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Original poster

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

169 replies

elsiemarleysellsthebarley · 19/08/2023 17:51

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.)

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mybrainisfull · 14/12/2023 22:45

Difficult to type this as my Spaniel has his head on the keyboard whilst being draped (he's very bendy!) over my legs!
But he's also nuts with a very strong prey drive.
He's a Sprocker Spaniel from Working stock.

muddyford · 15/12/2023 06:41

My third Lab is a leaner. And a friend's golden retriever used to do it to everyone her owner stopped to talk to in the town. I don't think it's breed, it's personality and upbringing.

Letsgoforaskip · 15/12/2023 06:55

Love your analysis, especially the disclaimer. 🤣
This is the best science ever! 🐕‍🦺🔬🤗
I have a greyhound who I chose because he came in for a full lean when I went to meet him. My collie cross is also a foot hugger. He had a scary history and wasn’t a fan of men but now there are a couple who he adores and tries to anchor them in the kitchen!

whyamiawakestill · 15/12/2023 07:16

A female Bernese mountain dog.

They have a degree in leaning, nudging called a berner bump.

Look them up.

Not as big as you think, retriever size, if you aim for the slimmer build.

Its their trait to lean, they will seek you out for affection and cuddles, beautiful breed of dog.

whyamiawakestill · 15/12/2023 07:24

Also come on berner owners we need to topple the others.

But to be fair I have 3 retrievers as well and none of mine lean, feeling a bit cheated by them.

Bigminnie1 · 15/12/2023 07:26

My cavapoo spends her whole time leaning on us and cuddling. She's happy with a 45 min stroll around the walk or a long walk in the woods. She's got great recall and is amazing with people, especially kids. Highly recommend.

Kittensat36 · 15/12/2023 07:33

@CormoranStrikeIsBloodyLovely There's a special kind of satisfaction in having a dog in that condition trust and choose you, isn't there? And when they are all fit and healthy again, it's a marvellous thing.

drivinmecrazy · 15/12/2023 07:34

Another vote for the Weimaraner.
We have to constantly remind our ten month old he's not a cat.
Attached at the hip and loves 'helping' with whatever you have to get done.
But whatever you do don't invite them to share the bed with you. No bed is ever big enough, I move over he moves closer. Usually until I have to get out of bed and get in the other side. Then it all starts again.
Wouldn't change him for the world though.

Powerplant · 15/12/2023 07:58

My lovely show cocker. Every time I sit down she’s there, I have to make sure the toilet door is closed lol. She just wants to be close to me and will sit with her head on my shoulder - they call them Velcro dogs. Whatever breed you decide to go for make sure you go to training classes. She has between 1-2 hours of exercise a day.

HamstersAreMyLife · 15/12/2023 08:01

A lovely leaning whippet! I think sometimes it depends on the dog as I noticed a weimaraner mentioned above and our one wasn't a leaner

HerMammy · 15/12/2023 08:08

Lifelong staffy owner, perfect size, very clever, can equally climb mountains as be a snuggler, love to be leaning, touching you.

CatherinedeBourgh · 15/12/2023 08:18

I have a leaner - but he's the third of the same breed I've had and the first one to do it so not a breed trait. He's also much larger than a labrador, so wouldn't work for you, even though he meets all the other criteria. Is a hovawart.

mummabubs · 15/12/2023 08:23

Greyhounds are the leany-est dogs I know. (Rich Skipworth has even made artworks based on their natural desire to lean on people!) We taught our rescue grey to become better around small creatures and some will have a low prey drive naturally. Wouldn't write them off based on that alone x

Yaty · 15/12/2023 08:31

My 2 both lean, are happy with an hour walk a day but like a longer walk/run at a weekend. They have both been great with my DD since she was a born, shes 3 now and they are all best pals. They are a pug x Boston terrier and a pug x Frenchie.

TedLasto · 15/12/2023 08:38

I can’t believe no one has mentioned poodles, famously Velcro dogs. Ours is a toy but mini might be the size you are looking for. Ours is very affectionate, seemingly can’t not be touching us…and loves children, really good with our ASD 9 year old. Happy with short or long walks. Beautiful calm nature.

hby9628 · 15/12/2023 09:40

Cavapoochon he's right next to me whilst I'm enjoying a coffee now. He also loves to sleep on our bed

AnnieSnap · 15/12/2023 10:37

drivinmecrazy · 15/12/2023 07:34

Another vote for the Weimaraner.
We have to constantly remind our ten month old he's not a cat.
Attached at the hip and loves 'helping' with whatever you have to get done.
But whatever you do don't invite them to share the bed with you. No bed is ever big enough, I move over he moves closer. Usually until I have to get out of bed and get in the other side. Then it all starts again.
Wouldn't change him for the world though.

I feel you 🤣

Dog breeds that lean (on people) - do you know any?
sashh · 15/12/2023 10:56

I love dogs that lean.

I met one at a station a while ago and I felt so privileged when he leaned on me.

MoisturiseYourMoose · 15/12/2023 11:36

Greyhounds lean. Not just cuddle-leaning, actual leaning when stood next to you, etc. Grin

justanothermummma · 23/12/2023 00:16

Whippets, our whippet is a leaner/snuggler/clingy and would happily stay in a cuddle up with a blanket if the weather was too crap to walk (but is equally SUPER keen to walk if you get the lead out).

Very 'leggy' and 'boney' dogs, but suuuuper loving. Highly recommend.

XelaM · 23/12/2023 00:27

Our pug! His favourite spot is always on top of a human cuddling up SUPER TIGHT (sometimes into my neck 😍). He's like a plush toy 🧸

minsmum · 23/12/2023 00:33

Our Omani street dog leans he also sits on your lap and tucks his head under your chin for a cuddle. He is 24 kilos so it's a bit awkward

buttercupcake · 23/12/2023 00:46

Our show cocker spaniel is the most affectionate dog, she just loves to be snuggled up, a definite leaner.

Sushilover14 · 23/12/2023 01:13

my female dobie leans and sits on me.

OzziePopPop · 23/12/2023 03:06

My GSD (the Ozzie in my username) did, I miss him 😭

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