Dogs cuddle to get warmth, bond with their family members or pack, and because it releases chemicals and hormones that make them feel good.
When dogs cuddle with us, their brains release the feel-good hormone oxytocin, which reinforces their desire and enjoyment of touch and bonding.
The desire to cuddle is rooted in dog domestication — dogs have evolved to be with humans — but it also has to do with a more fundamental evolutionary desire to be in social groups with other dogs.
Dogs in the wild and young puppies often cuddle with their littermates and mother as a way of bonding and showing subordination.
When your dog cuddles with you, they’re showing their complete trust and love in your relationship.
Dogs are pack animals by nature, so touch and affection are a strong love language.
But cuddles can mean very different things to dogs than humans.
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