Any dog can occasionally turn down a cuddle - but some breeds are more likely to than others.Any dog can occasionally turn down a cuddle - but some breeds are more likely to than others.
Any dog can occasionally turn down a cuddle - but some breeds are more likely to than others.

Less Loving Dogs: These are the 10 breeds of adorable dog who may turn down snuggles including the Scottish Terrier 🐶

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 22nd Sep 2021, 12:07 BST
Updated 5th Sep 2024, 14:22 BST
These breeds of dog can make wonderful pets, but prospective owners should be aware that they may not welcome demonstrative affectionate displays.

A huge number of us decided to welcome new pups into our homes over the last few years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership has soared to record levels, with around one-in-three UK households now including at least one four-legged friend of the canine kind.

There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.

There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.

One thing to take into consideration is that some dogs simply aren’t as affectionate towards their owners than others.

It doesn’t mean that they won’t make a loyal and valued pet, just that if you are looking for a dog that will happily cuddle for hours you should look elsewhere.

Here are the 10 least affectionate breeds of dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

For all the latest dog news, chat, advice and information, join our Scotsdog Facebook group here

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It's fair to say that the Basenji is a very unusual breed of dog. As well as not being particularly affectionate to its owners and completely ignoring strangers, it is also the only dog that doesn't bark - instead making an odd yodelling sound.

1. Basenji

It's fair to say that the Basenji is a very unusual breed of dog. As well as not being particularly affectionate to its owners and completely ignoring strangers, it is also the only dog that doesn't bark - instead making an odd yodelling sound. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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The Afghan Hound is one of the world's oldest breeds of dog - and also one of the most elegant. This is a dog that was bred to hunt though, and they are highly selective when it comes to who they offer affection to. Generally aloof, they will be completely disinterested in strangers and tend to create a bond with a single person who they will deign to tolerate.

2. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is one of the world's oldest breeds of dog - and also one of the most elegant. This is a dog that was bred to hunt though, and they are highly selective when it comes to who they offer affection to. Generally aloof, they will be completely disinterested in strangers and tend to create a bond with a single person who they will deign to tolerate. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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Bred to pull sleds huge distances over frozen tundra, the Alaskan Malamute has a strong work ethic and independent spirit that's not conducive to snuggling up on the sofa for an evening watching television.

3. Alaskan Malamute

Bred to pull sleds huge distances over frozen tundra, the Alaskan Malamute has a strong work ethic and independent spirit that's not conducive to snuggling up on the sofa for an evening watching television. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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The Chow Chow may look incredibly snuggly but they are known to be almost cat-like in their behaviour - fiercely independent and largely eschewing cuddling, petting or patting.

4. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow may look incredibly snuggly but they are known to be almost cat-like in their behaviour - fiercely independent and largely eschewing cuddling, petting or patting. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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