How do you find out how much your dog actually loves you? Maybe it’s by the way it looks at you with its tender eyes, or snuggles up close to you! Maybe it expresses love by quietly protecting you and your family! All dogs have their own ways of expressing how much they care… and some love to make a point loud and clear.
Velcro dogs are pups that tend to be a bit too clingy; they love following you like a shadow and stick close to you all the time. The reasons behind this behavior can vary; for some dogs, it’s aging, for others, it’s stress or separation anxiety, and some breeds are just built this way.
While a dog’s companionship can be one of its owner’s greatest joys in life, velcro behavior can become inconvenient at times. If this is the case, find out the real cause behind your doggo’s clinginess, maybe even take them to a vet.
Depending on the reasons, you can help your pup become a bit more independent by using different strategies, like training them to spend alone time or getting them toys, etc.
If you’re wondering which pups are more likely to get obsessed with staying close to you, here’s a roundup of 9 breeds.
Dog Breeds That Will Never Leave Your Side
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are rightly seen as reliable companions and great family dogs with their loyal nature and loving temperament. They’re often used as emotional support and therapy dogs due to their ability to bond with humans and high trainability.
Lab Facts
Size: Labs are 21-25 inches tall with a weight of 55-80 pounds.
They’re water-friendly dogs with a smooth, short coat that comes in black, yellow, and chocolate colors.
These high-energy dogs require daily exercise, and as they shed heavily, coat care is needed to remove the excess hair.
Lab owners will swear by this dog’s ability to get along with other dogs, children, and people of all ages in the family.
Their companionable nature can make them a bit too clingy at times, especially if they are being ignored or not receiving enough physical and mental stimulation. PetMD recommends taking the time to train them right when they’re still puppies.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever is the go-to dog breed for many dog lovers; it’s not shocking that this gorgeous, golden-coated dog is one of the most popular ones.
Golden Facts
Size: 21.5-24 inches in height and 55-75 pounds in weight.
Golden Retrievers are famous due to their silky golden coat that tends to shed quite a lot.
They need enough physical activity to keep them happy; otherwise, they get into behavior like digging.
Who doesn’t want a dog as pretty as a Golden following them around and cuddling with them? Goldens make amazing pets and love family life full of fun with their humans; they’re quite good at getting trained and enjoy games like fetch and agility.
They’re awesome furry besties for you if you love to spend time with your doggo; from going on hiking trips to having fun in the park, these pups are all about interacting with their pet parents.
3. German Shepherd
It’s hard to imagine a German Shepherd can become clingy, since this breed carries itself with grace and reflects confidence from its looks.
These mutts were originally bred to herd, so ‘caring’ is kind of their job. From a herding breed to strong police and military, and search and rescue dogs, these pups work closely with people (or handlers).
German Shepherd Facts
Size: 22-26 inches and 50-90 pounds.
Germans have a thick, coarse double coat that comes with black markings. Their black masked face is one of their distinct features.
They make amazing guard dogs due to their super alert nature.
These pups are wary of strangers (early socialization is a must), but when it comes to family members, their reservoir of love is unending. As loyal doggos, they will act as your shadow, hell bent to protect you.
As dogs with strong prey drive, these pups should be kept in a fenced yard, or they’ll sprint off to chase some small animal they find interesting.
4. Border Collie
Border Collie is one of the most popular dog breeds, with its gentle temperament, its playfulness, and its very attractive black and white coat.
Border Collie Facts
Size: 18-22 inches and 30-55 pounds, as per Britannica.
Collies were originally sheepdogs and have been used as therapy and service dogs.
They’re one of the most intelligent dog breeds, great at learning and mastering complex commands.
As highly trainable and smart pups, they are one of the most obedient dog breeds that respond amazingly to training. As playful dogs, they love it when you engage them in activities like agility courses, jumping, and swimming.
Collies tend to form close bonds with one person or their families; they won’t warm up to strangers so easily. Their need for stimulation and love for their owners can make them velcro dogs if their needs aren’t being met.
5. Vizsla
Originally from Hungary, Vizslas are lean but strong hunting dogs with a gorgeous, short coat that comes in red or gold rust colors.
Vizsla Facts
Size: 21-24 inches and 44-60 pounds.
They’re one of the most velcro and sensitive dog breeds that form incredibly strong bonds with their owners.
Vizslas need affection, and they need a lot of it! While they’re brave dogs that enjoy a life full of activity and games, what they need the most is your presence close to them.
As incredibly loyal doggos, they can be quite protective in nature, which makes them great, watchful companions, even when you’re out in nature, jogging or hiking with them.
As per WebMD, these pups need minimal grooming as they don’t have an undercoat, and shed only occasionally.
6. Pug
Pug is a cute but stocky doggo with a wrinkly, clownish face that’s hard not to fall in love with. With their small size and calm temperament, they’re one of the top choices of pups for apartment dwellers.
Pug Facts
Size: 10-13 inches and 14-18 pounds.
The little dogs have been the companions of Chinese emperors and aristocrats, and also the mascots of Holland’s House of Orange.
Pugs are the loving lap dogs that crave and enjoy attention from their pet parents. Since their faces have a lot of skin, they can look quite expressive, which adds to their cuteness.
They’re great doggos for city folks and enjoy little walks by your side, though indoor play sessions are also enough for them.
7. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are sleek and beautiful toy dogs with the typical Greyhound-like love for dashing and running. They’re thin boned dogs that enjoy snuggling up in your lap and would rather be close to you than stay apart.
Italian Greyhound Facts
Size: 13-15 inches and 7-14 pounds.
They have less fat and are covered with a short coat; getting them some warm doggo jackets in cold weather is a good idea.
These pooches respond well to reward-based training and turn out to be well-behaved pets. They’re fiercely devoted doggos that expect you to show an equal amount of attentiveness and love.
They’re all about providing you with sweet companionship; take them on leash for walks outdoors or play with them in a fenced yard, and they’ll stay happy.
8. Maltese
Maltese are little white sprites with adorable faces and gentle, pleading eyes that captivate everyone. This Maltese breed is quite ancient and is still one of the most adored toy dogs.
Maltese Facts
Size: 7-9 inches, and a weight range under 7 pounds.
Maltese’s long, silky white coat needs regular brushing and bathing to keep it in its best condition.
Despite being tiny, Maltese trot with grace and confidence and tend to be quite watchful in nature. Having one of these walking clouds in the home can bring endless joy to its pet parents, as these pooches are very adaptable in nature.
Maltese are quite a velcro breed; they can be strong-willed in temperament and follow you around if they’re feeling anxious or bored. They want to feel included in the lives of their family members and form deep bonds with them.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are dogs with a royal name and affiliation, but they’re one of the adaptable and affectionate dogs.
Charles Spaniel Facts
Size: 12-13 inches and 13-18 pounds.
Cavaliers were the favored dogs of King Charles I and his son King Charles II. They also have a history as “show dogs”.
Cavs aren’t just loving lap dogs; they also make amazing play partners and enjoy short walks, as well as play sessions in dog parks. They get along well with everyone, including children and other pets in the household, and making new friends comes naturally to them.
As loving dogs, they can be quite clingy and will follow you from room to room, and even to the bathroom. Make sure they’re receiving all the attention they need and train them to play with their toys when you’re away.
Conclusion
Dogs who love to stick close to their owners and follow them around can surely keep a sense of loneliness and boredom. While some owners adore this behavior, others might prefer a more independent furry companion.
Make sure you talk to the rescue center representatives or breeder about your new pet’s temperament and needs before adopting. However, whichever dog breed you choose, you need to take out time for your pets and give them all the love and attention that they deserve.
