What is a Velcro dog
A velcro dog is a pup who wants to be sitting on you or next to you each moment of every day. It’s flattering, but sometimes people need a little space and/or don’t want to trip over a pooch that’s perpetually underfoot.
The truth is that WE are often the ones responsible for the velcro phenomenon! If your dog sleeps with you, if you are a perpetual treat giver, if you cuddle your canine all the time, etc.; YOU are making your dog clingy!
Other situations can make pets prone to being velcro-y: rescue dogs may suffer from abandonment issues or are just so grateful to have a home, past traumas, older pups might be nervous about a sight/hearing decline, doggies receiving constant rewards for being near their owner, and doggos that are bored may become clingy dogs.
The closeness between people and canines is completely normal, but let’s take a look at certain breeds that are particularly clingy dogs.
Velcro Dog Breeds
Some poochies are bred to be loving and attentive, and that’s part of the reason why we love and obtain them in the first place. If you’re looking for a dog who will follow you everywhere, read on for a list of the clingiest dog breeds:
1. Vizsla
Vislas are sweet doggies who want to be with their owner and rank high on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) measurements of being affectionate, good with children, good with other canines, fun, friendly, athletic, and easy to train. The Vizsla is probably the clingiest dog. They enjoy hiking, and exercise is great for them.
The first Vizsla that immigrated to America was smuggled out of Communist Hungary in 1950. The Vizsla were hunting dogs in the past and are now happy to lay around the house with their people. Vizslas form deep bonds with their human family members, making them the ultimate Velcro dog.
2. Pomeranian
Look, if you’re going to get a little, adorable pooch, you should be up for some snuggling. The Pomeranian is soft, fluffy, inquisitive, lively, bold, and affectionate. As a bonus, they’ll bark if they hear any suspicious sound, so you can consider them lap dog guard dogs at three to seven pounds.
The AKC describes Pommies as “A favorite of royals and commoners alike, [and] has been called the ideal companion.” They like to entertain, to be with their people, and have a long history of occupying laps.
3. French Bulldog
Another velcro dog breed is the French bulldog, which also scores high on qualities like affectionate, good with other canines and children, playful, very trainable, and intelligent. They don’t bark a lot but will let you know if someone arrives at your home. They don’t like to be alone for long periods of time, so it’s fortunate that they are so portable.
Frenchies were bulldogs reduced to a toy size in the 1800s. Some lived in Nottingham, England, a city where there were many lace-making businesses. When the lace industry was threatened by the Industrial Revolution, lacemakers moved to France with their toy bulldogs, which wound up crossing with terriers and pugs.
Parisians fell in love with the Bouledogue Francaise, and Frenchies spread through Europe and to America. They were the number one popular dog in the US in 2022 for the first time. They are the perfect size for a lap dog, and that’s probably why they are extra clingy.
4 .Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are always the first or second on the most popular dog breeds in the US. The French bulldog displaced them last year, but the Labrador is normally on top. They are very endearing because they are loving, great with children and other canines, playful, friendly, trainable, and extremely loyal.
They are energetic, so they’re always ready to have fun with their humans.
The Labrador retriever is intelligent and helpful and makes excellent service canines. Labs are smiling and sweet. They have lovely dispositions and are always eager to please. Labrador retrievers are one of our favorite dog breeds. Not all clingy dog breeds are little lap dogs, but big canines can still be extra clingy — especially the social butterfly Lab.
5. Pug
There’s a definite pattern forming here: velcro dog breeds are fantastic pups that we adore. Of course, they are going to be emotionally and physically attached to us. Pugs are also loving, good with children and other pups, playful, charming, mischievous, stubborn, and friendly.
What’s not to love? The more adoration we give these Velcro dog breeds, the more they are going to want to be with us.
Chinese emperors loved the Pug, and then the Pug was popular in Holland when gifted to the Oranges. William and Mary of Orange brought their pugs to England when they assumed the monarchy and the citizens of England wanted their own Pugs because people love those wrinkled faces.
