Loyalty is one of the many traits that bond people and dogs closely. Many dog breeds are so loving and affectionate that they prefer staying by your side all the time. They can go to any extent to protect their humans and their property from potential dangers.
All dog breeds are gentle to their humans, but members of the herding and sporting groups take loyalty to the next level. Some toy dog breeds also form bonds with one special person in the family.
These dogs are deeply connected to their owners’ emotions. They thrive on human interaction and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Such breeds are called “Velcro dogs.”
Planning to adopt a loving canine companion who stays by your side all the time? Here are the top seven loving dog breeds who will be with you through thick and thin.
Loving Dog Breeds That Always Want to Be Close By
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in America, known for their affectionate and outgoing personality. It is one of the sweetest dog breeds that will stick by your side like glue on paper.
Personality Traits
Adaptability: These adaptable dogs like hanging out as much as they enjoy lying on the sofa watching TV.
Velcro Dogs: Labs love staying close to their owners and become unhappy and exhibit destructive behaviors, like chewing and digging, when left alone for longer periods. They are the true Velcro dogs.
Social Butterflies: Labradors are social animals who get along well with other animals and even strangers.
Exercise and Upkeep
Labradors make good pets for first-time owners, but they are not suitable for everyone. They are the furry bundles of energy who want lots of physical and mental stimulation. If you are going to adopt a Labrador, be prepared for lots of shedding and drooling.
Life Span
According to the American Kennel Club, Labradors will stay by your side for 11 to 13 years.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are sporty and loyal dogs having a friendly nature. They are happiest when they are with their family and prefer staying with their owners all the time.
Personality Traits
Velcro Dogs: Goldens are the extra clingy canines who tag along with their humans everywhere. There is no such thing as low-key affection for these mutts.
Gentle with Children: Golden Retrievers are patient and tolerant around children. They make wonderful playmates and guardians for kids.
Need for Attention: They thrive on human interaction and want attention all the time. They love hard, so make sure you reciprocate the love and affection.
Exercise and Upkeep
Golden Retrievers are super active dogs who require plenty of opportunities to channel their internal energy. Take your Golden for long walks and engage them in interactive play sessions. Their striking golden-colored double coat requires regular grooming.
Brush your Golden’s coat two to three times a week using a slicker brush.
Life Span
They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years on average.
3. Vizsla
Vizslas are the Hungarian dogs known for their agility, muscular physique, and remarkable hunting instincts. They were originally bred to run and hunt down prey. As pets, Vizslas are one of the most loving dog breeds.
Personality Traits
Velcro Vizsla: These velvety brown pooches know no such thing as personal space. They crave attention and closeness, so you can expect them to tag along everywhere and stay close forever.
Prone to Separation Anxiety: Vizslas are prone to separation anxiety and don’t like being alone. They love being pampered and getting spoiled.
Emotional Support Animals: Vizslas easily get attuned to human emotions and want to stay close to their humans in times of stress. They provide physical and mental support by loving and taking you outside, explains WebMD.
Exercise and Upkeep
This high-energy breed requires 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Vizslas are very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short and sleek coat requires occasional grooming.
Life Span
Vizslas have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
4. Pug
Believe it or not, a Pug will follow you to the bathroom and get offended when you close the door. These goofy and silly canines don’t understand why somebody needs space.
Personality Traits
Lap Dogs: Pugs were originally bred as lap dogs for Chinese royalty and are still the most affectionate dogs out there.
Velcro Dogs: Pug is the people’s dog; they love cuddling sessions with their humans. Without proper training, Pugs are susceptible to separation anxiety and don’t like spending time alone.
Playfulness: These little comedians try to grab your attention and entertain you with their playful antics.
Exercise and Upkeep
Pugs are the laid-back dogs, but they require regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Consistent training and socialization are important for having a well-mannered pup. Pugs are low-maintenance dogs. Weekly brushing with a medium-length brush will suffice.
Life Span
Pugs live up to 13-15 years.
5. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds don’t like the concept of independence. They want warmth and affection and direct access to your lap.
Personality Traits
Velcro Dogs: Italian Greyhounds are the true “Velcro dogs” who like to stay close by your side. These loving dogs will follow you from room to room and seek your attention. They form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on close physical contact.
Gentle Demeanor: Italian Greyhounds are calm and caring dogs with a gentle demeanor. If you work from home and are looking for a loyal canine companion, an Italian Greyhound can be a great fit.
Exercise and Upkeep
Despite being agile and energetic, these “40mph couch potatoes” don’t require vigorous exercise. Daily walks and play time are ways to keep them in good shape. They have minimal grooming needs due to their short coat.
Life Span
An Italian Greyhound can accompany you for good 13 to 15 years.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog, also known as Sheltie, is a medium-sized sporting dog with a luxurious coat. They like keeping a record of your every move.
Personality Traits
Velcro Dogs: One of the most affectionate dog breeds, Shelties form unbreakable bonds and deep emotional connections with their humans. They are called “Velcro dogs” because they want to stay close to their owners all the time.
Sensitive: Your Sheltie might want to follow you during routine activities like relaxing on the couch or going on walks. It means they are sensitive to your moods and routines.
Quick Learners: These loyal canines are quite sociable and eager to please. They learn new tricks and commands quickly.
Exercise and Upkeep
Shelties are athletic and energetic dogs who need moderate exercise to stay fit. Long walks, short runs, and playtime in the backyard can benefit your Shetland Sheepdog. They have a dense double coat with a harsh outercoat and fluffy undercoat. Shelties require regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
Life Span
They have a life span of 12 to 14 years.
7. Border Collie
Border Collies were originally bred to herd sheep in the highlands of Scotland and England. They can get a bit possessive and territorial when they don’t get regular exercise. Border Collies are quick learners and respond well to praise.
Personality Traits
Velcro dogs: They have a warm nature and an urge to stick to their humans. These loyal pooches love spending time with their family. Border Collies are extremely clingy to their owners and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.
Sociable: Border Collies are highly sociable. They like the company of other dogs and get along well with cats, too, if socialized properly from an early age.
Protective around Kids: These eager-to-please dogs are gentle and protective around children. Because of their herding instincts, they tend to protect kids and make excellent watchdogs, explains Hill’s Pet.
Exercise and Upkeep
These working dogs require long daily walks and lots of playtime to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Border Collies can have a smooth coat or a rough coat. Both coat types are dense and water-repellent and require regular grooming to stay in top-notch condition.
Life Span
Border Collies have a life span of 12 to 15 years.
Conclusion
All dogs are loving and affectionate, but some thrive on human companionship. From the compact and sturdy Pug to the athletic Vizsla and the brainiac Border Collie, several canines love to tag along with their humans everywhere. They not only give you company but also sense sudden mood shifts of their owners.
If you are planning to adopt a loyal dog who prefers to stay close by, one of these breeds might be a good choice. However, no matter what breed you adopt, make sure to shower them with love and exercise them regularly.
