Velcro Dog Breeds – Meet 9 Super Clingy Dog Breeds
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Have you ever tried to close the door to the bathroom, only to realize your dog followed you and wants to come in?
To be honest, the first time my dog tried to do this, I thought that he was the clingiest dog in the world.
Wanting to find the cause of my dog’s needy behavior, I stumbled upon the term Velcro Dog Breeds.
Velcro Dog Breeds
Velcro – noun – trademark a fastening consisting of two strips of nylon fabric, one having tiny hooked threads and the other a coarse surface, that form a strong bond when pressed together
Dog – noun – a domesticated canid, Canis familiaris, bred in many varieties.
Velcro Dog is used to describe dogs who like to follow their owners everywhere and are always clinging close by. And while this dependency is bred into many breeds, dogs can become suddenly clingy for a number of different reasons.
Clingy dogs take love and devotion to a whole other level, and it’s really nice to have a dog shadow your every move.
However, if your pooch has become clingy all of a sudden, you should talk with your vet and schedule a checkup to be on the safe side.
Some dogs become overly attached to their owners as they get older and start to have trouble seeing and hearing.
Below, you will find a list of super clingy dog breeds that will follow and enjoy spending time with you all day every day!
We have two clingy dogs at home. I’m talking about you, Elsa and Raven!
Elsa is a 3-year-old black Labrador Retriever and I sometimes think she wants to be attached to me because she nuzzles so closely.
Raven is a 9-year-old Golden Retriever. She’s a typical Golden and if her head is not on your lap then it’s on my wife’s lap or she’s snuggling with my kids.
Goldens and Labs (Honorable Mention) are definitely velcro breeds but there are others that will cling to you.
So without further adieu…
9 Dog Breeds That Are Clingy
If you are looking for a dog that will follow you around and never leave your side, you came to the right place!
However, before you decide to bring an extra clingy dog into your home, ask yourself whether you are comfortable having a shadow 24/7.
If you don’t mind relinquishing your privacy for the foreseeable future, consider any one of the following super clingy velcro dog breeds!
1. Vizsla
There is no better way of kick-starting the list of the clingiest dog breeds than with the Vizsla dog breed.
Nicknamed the “Velcro Vizsla,” this athletic medium-sized dog breed forms extremely strong bonds with its owners. The Vizsla’s Velcro dog nature has a lot to do with the breed’s hunting origins.
Developed in Hungary as a pointer and retriever, this breed had to stay close to the hunter, never straying too far from its handler.
The years of working closely with people are evident in the breed today. Most Vizslas are always close to their owners, never leaving their sight and acting like shadows.
Despite their clingy nature, Vizslas are very active and hardworking dogs that need regular exercise to stay in good shape.
When properly exercised and trained from an early age, the Vizsla will make an affectionate, gentle, and obedient companion.
Please note, when left to its own devices, your Vizsla will easily become bored and destructive and may even become a barker.
If you look into dog breeds that never leave your side, you will hardly find a better candidate than a Vizsla!
This breed will follow you everywhere, bathroom included, and will cling to your side at all hours of the day and night.
On the other hand, if having a dog hot on your heels isn’t your cup of tea, choose another dog breed.
2. French Bulldog
Created in England as a companion dog, the French bulldog is a very clingy breed that craves a lot of human affection and attention.
The bat-eared, small, but powerfully built Frenchie is an excellent choice for first-time owners and adapts well to apartment living.
Like all other clingy dog breeds, the French bulldog seeks constant companionship and thrives when provided with affection.
When not provided with the attention it needs, your Frenchie will outright demand it! Bear in mind, that the French bulldog might be small but has a larger-than-life personality and a stubborn streak.
Frenchies don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time and some even develop separation anxiety.
If you have long working hours and can’t interact with your Frenchie much, consider getting another dog breed.
On the other hand, if you have enough time and are looking for an affectionate lap dog, the Frenchie is a great choice.
