Who doesn’t love a dog that’s sociable and doesn’t get cranky when someone interacts with them? While expressive and loving dogs are something all dog lovers dream of, some pups can become a bit too clingy.
Picture this: you’re grabbing your keys to go out and get some groceries, and your mutt starts wagging its tail and barking to get attention. Or you’re just trying to catch up with some work, but your pooch keeps bouncing around you for treats or a petting session.
Some level of lovey-dovey behavior and demand for attention is cute and seems normal, but if dogs get too clingy, they might have become velcro.
Velcro dogs are those who’re a bit too attached to you, and there can be many reasons they adopt this behavior. Dogs behave like this because of maybe learned behavior, separation anxiety, aging, anxiety or illness, or maybe your dog is from a breed that tends to be clingy.
If you are wondering which dog breeds are more likely to try and stick by your side and even follow you around, this article is all about that.
Dog Breeds That Love So Much They’ll Follow You Home
1. Vizsla
Vizslas are Hungarian dogs bred to be the companions of hunters and are famous for following their owners like shadows. These pups come in a gorgeous, smooth red coat and tend to be 22-24 inches tall, with a 55-60 pound weight range.
Vizslas are dogs with high energy levels and are well-suited for owners who have time to spend with their dogs, as these pups love forming deep bonds with their humans. Once a Vizsla gets attached to you, expect it to follow you to the bathroom as well.
Vizslas are happier in places where they get a lot of space to roam around, as per PetMD, which makes them slightly less ideal for apartment dwellers.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are big dogs that love to act as lap dogs at times; they love human companionship and can get really attached to their pet parents.
Labs are friendly and loyal dogs and make good pups for owners who love outdoor activities like hiking. They can be 21-25 inches tall and weigh between 55-80 pounds. Labs are generally very trainable and adaptable dogs, but are prone to velcro behavior due to their love for their owners.
If your Lab won’t leave your side, try to add some more mental stimulation and exercise to their routine to tire them out.
If your Lab is bored or frustrated, expect some attempts at chewing socks and furniture to show their annoyance.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are very companionable mutts that love to trot behind their owners from room to room. These pups are widely loved due to their gentle nature and very beautiful, silky golden coat that makes them stand out.
These sturdy dogs are of Scottish origin and were used as gun dogs; they’re efficient and tireless in the field and make loving family pets. Having a Golden is like having a forever friend who loves to watch over you and cuddle with you.
Golden Retrievers are sweet and adaptable dogs, especially if they’ve received socialization and obedience training early as puppies. They can stand up to 24 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are one of the strongest and highly trainable dogs that support humans in different ways. From police and service dogs to guard dogs, these versatile dogs have strong instincts and an ability to learn commands.
These herding dogs are all about pleasing their humans and love to protect their home and families. They’re energetic and smart dogs and need a fair share of daily exercise and mental stimulation. If they’re not getting all of it enough, and also owing to their protective instincts, they can become quite velcro.
As per WebMD, these pups are all about companionship and want to be with their families rather than being left alone. To keep off separation anxiety, make sure you’re spending quality time with them and they’re trained to spend “alone time” happily.
5. Border Collie
Border Collies are one of the smartest dogs in the world, known for their friendly and playful nature. They’re great at obedience and agility training and enjoy the company of active owners who give them enough play sessions and walks.
Border Collies can be 18-22 inches tall and weigh between 30-55 pounds. These sheepdogs are great at learning and following commands; this talent can be used to train them to fight off velcro behaviour. As smart dogs, these pups appreciate it when their owners come up with different ways to mentally engage them.
As per Britannica, these dogs are quite watchful (though not ideal guard dogs) and tend to bark when they’re bored.
6. Maltese
Maltese are sweet-natured toy dogs that originated in Malta and are widely loved due to their gorgeous, long white coat. They’re 7-9 inches tall and grow up to 7 pounds in weight. They’re playful dogs and make good candidates for different dog sports like agility competitions and scent work.
Maltese makes a loving pet for owners of all age groups and adapts to different kinds of lifestyles due to its compact size. It’s a good choice for first-time owners, especially those who have time to groom its long, thick coat.
Maltese won’t just enjoy chilling by your side or in your lap; they’ll follow you around everywhere (which makes them a tripping hazard).
7. Pug
Pugs are small dogs with a stocky build and adorable wrinkled faces, and are one of the most ideal pets for people in limited living spaces. These pooches thrive on attention and can’t stand being separated from their owners for long periods.
Pugs can be 10-13 inches tall with a weight range of 15-18 pounds. These pocket-sized pups are very calm and quite adaptable, making them suitable for families with children and other dogs.
They might bark when they see a stranger, but they’re very loving towards their family members. They crave companionship and love from their pet parents and will follow them around with their tiny legs.
8. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are famous for their sleek and graceful physique, especially their impressively lean legs. They can grow 13-15 inches in height and weigh between 7-14 pounds.
While IGs probably don’t look the part, they can make amiable lapdogs and enjoy staying close to their pet parents. As active pups, they do enjoy regular play sessions and some exercise, but interacting with you is what makes them happiest.
IGs need experienced trainers who understand their temperaments and respond better to positive training methods over harsh ones.
9. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers possess strong instincts to guard their families or owners as they were bred as protection dogs. Their love for human companionship and need to look after them can make them velcro dogs, especially if they’re experiencing separation anxiety or stress.
Dobies stand up to 28 inches tall and weigh up to 100 pounds. They’re agile and muscular dogs that can scare away intruders and predators with their imposing and graceful appearance.
As intelligent dogs, Dobies are amazing to train, but do need a lot of physical activity and an outlet for their mental energy to keep off destructive and overly clingy behavior.
Conclusion
Having a loving dog makes you the center of their attention, which can feel rewarding and pleasing. Dogs who love their owners are loyal companions who are by their humans’ sides in every condition. If your dog’s velcro behavior is interfering with your daily life, talk to your vet about what might be causing it and how to manage it.
A pet comes with a lot of responsibility; you must take care of its needs, including early socialization, proper training, and regular grooming sessions. Only after all of this is done, you may expect your pet to give you lovely company and not bother you needlessly all the time.
