Check their temperature.

Important: Treating hypothermia immediately can save your Chi’s life. As soon as you notice any symptoms, take them to the vet for prompt care.

#6: To smell your scent

Chihuahuas may also like cuddling so they can closely smell their paw parent’s scent.

Each of us has a unique scent and this helps dogs to tell one person from another.

They won’t use their sight to recognize us. Rather, they’ll use their sense of smell.

In fact, researchers say that your scent can activate the pleasure centers in your dog’s brain.

So when your Chi is cuddling close to you, they’re also surrounded by your distinct scent.

Which in turn provides them with feelings of pleasure and comfort.

This also means they associate your scent with good things. And cuddling with you makes them happy.

Fun fact: Dogs have 300 million olfactory receptors inside their nose. This makes them smell way better than humans.

If you want to know if your pooch remembers you just by your smell, check out the following signs:

Staring.
Head tilting.
Being alert.
Making a “smiling face”.
Gravitating towards things with your scent.
Going straight to you when you enter a room.

#7: To show you’re their favorite person

Did you know that some Chihuahuas choose a favorite person?

They are known to have a habit of clinging to one person. And if they chose you, you’ll be the one they’ll always cuddle with.

Since Chihuahuas are lapdogs, it’s natural for them to be clingy and cuddly.

They’re a breed of dogs who are usually less energetic and have a gentle temperament.

Most of them are small in size that you can easily carry on your lap.

And they’re usually the type who doesn’t mind a ton of cuddles.

Aside from Chihuahuas, here’s a list of lapdogs that you might be familiar with:

Pug.
Shih Tzu.
Pomeranian.
Bichon Frise.
French Bulldog.
Yorkshire Terrier.

So how do Chihuahuas chose their favorite person?

If you’ve been with your Chi for a long time and you’ve always spent time with them.

Then you’re likely the person they’ll gravitate to. And the one they’ll choose to always cling to.

Sometimes, they may also choose a person because of their personality.

If you and your Chi have similar personalities, they’re more likely to bond with you more.

However, it’s not always best to let your Chi cling to one person.

If you encourage this behavior, they may become possessive of you. And they could start showing aggression to other people.

“How would I know if my Chi is possessive?”’

To check if your Chihuahua is possessive, be aware of the following behaviors:

Guarding your space.
Refusing to give up treats or toys.
Growling or hissing at other people or pets.
Not allowing other people to sit next to you.

It’s best to address this behavior early on and not let it escalate into bigger problems.

Here are a few tips you can do to prevent possessive behavior:

Enforce boundaries.
Reward good behavior.
Teach obedience commands.
Consult with a professional trainer.

#8: To protect you

Another reason Chihuahuas like to cuddle is they want to protect their human.

That way, they’re close to you and can react asap in case of a threat.

They can also be very vocal when a threat is nearby. And they’re wary of strangers.

I’m sure you won’t be able to ignore those loud high-pitched barks.

A common misconception about Chihuahuas is that they’re yappy and mean. This is because some tend to bark at everything and even snap at other people.

But did you know that due to their tiny build, they can develop a behavior called small dog syndrome?

Small dog syndrome

Chihuahuas can sometimes be treated differently. We often forget how to treat them like actual dogs.

If they’re allowed to do whatever they want because of their cute size, it will lead to a series of bad behavior.

And this is how they develop small dog syndrome. Some behaviors linked to this include:

Begging for food.
Barking constantly.
Disregarding rules.
Jumping on people.
Growling at other dogs.
Guarding their humans.
Nipping at people’s feet.
Protecting toys and food.

The good news is that this behavior can be unlearned through the following:

Establishing rules.
Letting them walk on their own.
Avoiding carrying them everywhere.
Teaching basic obedience commands.

Small dog syndrome could also make your Chi fearless. Which makes them think they can beat anything bigger than them.

This gives them the confidence to keep their favorite person safe from everything.

And I mean everything… When in reality, they can do little to no harm.

Sometimes, they even become too protective…

That it may come to a point when they’ll guard you against anything that comes close to you.

“But how would I recognize if my Chi is being overprotective?”

An overprotective Chi will see anyone that comes near you as a threat.

Some warning signs to watch out for includes:

Growling at strangers.
Snarling at other people.
Nudging family members away.

