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There’s nothing quite like waking up to a warm, wiggly cuddle bug curled up right next to you. For some dog breeds, snuggling isn’t just a sweet moment—it’s a daily ritual, preferably before you’ve even had your coffee. They may not be early risers in the traditional sense, but they are absolutely committed to early morning affection. Your bed? It’s their favorite place in the world. These love-soaked pups believe that being close is the best way to start the day—and they take their morning cuddle shift very seriously.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers are sunshine in dog form, and that sunny disposition includes a serious love of morning cuddles. These friendly, affectionate dogs live for physical closeness and will gladly take up residence next to you on the bed, or directly on top of you if space allows. They’ll nuzzle your neck, wrap a paw over your arm, and give you that “just five more minutes” look. Their warmth isn’t just in their fur—it’s in their spirit, and they’re not shy about sharing it at sunrise.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Cavaliers are cuddle pros who specialize in quiet companionship. Their small size makes them the perfect bed buddy, and their soft coats are basically built for snuggling. They love curling up in the crook of your arm or gently resting their head on your chest. These dogs don’t need a loud alarm clock to wake you—they’ll simply radiate calm and affection until you roll over and wrap your arms around them. Morning cuddles with a Cavalier feel like sleeping next to a marshmallow that breathes.
Labrador Retriever
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Labradors are known for their love of people, and that includes starting and ending the day as close to you as possible. They’re big enough to make their presence known, but gentle enough to slide into cuddle mode with ease. Labradors are particularly fond of sprawling across the bed, snuggling into your side, and using their floppy ears as stealthy ticklers. If you wake up to a cold nose on your cheek, chances are your Lab just wants morning hugs before breakfast.
Bichon Frise
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Bichons may be little, but their desire to be near their people is larger than life. They’re soft, fluffy, and lightweight enough to cuddle without turning you into a pancake. These cheerful pups love routine, and part of that routine is absolutely snuggling in the early hours. They’re content to stay under the covers, soak up your warmth, and make gentle morning noises that sound suspiciously like “please never get up again.”
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Bernese Mountain Dogs might be giants, but they’re also enormous cuddle muffins. These dogs are affectionate, calm, and thrive on family closeness, including in bed, preferably before you’ve had your coffee. They’ll climb onto the bed with all the grace of a sack of bricks and then melt into you like a weighted duvet. Their sheer size makes them ideal for full-body cuddles, and their sweet disposition means they’ll never say no to an early morning snooze-fest.
Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus were bred to be lap dogs and professional snugglers. They’re not morning joggers—they’re morning snugglers, and they take their job seriously. These dogs love to nestle under the blankets, curl into your neck, or tuck themselves into any available nook for a long, lazy cuddle session. Shih Tzus also tend to sleep late, which is perfect for anyone who prefers to start the day with one eye open and one hand on a furball.
Boxer
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Boxers are full of goofy energy, but they also have a deeply affectionate side that emerges most clearly during quiet, snuggly moments—especially in the morning. They’ll stretch out beside you like long-legged lovebugs and may even press their wrinkly foreheads into yours for extra bonding. Boxers are warm, loyal, and incredibly expressive, and they’ll stay still for just enough time to make mornings feel like a fuzzy fairytale.
Pomeranian
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Pomeranians are tiny puffballs with huge personalities and an even bigger love for being close to their people. These dogs are clingy in the cutest way possible and adore nestling into your side or chest as the sun comes up. They’ll wrap their fluffy tails around themselves like a blanket and doze happily until you decide it’s time to start the day—or until they get hungry, whichever comes first.
Havanese
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The Havanese is a low-shedding, high-snuggling breed that thrives on affection. They’re known for shadowing their humans throughout the day, and that routine starts first thing in the morning. Whether it’s sleeping under your chin or curling into a donut on your pillow, Havanese dogs know how to maximize warmth and intimacy. Their calm temperament and deep loyalty make morning cuddles a non-negotiable ritual.
Cocker Spaniel
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Cocker Spaniels are loving, gentle, and always eager to be close to their people. They often sleep at the foot of the bed but will happily migrate to your side the moment they sense you’re waking. With their soft coats and soulful eyes, Cockers bring a certain charm to morning snuggles that’s hard to resist. They may nudge you with a paw, tuck their heads under your arm, or simply sprawl with quiet contentment as you stretch into the day.
Dachshund
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Dachshunds are burrowers by nature, which means they love nothing more than tunneling under the blankets and curling up close. They’re small enough to fit snugly in bed with you but packed with enough personality to make morning cuddles the highlight of your day. These loyal little sausages tend to form strong attachments and relish the opportunity to share warmth and affection during those cozy wake-up hours. Fair warning: once they’re cuddled in, they’re not moving until brunch.
The Dogs Who Set Alarms For Snuggle O’Clock
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Sure, they might steal the blankets, sprawl across the bed like furry starfish, or gently lick your forehead at exactly 6:02 a.m.—but that’s all part of their oddly specific (and undeniably sweet) love language. These dogs don’t just enjoy morning cuddles—they depend on them. For them, snuggling is a sacred ritual, a heartfelt way to say “good morning” with full-body warmth and maybe a little drool. They don’t just make waking up easier—they make it something you actually look forward to… pillow hogging and all.
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