Pugs are a lovely companion dog that enjoys being a lap dog, thus a true velcro dog and extra clingy.
6. Border Collie
Border Collies are energetic, affectionate, smart, fun, agile, and friendly. They are hard workers, but when they’re done herding sheep, they’re ready for a cuddle. The Border collie is agile and athletic and needs exercise or rigorous playtime. Border collies are the workaholics of the dog world and have a strong sense of loyalty. They are one of the smartest dog breeds.
During the Roman occupation of Britain, the Romans brought their big herding canines. When Rome fell, the Vikings invaded England and brought their canines. The Viking dogs were little, quick, spitz-like herders. The Roman pups breeding with the Viking canines eventually produced the canines that the Border collie descended from.
7. German Shepherd
German shepherds are a popular breed that’s courageous, confident, smart, affectionate, completely devoted, and very trainable. The German shepherd has a high need for stimulation and enjoys expressing their love through play. When German shepherd wants to play, they will nose-bop their humans and bark if there’s no response. German shepherds also love hiking.
The German shepherd enjoys sleeping in the human bed and giving big greetings when their people return. They are excellent guard dogs because they adore their people.
German Shepherds are amazing companions, wonderful guide dogs, and super clingy. They need training and socializing and may be aloof with strangers.
8. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are alert, fun, good with canines, curious, and highly affectionate. They were royal canines 2,000 years ago in Greece and Turkey, then rose to popularity among aristocrats in Italy during the Renaissance, where artists featured them in paintings.
They were originally bred as sighthounds. Italian Greyhounds still perform at dog shows and enjoy lure coursing (chasing a mechanized lure around a course). Italian Greyhound fans will tell you that their favorite activity is cuddling with their people — another of the clingy dog breeds that aren’t lap dogs.
If you don’t enjoy overly attentive pets, the Italian Greyhound may not be the right dog for you.
9. Maltese
“Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta” is loving, fun, charming, intelligent, and gentle and has been a lapdog and a status symbol for 2,000 years. Historians think that the Phoenicians brought them to Malta. The dog breed can be found on Golden Age ceramic and in Roman fables, myths, and poems. Chinese breeders preserved the Maltese after the fall of Rome.
These little canines have entranced people with their elegant long, silky coats and spunky personalities in a less than seven-pound package, making them the perfect lap dog. They have a clingy nature and are also good watchdogs, so you get lots of love and protection.
10. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is affectionate, smart, hard-working, and has boundless energy. They are great with children and compulsive herders/working dogs. The Australian shepherd was bred in France and Spain by excellent shepherds called the Basques.
They crossbred the Pyrenean Shepherd, and the Aussie was born. Some Basques took their shepherd dogs to Australia, where there was lots of available land.
Californian ranchers imported some Aussies and perfected the canines to their needs. There are still many Australian shepherd herding dogs on the west coast. Aussies are also employed as cowboy companions, therapy dogs, service dogs, drug detectors, and search and rescue canines.
These sweet pups need a lot of exercise if they aren’t herding, but they are very loving and want to be with their people.
11. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are loving, good for families, like other pets, fun, intelligent, gentle, friendly, and devoted. They hail from Scotland, where they worked hunting and doing fieldwork. Now, they guide the blind, help in search-and-rescue, and like competitive events.
The Golden retriever is joyous and makes those around them smile.
Swimming and fetching are in their DNA. They were also bred to please and help people, making them natural velcro dogs, very popular, a great companion, and perfect for families. Gamekeepers mentioned Goldens in written records from 1835.
12. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman pinscher looks intimidating and scary but is affectionate, good with kids, friendly, fun, highly energetic, intelligent, brave, and a great watch dog. Louis Dobermann (with two n’s) was a German tax collector in the 1800s who bred a dog to take with him when collecting taxes.
Dobermans have worked for the police, as therapy and service dogs, done search-and-rescue, and worked in the US Marine Corps.
As with many dogs on this list, the Doberman pinscher works with people and wants to please them. Originally bred as guard dogs, their bonds with people became very strong.
