Do shelties like to cuddle and can you pick them up?
If you raise the dog properly, train and socialize it, it will love cuddling whether it's a sheltie or something else. If you fail to do those things properly, any dog, even shelties, can be horribley aggressive and not acceptant of handling. Shelties are herding dogs and naturally have dominant characters. If you aren't sure about training such a dog, consult with a trainer.
As dogs get older, do they still like to cuddle? Do they still like to be a lap dog?
They don't get independant, they just become closer to you. Especially as they get old because they don't feel up to doing as much as they did when they were young, cuddling is the only thing they have to enjoy. Dogs are always protective of the humans looking after them and will just learn to love you more. It's not a stupid question at all. ~Good luck with your new puppy hope she has a happy life~
Are German Shepherds a cuddly dog breed?
My German Shepherds are more independant and prefer to be close by as opposed to right with me. They do come over to seek affection or "cuddle" for a few minutes, then move to another spot where they have their space, but are still near me. My Lab, on the otherhand, is extremely cuddly.
Are Rottweilers a very affectionate breed?
I partially owned a Flatcoat Retriever once. Wonderful dog. As a kid, my family owned a small Terrier. Another wonderful dog. I mention these dogs to put the following in context.I will never trust a Rottweiler again, though. About 30 years ago, I was at a picnic that a student threw for the other students at the computer night school I was attending. We had a softball game going. While my team was at bat, I was seated over on the sidelines. The person who threw the party had her full-grown Rottweiler there, and I was petting him. He seemed real friendly.Out number three happened, and I picked up my glove to trot out on the field. I maybe got two steps when the Rottweiler viciously attacked, snarling and biting me on the side under my arm. The attack lasted about one second (yes, a single second). If it had lasted five seconds, I would have probably been in the hospital. I had a huge bruise on my side that hurt like hell. He must have gotten his teeth into some of my muscles and rib cage, but there was very little surface bleeding, only underneath the skin. After the one-second attack, the dog trotted off like nothing happened. I was sore for days afterward.Since then, I give Rottweilers a wide berth. Rottweilers should never be allowed to come into contact with strangers, not even in your own house. Don’t take them to dog parks. They may be loving and loyal to their owners, which is debatable sometimes, judging by the links below, but they are unpredictable around others, and may imagine a threat when none exists, as happened to me.Rottweilers Called Deadliest DogsBaby girl, 1, mauled to death in her pram by a Rottweiler in vicious attackRottweiler kills baby after biting it on the headFamily's rottweiler kills 14-month-old babyMan Killed By Rottweiler He Adopted Hours EarlierWeiser woman attacked by two rottweilers owned by relatives in OntarioWoman injured after being attacked by three dogs in PearlandYoung boy dead after Rottweiler attack in Phoenix7-year-old boy mauled by pair of Rottweilers in Niagara FallsI could go on and on with more links. If you want a dog, there are many nice breeds that don’t have a vicious schizophrenic streak in them. I wish I had not been attacked by that Rottweiler. It’s made me cautious and distrustful of other large dogs as well. I know one thing. If I am ever attacked again, I will be talking to a lawyer, from my hospital bed if necessary.Let the downvotes begin.
What are the most cuddling, guarding, big dog breeds?
I have to put a vote in for Great Pyrenees.These beautiful, majestic dogs were bred to guard sheep in the mountains between France and Spain. Pyrs are an interesting combination. They were essentially bred to work independently. Unlike a Border Collie, they were not expected to take direction from a human to herd sheep, but rather protect the flock on their own. Basically, you took a few Pyrs, stuck them on the side of a mountain with your sheep and they took it from there.But they really are the essence of a “livestock guardian” dog. They understand “smaller things” are there for them to protect. Our Pyr diligently looks after the neighbor’s smaller border-collie mix, our tiny toy dogs, our neighbor’s little kids and pretty much anything or anyone he considers “in his flock.” Anything regarded as remotely dangerous is chased off with his big, booming bark (another thing to consider when choosing a Pyr - wow - what a bark!)But Pyrs can be so charming and affectionate! When they are “off duty” (which is usually the daylight hours) they are happy to cuddle with their loved ones, indulgently let children climb all over them and generally be giant, fuzzy cuddle-bugs :)This is our Pyr/Newfoundland mix with his best pal in the world, Miss Lilly, whom he looks after every day of his life:
Should I let my dog sleep on my bed? Why/why not?
I’m going to take a different approach here…First understand this: dogs are pack animals and they look up to you as the pack leader. So they want to be close to you! If you don’t let them sleep with you, at least offer them a nice doggie bed or blanket on the floor next to your bed.As for the pros and cons to letting them sleep IN the bed?I hate to say it but it really depends…Potential “ickys”Like others here have said, dogs don’t have shoes. So if you don’t bother to wipe down their paws or give them frequent baths after long walks outside, then you do tend to get a lot of dirt and other not-so-hygienic stuff laying next to you or on your pillow.Also, if you don’t keep up with properly grooming your dog and if the breed is prone to shedding, then you’re going to have a lot of hair on the sheets.Potential “benefits”Circadian rhythms: dogs thrive on routine and make excellent alarm clocks which ensures humans usually get better sleep.The presence of a dog (you know they love to live in the moment), they are a great partner to practice mindfulness and stillness. I love waking up to cuddles. There’s something special about being close to my pooches.Dogs have sleep cycles much similar to that of humans in that they go into REM (8–12% of their time is spent there) source: How Much Do Dogs Sleep and How Many Hours Does Fido Really Need Per Day? (The ANSWERS may surprise you!)In the link above I included, there’s also some studies showing cuddling with your dog released a hormone called oxytocin in humans and dogs! [1]It helps form bonds and reduces stress to promote a restful night!Also consider some dogs have anxiety and other sleep disorders so keeping them close to you may benefit both you and the pup!Now puppies are a bit different, so I only speak of adult dogs here.To avoid “messes” always feed earlier in the day, set routines and take them outside at night before bed.Also, coming back to the messy dog paws point, if you walk your dog on pavement a lot or on messy areas in an urban environment, just take a damp towel and wipe down their paws - this really helps minimize the mess inside the house!If your primary concern is yucky messes in the bed, just follow the steps above and you are good to go!Or just get a doggy bed close to you and train your pooch to stay down there :)Hope this helped!!Footnotes[1] How Much Do Dogs Sleep and How Many Hours Does Fido Really Need Per Day? (The ANSWERS may surprise you!)
What's a better family dog, Doberman or Rottweiler?
I used to think rottweilers were aggressive until I moved into a second-story apartment. I kept hearing the woman below called out to "Sister." I soon learned Sister was a Rottweiler. This dog was so mellow it allowed a neighbor's dachshund to climb over it chew on its ears, nipple at its face, and treat it like a giant play toy. If a dog comes from a good line, and is raised to be gentle, it will probably make a good family dog. After meeting Sister, I'd vote for a Rottweiler. Although Dobermans can also be super sweet, protective of little ones, and happy to chase a ball around a yard. The gentlest dogs I've every had were a collie, and a samoyed. Both loved cats, children, butterflies, and other dogs.