Do you ever wonder what’s up with your furry surveillance system on four legs as it follows you around everywhere? Clingy dogs are also called “velcro dogs,” and they tend to follow their owners like shadows.
When your dog refuses to leave your lap can be due to many reasons. Some dog breeds naturally tend to form strong bonds with their pet parents. For some, age can be a factor; puppies generally need more attention and affection. Some pups will follow you around if they’re dealing with separation anxiety.
A lack of enough mental stimulation and proper training can also make your pooch stubborn when it comes to stalking you.
While some clingy behavior is okay and feels cute, a lot of it can also become overwhelming. Such behavior can be managed by proper independence training, gradually introducing your pup to alone time, and giving them toys to play with.
Here are 9 dog breeds prone to velcro behavior and to follow their owners around the house.
Velcro Dog Breeds that Follow Their Owners Everywhere
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. These pups need to feel emotionally close to their favorite person and become their best friends. Originally bred to retrieve game for hunters, Labs are bold and alert dogs with a love for human companionship.
Labs Roundup:
Size: 21.5-24.5 inches on average and 55-80 pounds.
Labs have gorgeous water-resistant smooth coats with colors like black, yellow, and chocolate.
Labs are high-energy pups and make great hiking and running buddies.
One thing you can count on is that your Lab will not bail out on you. Whether you want to spend some time chilling at home or go on a walk outside, you can count on their companionship. As loyal dogs, your Labrador Retriever wants to see you happy.
If your Lab is constantly whining for attention, this can be caused by separation anxiety or might be a learned behavior. An underlying illness is also a possibility, so maybe bring this up in the next vet checkup.
2. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are compact pups and are all about interacting with their humans. These loving lap dogs will cuddle with you like they’re made for it, as per Britannica. Frenchies have adorable droopy faces, small but muscular bodies, and bat ears that make us fall in love with them.
Frenchie Roundup:
Size: 11-13 inches tall, and under 28 pounds in weight.
These playful pups are very alert but don’t bark a lot.
Cuddling with your French Bulldog can ease away your worries after a long day. This pup is more than happy to provide you with its soothing closeness. Frenchies look too cute trotting with their little legs around the house to make sure you don’t run away with another dog.
Frenchies are velcro dogs and prone to clingy behavior. Make sure you avoid encouraging this behavior; instead, give them alone time training and introduce commands like “stay” whenever they’re following you around.
3. Papillon
These tiny but intelligent pups are immediately noticeable due to their butterfly-like ears (hence the name). Papillon is a toy breed that originated in France during the 1500s and has also been called “dwarf spaniels”.
Papillon Roundup:
Size: 8-11 inches, and 5-10 pounds.
They have a distinct, rich, and fluffy coat that sheds only moderately.
Papillons are great at learning tricks and new games.
These affectionate dogs have a history of being royal companions. Marie Antoinette, Madame de Pompadour, and Louis XIV were obsessed with this breed. When it comes to velcro dogs, Papillons are among the top. These pooches want to be with you the entire time and will entertain you with their comical tactics.
If your Papillon becomes too clingy, gradually train them to be more independent. These pups are great at obedience training.
4. Border Collie
When it comes to connecting the dots, this intelligent breed is at the top of the list. One of the world’s smartest dogs, Border Collies are also the most affectionate furry companions. Once they’ve connected with you, they’ll follow you around like a shadow.
Collie Roundup:
Size: 18-22 inches. 30-55 pounds.
Collies have gorgeous speckled coats that come in all black, black, red, lilac, and blue.
Collies were originally bred to herd livestock on farms.
From amazing herding dogs to helpful therapy and emotional support dogs, Collies get the job done. As intelligent dogs, Border Collies need a lot of mental stimulation as well as exercise. If their needs aren’t met, they might develop velcro behavior and other undesirable tendencies.
5. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are one of the most gorgeous dogs with their thick double coats that come in beautiful speckled patterns. There’s no doubt about this breed’s fondness for their human families and ability to connect with one person.
Aussie Roundup:
Australian Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs.
Size: 18-23 inches and 40-65 pounds.
They are associated with the cowboy life as fixtures at rodeo.
From fancy ranch dog to fierce and alert police and military dog, the Australian Shepherd has filled many roles for humans. From lying next to you on the couch to following you on hiking trips, Aussies love your presence more than anything.
Aussies can be taught to keep themselves occupied, but if they become clingy, this fluffy dog following you to each room, even to the bathroom, can become a routine. Deal with this gently by gradually reintroducing them to alone time and make sure their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Named after a King, these pups are all about holding you near and dear. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have not only been the choice of royalty, but they’re one of the most loved lap dog breeds.
Size: 12-13 inches and 13-18 pounds.
They have silky, speckled, long coats that need at least weekly brushing.
From being mini entertainers to quiet companions, these pooches love being glued to you. It’s hard to be mad at them for their desire to stick close to you, as their presence will be soothing for you as well. From easygoing apartment dogs to walk buddies in the town, these royal pups add quality to your life.
7. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds look regal due to their sleek build and smooth coat, but they’re very likely to be velcro dogs. These pups are all about receiving attention from their owners and crave companionship.
Italian Greyhound Roundup:
Size: 13-15 inches and 7-14 pounds.
Italian Greyhounds are sighthounds and use their spectacular vision as well as agility to find prey.
They’re one of the fastest sprinters in the world.
While these dogs look like they’re made for the wild, with their fabulous speed and instincts, they make amazing companion dogs. They can be quite clingy; from stalking you throughout the house to curling up next to you, they just want your company.
8. Pug
These small dogs are not just loyal and loving; they can become obsessed with staying close to you. No matter what you’re doing, they’ll have you know of their existence by popping into the room with their adorable wrinkly faces and stubby legs.
Pug Roundup:
Size: 10-13 inches and 14-18 pounds.
As a brachycephalic breed, Pugs may struggle with breathing, and don’t be surprised if you hear snoring often.
Pugs don’t just want your presence; they want to feel included in your day-to-day activities. From sitting next to you as you catch up with work to walking with you on cafe sidewalks, Pugs are all about being a part of your life.
From constantly sitting on your feet to making you worry about not stepping on them because they’ll always be around you, Pugs can become a big too clingy. Keeping this tiny dog in your lap can be a delight, but if they are becoming velcro, there are ways to deal with it.
Build their routine through positive reinforcement to help them stay independent. Having a space where they feel safe, even without your presence, is important.
9. Vizsla
Vizslas are immediately recognizable due to their big droopy ears and smooth golden rust coats. These enchanting dogs are often velcro in temperament and love to cling to their humans.
Vizsla Roundup:
Size: 21-24 inches and 44-60 pounds.
Vizslas were originally bred in Hungary as hunting dogs, and their name indicates the Hungarian word for “pointer”.
Owners of velcro dogs know how overwhelming it can get with them following you around and wanting to cuddle 24/7.
Vizslas are naturally prone to this behavior as they thrive on human companionship. These sensitive dogs are constantly craving new cues and commands from you to satisfy their need for mental stimulation.
Vizslas have worked closely with humans as pointers. Their need for commands and attention can be used to teach them about “alone time”.
Conclusion
While most dogs thrive on quality time with their owners, velcro dogs can’t stay away from you for a long period. If this becomes uncomfortable or meddles with your routine, assess what might be causing this behavior in your pooch and train them to deal with it.