On a positive note, there are things you can do to manage this behavior like:

Socialization.
Exercise more.
Obedience classes.
Positive reinforcement.

Note: If your pooch shows any sign of aggression, it’s best to consult a professional trainer.

#9: To get more attention

Chihuahuas also like to cuddle so they can get more attention from their human.

It could be their way to ask you for an extra loving touch.

Since Chihuahuas can be clingy, they’re also likely to paw at you for attention.

When they ask for a cuddle, they could also be asking for a belly rub. Or for a massage on the back.

It’s definitely okay to give your pooch some extra attention. But remember not to spoil them too much.

I know it can be tough. However, it’s important to set boundaries between you and your Chi.

Letting them get spoiled will confuse them and could lead to undesirable behaviors.

So, are you spoiling your Chi? The following are signs you’ve spoiled them rotten:

Aggressive.
Overweight.
Acting overprotective.
Constantly misbehaving.

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to unspoil your Chi. The following are tips you can apply:

Basic training.
Proper socialization.
Providing the right diet.
Letting them sleep in their own bed.

3 reasons why some Chihuahuas don’t like to cuddle

#1: They’re not used to it

If a Chihuahua has never experienced being cuddled, they may not like it once someone tries to do it with them.

They may even feel threatened by it because it’s something they’re not used to.

One example of this is the story of a Chi named Lucy.

Her previous owners gave her up for adoption because they were moving.

Lucy was adopted by the previous owner’s close friend. When the new pet parent tried to cuddle with the pup, she immediately ran away.

The new owner was puzzled since he was used to having affectionate dogs.

He was later informed that in Lucy’s previous home, they never cuddled with her.

This shows that the pooch is not sure what was happening. And does not understand that cuddling is a sign of affection.

If they haven’t learned at a young what a cuddle is, then they won’t associate it with a positive interaction.

Remember that dogs have the instinct to run away from danger. So if they’re not used to something, they will likely avoid it.

#2: It makes them feel anxious

Some Chihuahuas could also not like cuddling because it makes them feel anxious.

Maybe they had a bad experience while being cuddled.

Let’s say… you’ve accidentally leaned your body on your Chi while they’re snuggling close to you. And they were hurt badly.

The next time you ask for cuddles, they avoid it. They’ll now associate cuddling with bad things happening. Which in turn makes them anxious.

Once you realize that your Chi gets anxious when being cuddled, it’s best not to force them to do it. Forcing them will only cause their anxiety to escalate.

Luckily, you can help your Chi overcome their anxiety.

According to PetMD, counter-conditioning and desensitization are the most effective ways to address fear and anxiety in dogs.

#3: They don’t enjoy it

It may be hard to believe, but some Chihuahuas don’t like cuddles for the simple reason that they don’t enjoy them.

The same way that there are people who don’t like hugs. There can be Chihuahuas who don’t prefer being snuggled in someone’s arms.

So don’t get upset when your pup isn’t cuddly. Because sometimes, it’s just part of their personality.

5 signs that your Chihuahua likes to cuddle

#1: Jumping in your lap

A clear indication that your Chi likes to cuddle is when they jump on your lap. More so if they’re pawing at you.

This is a sign that they’re ready for that snuggle and can’t wait to be beside you.

#2: Eye contact

Chihuahuas have such expressive eyes, it’s hard not to notice.

When you’re cuddling with your Chi and they stare at you with their large round eyes, this means they are enjoying the interaction.

They may also stare at you while begging for that cuddle time. And I bet it’s something you won’t be able to resist!

#3: Sits or lies beside you

Does your Chi follow you everywhere you sit? Do they always lie next to you?

This could be a sign that they’re looking for some extra cuddles.

Sitting or lying beside you could be their way to tell you that it’s time to nestle into your arms.

#4: Relaxed face

Another clear indication that Chihuahuas like to cuddle is when they have a relaxed face while being snuggled.

When Chihuahuas enjoy doing something, they will often relax their lips, tongues, and mouths.

This may also appear like they’re offering you a smile.

#5: Tail wagging

You probably notice that Chihuahuas show how happy they are by excitedly wagging their tail.

If they do this while being cuddled, it’s a clear sign that they enjoy snuggling and being close to you.