While dogs are known for their love for human companionship, some dog breeds literally cannot handle being apart from their owners. Clingy dogs are not everyone’s cup of tea due to the extra amount of attention and time they demand.
A pup that follows you around from room to room feels sweet at first, but if this behavior keeps growing, you might feel a bit annoyed. These kinds of clingy dogs are called “velcro dogs.” While they can be a handful, there are many ways to manage this behavior.
Here are 7 velcro dogs that want nothing more in the world than your companionship.
Velcro Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is one of the most loved and popular retrieving breeds. They’re smart and trainable dogs that respond amazingly to positive reinforcement. These pups also love bonding deeply with their pet parents and are prone to velcro behavior.
Quick facts:
Size: 21.5-24.5 inches. 55-80 pounds.
These sporting dogs tend to shed a lot, as per PetMD.
Labs have proved that they can be really valuable companions to humans. From being amazing retrievers to great therapy and search and rescue dogs, they are dogs with many merits. These velcro dogs also love being pampered and adored.
They can get quite clingy and will love snuggling up close to their favorite person. They’ll become your shadows and happily follow you on hiking trips and trail running. Early socialization training makes them more independent and easygoing pups.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are cute and loving dogs that make amazing family pets. They were originally bred to herd livestock in the Scottish highlands; being a clingy dog is part of their job description.
Quick facts:
Size: 18-22 inches. 30-55 pounds.
Collies are agile and energetic dogs that need a fair share of daily exercise.
With their beautiful double coat and adorable faces, Border Collies will warm your heart in seconds. They have a natural urge to be possessive and territorial, especially if they’re not getting enough physical and mental stimulation.
Training early is the key to helping them become less prone to separation anxiety. These playful dogs are also pretty intelligent and very good at obedience, which makes them easier to train.
3. Maltese
These fluffy dogs are a joy to hold close with their beautiful white coat and tiny puppy faces. Maltese are toy dogs and are very family-oriented and enjoy sticking close to their people. These velcro dogs enjoy the company of fun-loving owners who have enough time to take them to dog parks off and on.
Quick facts:
Size: 7-9 inches. Under 7 pounds.
Maltese have their origins in ancient Rome, especially on the Island of Malta.
Maltese have enticed humans for ages, and accounts of these adorable pooches are found in writings from the Roman era. These white pups are bright-natured pets that love to play with their humans but also enjoy sitting next to them.
Maltese get along well with other dogs and cats, but they need to be supervised as their bold spirits are bigger than their small size. They will stay content if you’re giving them some moderate daily playtime or exercise.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are gorgeous gun dogs used for retrieving game for hunters with their spectacular instincts. They’re also one of the most popular choices of service dogs and search and rescue dogs. This hard-working breed loves to please its owner and can exhibit velcro behavior if under-stimulated.
Quick facts:
Golden Retrievers are named after their lush and silky golden coats.
Size: 21.5-24 inches. 55-75 pounds.
From cozying up next to you on a couch to playtime in the dog park, these velcro dogs savor their fun moments with you. As energetic pups, they’re also amazing companions for hiking and camping. These outgoing pups carry a youthful nature even into their adulthood.
If Goldens are not given early training or are allowed to get bored, they will exhibit behaviors you won’t enjoy. They’re not overly needy dogs, but since they enjoy affection and are eager to please, they need their quality bonding time with you.
5. German Shepherd
While German Shepherds are serious guard dogs that can make you feel safe with just being around, they’re softies deep down who crave your companionship. Their protective instincts make them want to stick close to their humans; they don’t mind snuggles despite how fierce they look.
Quick facts:
German Shepherds are high-energy dogs known for their bravery.
Size: 22-26 inches tall. 50-90 pounds.
German Shepherds are the literal definition of perfect protection dogs and are often preferred for police work. They’re a herding breed and love to get their jobs done and impress their humans. To them, protecting you is a full-time job, and they will follow you around to make it successful.
These gorgeous dogs have a thick double coat that tends to shed, especially twice a year during their shedding seasons, as per WebMD. Regular grooming is important in keeping them in their best shape.
6. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are gorgeously coated dogs with a sleek build that makes them look strong and alert (which they are). Their smooth coats come with rust markings and add an out-of-this-world beauty to their appearance.
Dobies are powerful military and guard dogs that will stay by your side, no matter what.
Quick facts:
Size: 24-28 inches. 60-100 pounds.
Apart from military work, they’re also amazing guide dogs for visually impaired people.
Doberman Pinschers can chill indoors with you happily as you read your favorite book or watch a series. They do enjoy daily physical and mental activity like jogging, long walks, and playtime. They’re generally quiet dogs that will bark only when they have to alert you.
These sensitive dogs will worry about your protection and stay wary of strangers. They can also coexist with other pets in the household if they’ve been properly trained. They can be surprisingly clingy and territorial at times.
7. Pug
Pugs are small dogs with big hearts, with a loyal and playful nature. These merry little dogs have ancient origins that can be traced to at least 400 BC. They’re amazing apartment dogs due to their small size, but they adapt to most living situations.
Quick facts:
Size: 10-13 inches. 14-18 pounds
Pugs used to be exclusive pets for Chinese emperors back in the day, and commoners were not allowed to adopt them.
There are few things these pooches desire more than getting pampered and receiving a lot of attention. These aristocratic dogs have flat faces, which makes them ideal pets to keep indoors in warm weather, as they’re prone to breathing difficulty.
With their sturdy little bodies and wrinkled faces, these pups are a joy to cuddle with. They will follow you with their tiny legs even to the bathroom. According to the American Kennel Club, short walks and playtime are good daily activities for these lap dogs.
Conclusion
Velcro dogs might seem like a challenge to handle at times, but with patience and empathy, these pups can learn to be more independent. If you’re ready to adopt a new dog, talk to a reputable rescue center and schedule regular veterinarian sessions.
However, these Velcro dogs offer great company to their owners. They can be of immense importance for taking care of kids because of their clingy nature. But for this purpose, they need proper training from an early age.
