Dogs are known for their loyalty, but some take devotion to a whole new level. These “velcro dogs” stick to their owners like glue, following them from room to room and always wanting to be part of their human’s life. While this level of attachment can be overwhelming for some, many dog lovers cherish the close bond they share with their furry shadow.
Clingy dogs tend to form deep emotional connections with their families, making them excellent companions for people who love affection, cuddles, and constant companionship. Whether you’re looking for a lapdog that never leaves your side or a larger breed that insists on being a 24/7 best friend, these 13 dog breeds are the most wonderfully clingy pups out there.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are not just America’s favorite dog; they’re also one of the clingiest. Labs love their humans fiercely and always want to be near them, whether it’s snuggling on the couch, going for a walk, or following them around the house. Their affectionate nature makes them great family pets, but their need for attention means they don’t do well when left alone for long periods. They thrive in active households where they get plenty of interaction and love.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, affectionate
- Size: Large
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Moderate to high
- Trainability: Very trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Low
- Exercise Needs: High
- Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, obesity, ear infections
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This small yet loving breed is the definition of a lapdog. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels crave human interaction and will happily follow their owners from room to room. They love to cuddle and prefer to be with their people at all times. Their affectionate nature makes them fantastic therapy dogs, and they get along well with children and other pets. However, their need for companionship means they dislike being left alone for long hours.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, friendly
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Shedding: Moderate
- Trainability: Easy to train
- Barking Level: Low to moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Low
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: Heart disease, hip dysplasia, eye conditions
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and loyalty, and their attachment to their owners is strong. Whether working as a service dog or a family protector, they want to be by their person’s side at all times. This devotion makes them excellent guardians, but it also means they are prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long. They do best in homes where they receive mental stimulation, physical exercise, and plenty of bonding time with their family.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Loyal, courageous, intelligent
- Size: Large
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Moderate to high
- Shedding: High
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Varies
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Excellent
- Exercise Needs: High
- Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, bloat, degenerative myelopathy
4. Italian Greyhound
This delicate and elegant breed is surprisingly needy when it comes to human attention. Italian Greyhounds form intense bonds with their owners and love curling up in laps or burrowing under blankets for warmth. Their sensitivity makes them best suited for homes where they receive consistent love and care. They do not tolerate being left alone and may become anxious without their favorite human nearby.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Sensitive, affectionate, playful
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Low
- Trainability: Moderate
- Barking Level: Low
- Good with Children: Yes, with supervision
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Low
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: Fragile bones, dental issues, eye problems
I’ll continue with the remaining breeds now. Stay tuned!
5. Vizsla
Nicknamed the “Velcro Vizsla,” this breed is one of the most affectionate dogs out there. Vizslas thrive on human companionship and will always want to be by your side, whether you’re lounging on the couch or out for a run. They are high-energy and need plenty of exercise, but they also love to snuggle up close whenever they get the chance. They are best suited for active families who can provide them with both physical activity and constant affection.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Affectionate, energetic, gentle
- Size: Medium
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Low to moderate
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Moderate
- Exercise Needs: High
- Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye disorders
6. Pug
Pugs are small but mighty when it comes to affection. These little dogs love being the center of attention and will follow their owners everywhere. They are known for their silly and loving personalities, and they crave constant companionship. Pugs do well in apartments and small spaces but need plenty of human interaction. If left alone for too long, they can become anxious and even destructive.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Charming, mischievous, loving
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Low to moderate
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Shedding: High
- Trainability: Moderate
- Barking Level: Low to moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Low
- Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
- Health Issues: Brachycephalic syndrome, obesity, hip dysplasia
7. Border Collie
Border Collies are known for their intelligence, but they also form deep bonds with their humans. These highly trainable dogs love having a job to do and will constantly seek engagement with their owners. They thrive in active households and enjoy being involved in every aspect of family life. If they don’t receive enough mental and physical stimulation, they can develop separation anxiety.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Smart, energetic, devoted
- Size: Medium
- Energy Level: Very high
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Shedding: Moderate to high
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate to high
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Moderate
- Exercise Needs: Very high
- Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly
8. Chihuahua
Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas have enormous personalities and a fierce attachment to their owners. They often bond with one person and will follow them everywhere. Chihuahuas love being carried and cuddled, and they don’t tolerate being left alone for long. While they can be stubborn, their devotion makes them excellent companion dogs.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Alert, lively, affectionate
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Low to moderate
- Trainability: Moderate
- Barking Level: High
- Good with Children: Yes, but best with older kids
- Good with Other Dogs: Varies
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: High
- Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
- Health Issues: Patellar luxation, heart disease, dental issues
9. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are friendly, affectionate, and love being close to their owners. They are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them great family pets. Goldens love to follow their humans around the house and often lean on them for affection. They are prone to separation anxiety and do best in homes where they get plenty of attention and exercise.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, devoted
- Size: Large
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Shedding: High
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Low to moderate
- Exercise Needs: High
- Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, cancer, heart disease
10. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are highly loyal and protective, often forming a strong attachment to one person. These intelligent and obedient dogs want to be close to their owners at all times and may even act as a shadow, following them everywhere. While they are natural protectors, they also crave affection and companionship.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Loyal, fearless, alert
- Size: Large
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Low
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Varies
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Excellent
- Exercise Needs: High
- Health Issues: Cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, bloat
11. Great Dane
Despite their massive size, Great Danes think they are lapdogs. These gentle giants love being close to their humans and often try to climb onto laps for cuddles. They are known for their affectionate and calm nature, but they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Friendly, patient, dependable
- Size: Giant
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Moderate
- Trainability: Easy to train
- Barking Level: Low to moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Moderate
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: Bloat, hip dysplasia, heart disease
12. Boxer
Boxers are playful, affectionate, and full of energy. They thrive on human interaction and always want to be part of the action. Boxers love to cuddle and will lean against their owners for affection. Their high-energy nature means they need lots of exercise, but they also enjoy relaxing with their family.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Fun-loving, energetic, affectionate
- Size: Medium to large
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Moderate
- Trainability: Easy to train
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: High
- Exercise Needs: High
- Health Issues: Cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, cancer
13. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and bond closely with their owners. They are happiest when given a job to do and will follow their humans everywhere. Aussies need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, but they also love snuggling up after a long day of play. Their strong attachment makes them prone to separation anxiety.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Smart, energetic, affectionate
- Size: Medium
- Energy Level: Very high
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Shedding: High
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate to high
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Moderate
- Exercise Needs: Very high
- Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye disorders
If you’re looking for a dog that will always want to be by your side, one of these 13 breeds might be your perfect match!