Dogs are pack animals, which means they like to live in groups. Although your pet is not living in the wild anymore, it has a natural tendency to stay close by your side.
Does your furry friend follow you like a shadow? Are they clinging to you while you are reading this? Well, you may be having what’s known as one of the “Velcro dog breeds.”
“Velcro dogs” is a sweet nickname for breeds that stick to their owners like glue. These pups thrive on constant companionship, often shadowing their humans from room to room and craving closeness at every turn.
Many breeds have an independent streak and are more than happy spending time alone. But some breeds are drawn to their humans all the time. Velcro dogs form strong bonds with their loved ones and feel upset when they do not find them nearby.
In fact, they are prone to developing “separation anxiety” when left alone for too long. If you are planning to adopt a lovey-dovey canine companion, here are the top 7 Velcro dog breeds for you.
Dog Breeds That Are Basically Velcro In Fur Form
1. Golden Retriever
These golden-coated loyal companions are known for forming deep bonds with their humans. Golden Retrievers are one of the friendliest breeds that love to stay close to you and follow you from room to room. Goldens’ desire to be near you earns them the title of “Velcro dogs.”
These smart doggos are eager to please and easy to train. Whether you are single or have a big family, a Golden Retriever may be the right choice for you. Their adaptable nature makes them well-suited for various lifestyles.
Golden Retrievers are not just pets; they bond emotionally with their humans. They attune to their owners’ moods and make wonderful emotional support animals. Golden provides unconditional love and helps alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers, whether black, chocolate, or yellow, are valued for their loving and outgoing personalities. One of the most popular dog breeds, Labradors are super-friendly and affectionate pooches. If you have a Lab, you may have noticed how they always want to stay close to you.
Labradors were originally bred as sporting and hunting dogs, but now they make wonderful companions. They stick to their owners just like glue sticks to paper and want to take part in everything that is going on around them. Labs make wonderful playmates for your kids.
Labradors enjoy family life and do not like being left alone. They will sit on your feet, rest their head in your lap, or lean against you to express their love. Having a Lab means being supervised all the time, whether you are doing laundry or cooking your dinner.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were primarily bred to serve as companion dogs. They used to warm laps of the British royals in drafty castles and chilly carriage rides, explains Hill’s Pet. Cavaliers still take their job as lap dogs quite seriously.
These friendly and gentle mutts love nothing more than cuddling their owners while sitting next to them on a comfy sofa. Cavaliers are true Velcro dogs who rarely want to be apart from their loved ones. They have a sociable nature, so they behave nicely with everyone, including kids, other pets, and strangers.
Cavaliers are quite playful and love spending time with you, playing in the house or garden. These energetic dogs have some prey drive as well, so they enjoy games of chasing and hunting. Cavaliers are quite adaptable and are happy with city or country living.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like being left alone. Their eye-catching coats require fairly high maintenance. Professional grooming every few months helps keep the coat in top-notch condition.
4. Border Collie
Meet the canine Brainiac, Border Collie, who will absolutely tail your every step. These loyal canines always stick by your side, and for them, it’s not clinginess; it’s commitment. Borders form strong bonds with their human counterparts.
Border Collies are immensely intelligent and always want to be active. So, they will tag along with you wherever you go, acting like classic “Velcro dogs.” They feel the happiest when you involve them in your routine activities or engage them in interactive play sessions.
According to the American Kennel Club, agility, herding, and obedience work are the keys to their joy. Border Collies pick up on their owner’s routine and emotions quite easily. Due to their high emotional intelligence, Borders have been serving as emotional support dogs.
Their intelligence, high energy levels, and eagerness to please make them well-suited for service work. You will often find your Border Collie watching and waiting for direction or attention.
5. Vizsla
Hungarian Vizslas, or to be more precise, “Velcro Vizslas,” are so devoted to you that they never leave your side. They want to be a part of all your activities and take an attachment to professional levels. Vizslas bond very tightly with their owners and find comfort in their company.
Having a long history as hunting dogs, these medium-sized pooches are highly intelligent and people-oriented. They are quick to learn and respond well to positive reinforcement methods. Vizslas are fearless fellows with a well-developed protective instinct, explains WebMD.
This Velcro dog breed is known for its affectionate nature. Vizslas are quite curious and manipulative. They make excellent companions for high-energy activities like hiking, running, swimming, flyball, and tracking. Vizslas need at least two hours of exercise every day to stay fit.
6. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are like “personal shadows” who have taken their nickname “bodyguard” quite seriously. They are completely connected to their humans, so they tag along with them everywhere. These effective guard dogs exhibit a gentle nature when they are with their loved ones.
Expect your Doberman to behave like a clingy toddler who missed you during a five-minute shower. This true Velcro dog breed is known for forming strong bonds with its owners. Dobermans can become anxious when left alone for extended periods.
One of the smartest dog breeds, Doberman Pinschers make loving and fun companions. They learn easily and respond to their owner’s commands quickly. Dobermans are highly protective of their owners and can go to any extent to protect them.
They like playing the game of fetch with their owners and accompanying them in running, jogging, and other high-energy activities.
7. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds, affectionately dubbed as “shadow hounds,” are friendly doggos with bags of personality. They love nothing more than staying close to the person they love and are likely to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
These lively canines form strong bonds with their owners and are one of the “Velcro dog breeds.” They do best in households where someone is home most of the time. Italian Greyhounds don’t like independence like some other breeds.
These mutts thrive on human interaction and behave nicely with gentle children and other animals. However, they may be reserved towards strangers and take some time to warm up to them. Italian Greyhounds prefer a calm and peaceful environment and may become anxious in chaotic situations.
Conclusion
While some breeds love independence, others are thirsty for human attention and affection. These Velcro dog breeds form close bonds with their handlers and make devoted family pets. Dog lovers value them due to their unwavering loyalty and desire to stay glued to their owners.
Planning to adopt a Velcro dog breed? Consider training them to spend at least a few hours alone from an early age. It will reduce their chances of developing separation anxiety.
