Are you wondering if a Boston Terrier is a cuddler? The short answer is, YES! I, however, wanted to find out why Boston Terriers love to cuddle with their owners so much. If Emily and I are on the couch, Bella wants to be right in between us.
In my search, I found out a Boston’s cuddles could actually make all of us more healthy by improving our sleep and reducing our stress levels.
Here is everything I found…
Do Boston Terriers Like To Cuddle?
Yes, Boston Terriers love to cuddle with their owners. And Boston’s can be known to want to cuddle all day long. Cuddles provide Boston with warmth, affection, and a sense of belonging. As well as an increase in oxytocin levels and a decrease in cortisol levels.
What 50 Boston Terrier Owners Say About Their Boston’s And Cuddles
Do not take my word about whether or not Boston Terriers like to cuddle. I surveyed 50 Boston Terrier Owners to find out whether or not their Boston loves to cuddle, and the results were almost unanimous, yes. Forty-seven out of the fifty respondents said their Boston Terrier likes to cuddle.
Three Reasons Boston Terriers Cuddle
There are several reasons your Boston Terrier could want to cuddle with you, but here are the top three reasons.
Affection
Just like humans, dogs show affection through touch. Your Boston could be snuggling up next to you to show you that she loves you.
Or the snuggling could be to help reinforce this belief to your dog that you love her.
Are Boston Terriers Affectionate?
Yes, nearly all Boston Terrier owners will tell you their Boston is ready to show them affection in some sort of way.
Here is a poll conducted on the Boston Terrier Society’s Facebook Page, asking is your Boston Terrier affectionate.
Sense Of Belonging
Similar to affection, a sense of belonging is necessary for a healthy emotional state. By being very close to you, you’re showing your Boston that she belongs in your pack.
Warmth
And of course, on a beautiful cold day, a simple snuggle next to mom and dad can be a way for your little fur baby to keep warm.
Are Doggy Cuddles Evolutionary?
Yes, researchers showed that touch actually increases the oxytocin levels in dogs and humans as well as decreases cortisol levels in both humans and dogs.
The study was published in 2017 in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The study is called “Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioral Patterns: An Exploratory Study.”
This means that Boston Terriers are hard-wired for touch from their human parents because it helps them emotionally in many ways mentioned below.
What Does Oxytocin Do?
In the study, oxytocin was shown to increase during physical touch or in our case, cuddles.
The role of oxytocin in the body is both important to males and females but has more been associated with childbirth, breastfeeding, and mother-child bonding. Oxytocin is sometimes given to women to induce labor.
However, in the case of Boston Terrier cuddles, your Boston may be seeking cuddles to help increase the bond between both of you. And therefore a need for your Boston to increase its oxytocin levels.
Positive Attributes of Increased Oxytocin Levels In Humans
| Trust |
| Empathy |
| Positive Relationship Memories |
| Fidelity |
| Positive Communication |
| Processing Of Bond Cues |
| Relaxation |
| Overall Psychological Stability |
What Does Cortisol Do?
In the study, cortisol levels were shown to decrease during touch or in our case, cuddles.
Cortisol is a natural steroid that helps do several necessary functions in the body but is mainly associated with helping during stressful situations.
Some functions of cortisol, according to WebMD, are: manages how your body process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; keeps inflammation down; increases your blood sugar; and controls your sleep cycle.
However, like anything in life, excess, can cause problems. By cuddling, your Boston is lowering their cortisol levels as well as yours. Below are the health benefits of low levels of cortisol.
Benefits Of Low Levels Of Cortisol
| Decrease In Anxiety |
| Decrease In Depression |
| Reduction In Heart Disease |
| Better Memory and Concentration Problems |
| Healthy Sleep |
Final thoughts…
Yes, Boston Terriers are cuddlers. And their cuddles can actually save your life. Not only do their cuddles provide for affection, a sense of belonging, and warmth.
A Boston’s cuddles will actually help you with your anxiety, depression, improve your sleep, and more.
The negatives of too many licks or having hair on your couch definitely outweighs all the fantastic health benefits of some much needed and expected cuddles. It is now time to find your Boston and start cuddling.
Other Articles You May Like To Read
- Are Boston Terriers Clingy?
- The Results From The Boston Terrier Owner Survey
- How Much Does A Boston Terrier Cost Annually
- 15 Interesting Facts About Boston Terriers
- 100 Boston Terrier Girl Names
Article Reference
- U.S. National Library of Medicine – Oxytocin and Cortisol Study
- Your Hormones – Oxytocin
- Health Line – Why is Oxytocin Known As The Love Drug?