While some pooches love their independent time, others thrive on human interaction. These loyal companions tend to follow their humans everywhere like a shadow. Many of them make wonderful lap dogs.
They are affectionately known as “Velcro dogs” since they want to accompany you all the time, whether you are relaxing, working, or heading to the bathroom. They form such strong bonds with their humans that they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Many of them even connect with their humans on an emotional level and offer comforting companionship in stressful situations. They make gentle companions but need regular exercise and plenty of attention to stay happy and content.
Here are the 9 best dog breeds to adopt if you want a shadow.
Best Dog Breeds If You Want A Shadow
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally bred for royalty and form strong bonds with their owners. Having a loving nature, they want to stay close to their humans all the time and love snuggles. These small dogs have a gentle nature.
Cavaliers make wonderful lap dogs and are highly social. They get along nicely with everyone, including kids, new people, and other animals. Cavaliers King Charles Spaniels tend to follow their humans like a shadow and are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
These affectionate and devoted dogs make perfect companions for seniors, families, and anyone looking for an incredibly affectionate pooch. Cavalier may be the right fit for you. Their moderate exercise and calm demeanor make them perfect for apartment life.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the clingiest pooches out there who stick to their humans like glue to paper. Their playful, calm, and loving nature makes them ideal pets for first-time owners. Labradors form strong bonds with their humans and want to accompany them everywhere.
They are not so small, but they never miss a chance to sit in your lap. These sweet and friendliest dogs love spending time with their owners and can be happy when neglected for extended periods. Their high energy levels mean they need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
However, if you are bringing a Labrador home, be prepared for lots of shedding and some drooling. Labs are also notorious for overeating, so you have to feed them in moderation so that they do not become obese.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the sweetest and friendliest pooches out there. They bring warmth and joy to your home with their sunny disposition. One of the most popular dog breeds, the Golden Retriever, prefers staying with their humans all the time. They tend to follow their owners like a shadow.
Goldens are highly intelligent and eager to please, dogs that can be trained easily. They have a gentle and loving nature and a playful approach towards life. If you are looking for a furry friend with exuberant energy and an affectionate nature, you should adopt a Golden Retriever.
Golden Retrievers often express their love towards their human counterparts through physical touch. They may lean against your legs, rest their head on your lap, or nuzzle into you. Their desire for constant attention is a sign that they love you unconditionally.
4. Australian Shepherd
Originally bred as herding dogs, Aussies make true Velcro dogs who cling like plastic wrap to their owners. They have a natural desire to work close to humans and therefore, form strong bonds with their humans.
According to PetMD, it is not uncommon for Australian Shepherds to follow their pet parents everywhere like a shadow. They are very loyal and attentive to their families. Aussies are very active and athletic.
That is why they require lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They thrive in environments where they always have a task to perform. With proper training and socialization, Aussies make wonderful family pets.
5. Pug
Often nicknamed “Velcro dogs,” Pugs stick to their owners like glue. They were literally bred as lap dogs and never miss a chance to socialize. Pugs are incredibly affectionate to their owners and love entertaining them with their playful antics.
These wrinkly dogs with smooshed faces are irresistibly cute. This breed loves snuggling and spending time with its owners. Pugs are so deeply connected to their humans that they can develop separation anxiety when neglected for too long.
Their compact size, love for companionship, and friendly nature make them perfect pets for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a laid-back personality and are content with minimal exercise. However, Pugs are brachycephalic, so you must not over-exercise them.
6. Border Collie
Border Collie is another dog breed known for being exceptionally intelligent. Their high energy and athletic nature mean they require plenty of stimulation and are better suited for individuals with active lifestyles. These workaholics want nothing more than to please their people.
Having a Border Collie means you have to prepare yourself to have a shadow with you wherever you go. They get attuned to the moods and feelings of their owners and make excellent therapy dogs. These perceptive dogs offer comforting companionship to their stressed or anxious owners.
Lack of proper training, exercise, and socialization can lead to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing. According to the American Kennel Club, Border Collies are highly trainable and excel at obedience and agility competitions.
7. German Shepherd
Bringing a German Shepherd home is akin to embracing a shadow that tends to follow you everywhere. They love their humans so much that they can sacrifice their lives in defense of their loved ones. These incredibly loyal pooches make excellent guard dogs.
Despite their intimidating appearance and tough looks, German Shepherds prefer to stay by your side all the time. Having a protective nature and intelligent personality, GSDs form strong bonds with their humans. These athletic canines are blessed with strength, stamina, endurance, and whatnot.
Thanks to these traits, German Shepherds make wonderful police dogs, military pups, and law enforcement dogs. They are highly alert; even the slightest movement can instantly capture their attention.
German Shepherds exhibit signs of separation anxiety, like whining or scratching at doors when left alone for too long.
8. Vizsla
The ultimate Velcro dog, hailing from Hungary, the Vizsla was bred to run and chase down prey. These athletic and intelligent canines require an ample amount of physical and mental stimulation every day. Vizslas bond tightly with their owners and love being pampered and spoiled.
According to Hill’s Pet, Vizslas prefer being with their humans and need activities to keep them occupied. Lack of activity can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging. Vizslas love attention, and being neglected makes them prone to separation anxiety in many cases.
These affectionate pooches thrive on routine and have some serious attachment issues. Vizslas make a good fit for individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle. They make excellent hiking, swimming, and hunting companions and wonderful cuddly companions.
9. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are timid, loving, and playful. They live to please their owners and are very much dependent on them. This clingy pooch loves getting involved in whatever you do and despises being left alone.
Affectionately dubbed as “shadow hounds,” Italian Greyhounds are the epitome of devotion, preferring the warmth of their human’s lap over any other spot in the house. With large and expressive eyes, they make perfect pets for individuals who cherish constant companionship.
Due to their desire to stay close to their favorite people all the time, they have earned the title of “Velcro dogs.” Iggys tend to follow their owners everywhere, like a shadow.
These small and gentle canines become anxious when left alone for too long. Iggys are smart but sensitive. They respond well to calm voices and gentle training.
Conclusion
Some dog love their owners so much that they follow them everywhere like a shadow. They have earned the title of “Velcro dogs” due to their desire to stay with their humans all the time. Such breeds are immensely loyal to their owners.
These pooches do not like being left alone for extended periods and are prone to separation anxiety if neglected for too long. They make gentle and playful pets who are wholeheartedly devoted to pleasing their favorite people.
Looking for a furry friend who offers constant companionship? One of the breeds mentioned in this article may be the right fit for you.