Positive reinforcement and spending time together results in these doggies wanting to be with their humans all the time — sometimes touching them or in their lap (even if only the dog’s head fits in the lap).
13. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland sheepdog is affectionate, fun, intelligent, energetic, great with children and other dogs, and they will bark when strangers approach (and even if one doesn’t). Shelties are from Scotland and were bred smaller than Collies because they eat less, and food was difficult to get in the cold and punishing climate of the Shetland Islands.
They excel at agility, herding, and obedience trials.
Who doesn’t want a miniature Lassie?! They are adorable, athletic, loving, enjoy learning new tricks, and perfect for families. In addition to wanting to please their humans, a herding dog without livestock looks to their people for activities.
If there’s nothing on the agenda, they stay with their humans and cuddle. Shelties may nip children to herd them. They are a true velcro dog, but a little larger than a lap dog.
Measures to Take When You Need Personal Space
When is togetherness excessive? It’s important that your dog isn’t so attached to you that they have separation anxiety when you need to leave them alone. Also, possessiveness can lead to aggressive behaviors.
Training
A well-trained pup is a happy pup. Doggos that are taught to sit and stay feel secure knowing what they are supposed to do, so obedience training is very helpful. Properly trained pooches who have received socialization are well-adjusted, which results in good behavior.
Separation Training
To condition your pup not to have separation anxiety, leave for five minutes, then ten, etc., to show them that you always return. Try not to make a big deal of leaving and returning, so your canine doesn’t feel like something horrible is happening.
Physical & Mental Exercise
Be sure your dog has daily exercise and is stimulated mentally. Items like puzzles, interactive toys, stuffed Kongs, big bones, and snuffle mats will entertain your fur baby for a long time.
If you don’t have the time or energy to walk or play with your pooch during the week, you can find a dog walker or doggy daycare. A tired pup is set up for good behavior.
Create a special personal place
If you want your canine to have an alternate spot to relax beside your bed, the sofa, etc., you can set up a crate or comfy bed with treats and toys where they can enjoy spending time. You might need to do a little crate training by rewarding your dog when they go into the crate. Put something that smells like you in the crate/bed. Needy dogs do well with crates.
FAQs
Is a Pitbull a Velcro Dog?
Some canines, like Yorkshire terrier dogs and Pit bulls, are famous for being velcro dogs. The pit bull is sensitive and loving and needs to be right near their people to snuggle and to know what their human companions are doing. The pit bull is loyal, devoted, fun, and affectionate. Pit bulls are the sweetest.
How Can I Stop My Dog From Becoming a Velcro Dog?
Leave them alone for five minutes, then 10, and so on. Give them interactive toys and treats that last a while. Set up a crate or comfortable bed with toys and treats. Make sure your pooch walks or plays fetch for a half hour a day.
Why Does My Dog Never Leave Me?
Your pup exhibits clingy behavior because they love you, you’re the alpha, they are protecting their pet parents, and they want to be with you, so they will know right away if you go outside or become involved in a project.
Is Chihuahua a Velcro Dog?
Yes, Chihuahuas love their people and crave attention. The Chihuahua is fiercely loyal and extra clingy.
Is a Poodle a Clingy Dog?
Yes, some people call Poodles velcro dogs that adore their owner and need attention, love, and mental stimulation.
What’s the Meaning of a Dog Placing Its Paw on You?
It means, “I love you, pet me, pay attention to me.”
Conclusion
The clingiest dog breeds are some of our most popular dog breeds, and it’s part of their appeal. They adore their people and enjoy human companionship. They will watch TV and sleep with you. Sometimes, lack of stimulus creates velcro behavior, or an older pet may feel insecure and become a clingy dog.
Train your fur baby to be independent, so they don’t suffer from separation anxiety when you are apart. Pet parents have a very strong bond with their canines.
Also, as pack animals, dogs’ instincts are to stay near the alpha and be with the group, so being alone can result in separation anxiety. Choose one of these pooches if you’re looking for a dog who will spend all their time with you.