3. Pug
Originally bred to be a lap dog, the pug craves human companionship and is a true velcro dog.
Sturdy, compact, and small, pugs have larger-than-life personalities and aren’t afraid to show their clownish nature just to get attention.
Affectionate and friendly, this breed adapts well to apartment living, although they don’t appreciate being left at home alone.
This breed has a happy-go-lucky approach to life and makes a great addition to families with children, singles, or seniors when provided with lots of attention.
However, when left to their own devices, or ignored, pugs can become very unhappy. Like a true companion dog, your pug will crave your affection and cling to your lap as if his life depended on it.
And while they are content spending their days being petted and adored, pugs are also comical dogs that enjoy silly antics.
Bear in mind, that pugs are very smart, but they can also be very stubborn, which can make housetraining challenging.
However, if you have time to spend time and train your dog every day from an early age, the pug will be an ideal companion.
4. Chihuahua
Chihuahua, the smallest dog breed in the world, is also one of the clingiest Velcro dog breeds.
Fun-loving, agile, and smart, the chihuahua likes nothing more than to be close to its people and the sole focus of their attention. Due to their clannish nature, chihuahuas don’t get along very well with other breeds and prefer to be the only pet.
This tiny dog will shadow your every move and will eagerly jump in a carrier and behave just to stay close by wherever you are.
Although they demand attention from anyone they meet, chihuahuas form strong bonds with a single person. If by any chance you become this special someone, forget about looking at any other dog again!
Chihuahuas indeed demand a lot of attention, but they also worship their owners and make loyal companions and great watchdogs.
My old roommate’s girlfriend had a Chihuahua. Unfortunately, he wasn’t the friendliest of dogs. However, not all Chi’s are like this. If you do get a chihuahua, start training and socialization early on to help your puppy grow into a well-behaved and obedient dog.
5. German Shepherd Dog
The German shepherd dog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and probably the one dog breed everyone recognizes on the spot.
Developed in Germany for herding sheep, the German shepherd is a working dog breed that is used to perform a wide range of tasks.
Highly intelligent, obedient, and trainable, German shepherds are valuable members of police and military units, but they are also amazing companions.
While it’s hard to imagine that such a big dog can be clingy, German shepherds are extremely loyal and will always be by your side.
Smart and active, your German shepherd will need daily exercise to stay in good shape and will excel at agility courses.
And while they are completely devoted to their families, German shepherd dogs are aloof toward strangers! To raise a friendly and well-mannered dog, start training and socializing your GSD puppy from an early age.
Please note, that this breed needs companionship and contact with its owner and can easily develop separation anxiety when left alone a lot.
An anxious German shepherd will resort to barking, digging, chewing, and other forms of destructive behavior to ease their worry. So, if you have long working hours or travel a lot, you should consider a less clingy dog breed.
6. Italian Greyhound
The Italian greyhound is a slender, agile, and elegant-looking dog bred to hunt by sight and chase small game.
And while they were used for hunting, Italian greyhounds were prized companion dogs due to their gentle and highly affectionate nature. Kind and loving, this breed is an amazing family companion that seeks attention and affection.
The Italian greyhound loves to spend time with its human family and will be the happiest spending all day snuggling with you on the sofa.
Sensitive and affectionate, your Italian greyhound will shadow your every move and won’t mind following you to the bathroom or waiting until you finish showering.
While Italian greyhounds are playful, curious, and affectionate with their owners, they are shy and reserved towards strangers. However, when properly socialized from an early age, your dog will be willing to be petted or held by visitors.
Remember that although highly intelligent, this breed has a short attention span.
This makes training difficult and you will have to find a high reward treat that will motivate your pooch to train. Furthermore, even when motivated, Italian greyhounds can be extremely difficult to house-train.
If you are looking into clingy dog breeds, the Italian Greyhound is an excellent choice! They need a lot of love and affection and will follow you all day long and seek cuddles.
