Dog Might Not Be the Cuddly Type, but He Loves Holding His Human Close Every Now & Then

If your dog isn’t constantly asking for cuddles, don’t assume they’re keeping you at arm’s length. Dogs have plenty of unique ways to show they’re attached to their favorite human, and sometimes the quietest gestures carry the most meaning. One German Shepherd named Stewie recently demonstrated his own special way of showing affection, despite not being much of a cuddle bug.

Dog has a unique way of holding his human’s hands even after being non cuddly

The Instagram video, posted by @stewiethegsd, shows Stewie and his mom spending time outdoors together. Then, the dog gently places one paw over the top of his owner’s foot and leaves it there. The camera zooms in on the moment, emphasizing the quiet connection between the pair.

Meanwhile, text on the screen reads, “POV: my non cuddly German Shepherd holds my hand (foot),” revealing that physical affection isn’t usually Stewie’s style. He may not be the type to curl up for long snuggle sessions. Despite that, he has clearly developed his own way of making sure his owner knows he’s close.

The clip is paired with the audio track “So This Is Love,” which matches the heartfelt nature of the interaction. The creator also captioned the post, “So this is loveeeee,” letting the brief moment speak for itself.

German Shepherds are often thought of as loyal protectors first and cuddle bugs second. Many GSDs enjoy affection from the people they trust most. Still, they aren’t typically known for constantly seeking out hugs or lap time in the way some other breeds do. That said, breed tendencies are only part of the picture. Every dog is an individual with a personality all their own, and that’s exactly what makes moments like Stewie’s so meaningful. His version of affection may not involve cuddles, but it’s unmistakably his way of saying, “I’m right here with you.”