Dog breeds that lean (on people) - do you know any?

[elsiemarleysellsthebarley]

We’re having a long family debate about the breed of dog we should be looking for and DH has now added a request I can’t find much info on - he’d like a dog that likes to lean on people(!) (I think he means one that likes physical contact when chilling out/ come for a cuddle - or especially drape themselves over people(!))

So if you have or know a ‘leaner’ what breed are they? It may help narrow down our list and get us one step closer (anyone else find this stage so hard?!).

(Our other criteria in case anyone has any suggestions are: not massively prey driven (hare/sheep/ rabbit area), reasonably intelligent and keen to please, need about an hour/ 90 mins a day exercise generally but happy with long hikes at weekends, breed known to be good with ASD preferable and minimal barking. Any size up to a small Labrador.)

Ours does, he is a springer spaniel and absolutely loves a hug. He had training so doesn’t chase things, I lived on a working farm with pheasant pens at the end of my garden so he couldn’t chase!

I don't have any advice, but OMG I LOVE a leaner! Nothing feels simultaneously as comforting and as much like an honour as a big dog leaning into you.

If we ever have a big-dog-suitable house and garden, I'm getting me a leaner.

Another vote for cavalier King Charles, we’ve got a couple of them, brilliant dogs, they were bred for sitting on knees so are always up for a cuddle, but will happily walk miles everyday if it’s something they’re used to, ours don’t bark and are very calm, they just like to chill when they’re not out and about, they’re great with kids and not aggressive at all.

Cocker spaniels are know as Velcro dogs as they love to be close to you when you are with them. Fine to be left at times obviously, but if you are near, they will be your shadow. I also know a retriever who sits at your feet and leans on you.

I have a show cocker who often teleports to underneath our feet

Ours is similar. Sleeps on the bed, loves a pillow / blankie, gives good cuddles and leans. Ball obsessed. But barks at the wind (literally) and hates leaving the house, not interested in walks at all - just wants to come home.

I have two lurchers, one of whom is part doberman. They love leaning on you, and the part dobie one in particular likes to have at least part of him on you as much as humanly possible. Its like having a living weighted blanket and very soothing. He's pretty bombproof with recall and doesn't have a high prey drive

Most labs aren't velcro (this is a good thing imo) so whilst they're happy to have cuddles and lounge over you they're less likely to have issues being on their own.

My Irish setter loves a lean, and will happily lean against people she's just met.

When I went to view her as a pup the first thing her mum did was come over and give us a lean 😊

Setters are a bit bigger then your looking for, but they are pretty slight (at least mine is). The hair makes them look bigger then they are.

My White German Shepherd is the snuggliest leaner ever. If I'm on the sofa she's draped all over me, and when I get into bed she jumps in and likes to be the little spoon 🤣 She gives the cutest squeaks if you stop cuddling her ❤️

Our shar-pei is a loves a good lean, especially if you scratch his ears at the same time. He also likes to sit on your lap and watch telly.

Don’t get one if you want something with an ounce of brain though! He’s the stupidest, most placid and docile dog ever.

Waaaay above your size limit, but Leonbergers are your ultimate leaning dogs. Sadly they lean against everything which means your house is a grubby, flattened mess 😂

I still luffs mine tho.

Golden retriever. Especially with the ASD child.

My Bichon loves to be snuggled up against me and follows me everywhere 🥰

forgot to add : raw fed Leo’s = tiny poos. Mine has a very high prey drive though so probably not at all what you are looking for, but they are spectacular 😍

That’s what I was going to say, so much so that it’s a thing - the Rottie lean.

Fits not much of the rest of what you’re looking for though 🤣

our german shepherd x collie, loves a good lean, cuddle, sleep on the bed be by your side at all times.

A lovely staffy on our dog walks not only leans but she smiles - its heart warming.

Good searching.

My whippet is a velcro dog!

I don't think leaning is a breed specific trait,if a dog loves you it will lean on you,regardless of its breed,its them showing affection to you and their way of hugging and wanting to be close to you.

I met this gorgeous wolf hybrid when I took my DD to Wolves of Wiltshire earlier this year - she loved a lean. 🥰

Mine too. Absolute best dog

Mine too. Best dog 🥰

Just came on to say this!

Velcro pug ☺️

Vizslas have already been mentioned... they are the ultimate Velcro dog and will hunt you down at home to lean or be close to you. I have two. They also don't like to stop on walks and will lean on you if you so much as dare to halt a walk to chat! Amazing breed though.