Dogs are often described as emotional creatures, not just because of their expressive eye but also due to the subtle yet meaningful ways they interact with humans.
One such gesture is when dogs touch their owners’ cheeks with their front paws. It is a tender act that can carry a wide range of messages, according to the American Kennel Club. For some, it’s a sign of affection; for others, it’s a way to communicate needs or emotions.
While vocalizations and body language are common tools for dogs to interact, physical touch, especially with their front paws, is recognized as an important aspect of dog behavior, as explained by Pet MD.
These actions can signal anything, from a desire for more attention to a need for comfort, companionship, or even training reinforcement.
Understanding why dogs engage in this behavior can help owners form stronger, more meaningful bonds with their pets.
This article will explore nine dog breeds that touch their owners’ cheeks with their paws, each with its own unique temperament and reasons for engaging in this adorable habit.
Dog Breeds That Touch Owners’ Cheeks With Paws
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
This regal breed has long been associated with nobility, and their need for physical closeness reflects that history. They often sit on laps, resting their paws or mouth on you as a form of submission and affection.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels often touch their owners’ cheeks with their paws, especially when they sense that their human is upset or needs emotional support.
Whether you are playing or simply sitting quietly, this breed will find ways to interact with you. These small dogs thrive in a calm, loving house environment where emotional bonding is encouraged.
They are not only great companions but also emotional tools, teaching us how to be more emotionally open and responsive.
2. Pugs
Pugs are small, compact, and absolutely adorable, and they love physical touch. Their tendency to scratch or nudge with their front paws is often their way of seeking more attention or asking for treats.
When they rest their paws on your face, it can melt even the coldest hearts.
Despite their funny, clownish personalities, Pugs are quite emotionally intelligent. They can feel the mood in the room and offer a comforting paw when you are feeling down.
While they are low maintenance in terms of exercise, they require a lot of emotional attention, as per Purina. A Pug’s paw on the cheek can be a sign that they want to continue bonding or perhaps just a gentle reminder that dinner time is here.
3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large, calm breed known for its immense affection and loving nature. If this gentle giant places its paw on your cheek, it’s not just a cute gesture; it’s a meaningful act of comfort and emotional connection.
These dogs are not fans of excessive energy or loud environments. Their behavior is incredibly nurturing, which makes them a favorite among families and children, as Hills Pets states.
They prefer peace, resting beside their owners, often with a foot or paw gently laid across your lap or shoulder.
It’s not uncommon for a Newfoundland to place its front paws on you as a sign that they miss your presence or simply want to be included in whatever you are doing.
4. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a classic example of a loving, emotionally intelligent dog. Known for their sociable nature and patient demeanor, these dogs are experts in bonding through gentle gestures.
One such behavior is resting their paws on your cheeks as a soft expression of empathy or love.
Golden Retrievers are highly intuitive and often sense their owners’ emotions. If you are feeling low, don’t be surprised if your pet reaches out with a front paw to your face, a non-verbal cue that says, ‘I’m here with you.’
This breed is particularly responsive to emotional cues, which is why they are often used in therapy services. However, if they feel forgotten, they might scratch you gently with their paw to demand attention.
5. Great Dane
Don’t be fooled by their massive size, Great Danes are among the most gentle dog breeds you’ll ever meet. Often referred to as ‘gentle giants,’ these dogs thrive on physical affection.
They will often use their paws to interact and join in whatever you are doing. If a Great Dane touches your cheek, it might be trying to protect you, show empathy, or simply ask for praise.
Their need for physical contact, including placing their paws or even their mouth on you, reflects their deep bond with family. Despite their size, they are quick to learn emotional cues and will use their paw gestures to communicate.
Their temperament is incredibly great, and they do well in houses where they receive plenty of attention and affection.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly nature, high energy, and strong sense of loyalty. They are especially expressive with their front paws. They use them to get your attention, share affection, or even calm you down.
Labrador Retrievers are known to be emotionally intelligent and often respond to sadness or stress in their owners. Placing a paw on your face can be a sign that they are trying to help.
They are also commonly used as service dogs due to their dependable nature and ability to understand commands. If your Lab puts its paw on your cheek, it might be trying to serve an emotional need or act as a calming influence in a tense moment.
7. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small yet elegant lap dog with a strong desire to bond. These dogs are affectionate and will often use their front paws to communicate feelings or needs.
They thrive on human contact and emotional attention. Their gentle mouth, fluffy fur, and sparkling eyes add to their undeniable charm.
Though small, Shih Tzus often show submission by resting their paws on their humans. They make excellent companions for those who prefer peaceful environments and strong emotional bonds.
8. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is one of those dog breeds that seems designed to melt hearts. With their powder-puff fur, dark expressive eyes, and gentle temperament, they are the kind of dog even non-dog lovers find hard to resist.
One of the most endearing behaviors of Bichon Frise is how often they use their front paws to connect with their humans. They might gently rest a paw on your cheek or arm during cuddle time. They might also sit on your lap.
While these gestures often feel incredibly adorable, they are not always signs of affection alone. For example, if a Bichon Frise touches your face with its paw, it might be a sign of hunger, discomfort, or a desire to go outside.
9. Poodle
The Poodle, whether standard, miniature, or toy, is an intelligent, emotionally perceptive breed. They will frequently use their front paws to express desires, whether it’s a request to join you on the couch or a soft paw to the cheek for attention.
Poodles are elegant, dignified, and often use body language and subtle gestures instead of excessive barking. Their mouth and posture are all part of their expressive repertoire.
Poodles are quick to understand situations and will use physical touch to continue engaging with the humans they trust.
Conclusion
When dogs touch your cheek with their front paws, it’s far more than just an adorable gesture; it’s a form of communication. It’s to offer comfort, ask for something, or show love.
This behavior provides a beautiful point of connection between humans and their dogs. Each breed featured here has its own reasons for using paws gestures, from the affectionate Golden Retriever to the expressive Poodle.
While this act may happen frequently, it’s important to respond with awareness, understanding what your pet may be trying to say.
These gentle touches remind us how deeply dogs feel. It shows how important it is to nurture the emotional side of our beloved companions. When you learn to recognize these small signals, you will begin to communicate in a way that goes beyond words.