However, if you value your privacy and your “me time,” this breed isn’t the right dog for you.
7. Golden Retriever
The Golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds and an amazing family dog. Originally bred to be a gun dog, the golden retriever is still a capable working breed that excels at many tasks.
Smart, gentle, and easy to train, this breed can adapt to any home and makes a great companion to people of all ages.
While they might not seem clingy, goldens were bred to work with people and have a strong urge to stay close to their owners at all times.
They seek constant companionship and should live indoors with their human family. Golden retrievers get along with everyone, including children and other pets, and like to be involved in all family activities.
Since they are hard-wired to please, you won’t have any trouble training and socializing your golden from a young age.
Unlike other Velcro dog breeds, your golden might not follow your every move, but he will snuggle with you on the sofa and watch TV.
8. Doberman Pinscher
At first glance, the Doberman Pinscher looks intimidating, but underneath all that muscle hides a cuddly, affectionate, and loving dog.
Bred as guard dogs, Doberman Pinchers are highly energetic and intelligent dogs. They are used by the military and police but are also great family companions and guard dogs.
While they may look scary and vicious to those who don’t know them, Dobermans have a sweet personality and like to spend time with their family.
Similar to a chihuahua, Dobermans form strong bonds with a single family member. And while they like to interact with the whole family, they will seek their special human above everyone else.
Since they thrive on praise and human companionship, Dobermans like to be involved in all family activities and should live indoors.
Fun-loving, protective, and affectionate, Dobermans won’t hesitate to defend their people. A properly trained and socialized Doberman Pinscher isn’t aggressive or vicious without reason.
9. Shetland Sheepdog
Often known as Sheltie, the Shetland sheepdog was originally used as a herding dog. Nowadays, Shelties are popular family companions due to their affectionate, gentle, and loyal nature.
Although they aren’t lap dogs, Shelties like to spend time with their people and will do anything to get your attention.
Highly intelligent and trainable, this breed will pick on new tricks with ease and gladly perform just to spend more time interacting with you. Like another famous herder the Border collie, the Sheltie is naturally reserved towards strangers.
However, with early socialization, your dog will learn to be more trusting of visitors and show how affectionate and clingy they can really be.
FAQs About Velcro Dog
What Is A Velcro Dog?
A Velcro dog is a dog that wants to be close to its owner at all times. Often described as being super clingy, Velcro dogs like to follow their owners’ every move and are always close by.
If your dog is following your every move and is always hot on your heels, he is probably a Velcro dog.
While Velcro dogs might seem very needy, they just have a strong urge to be close to their owner and feel more comfortable that way.
Furthermore, certain breeds are predisposed to become clingy since they were bred to work closely with people. Ultimately, all dogs that were bred for companionship, work, or hunting have the potential to become Velcro dogs.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Becoming A Velcro Dog?
Owning a Velcro dog is not a big problem for the most part. However, there might be times when you would like to maintain some distance and have privacy.
The right training techniques can help your dog to be more independent and curb their neediness.
Teaching your dog the stay command can be of great help if you want to go to the bathroom alone for a change.
Instead of letting your dog follow you, use the stay command to keep them at a distance. Start with short distances and gradually move further away until your dog learns how to stay put even when you are out of their sight.
Are Poodles Velcro Dogs?
The poodle is a very affectionate and faithful companion dog that forms strong bonds with its owners.
Poodles often show this affection by staying close to their owner or never leaving their side, so it’s safe to say they are Velcro dogs. However, while very affectionate, some poodles become very clingy as they get older.
It’s completely normal for older poodles to become more dependent on their owners, since they may experience hearing loss and vision problems.
If this is the case, don’t be annoyed by your dog’s clingy behavior. Instead, try to make them feel comfortable and reassure them that you are there by their side.
Why Does My Dog Never Leave My Side?
There are several reasons why your dog follows you everywhere and never leaves your side.
Working breeds were bred for centuries to be close by and work with people, so they are more likely to stay by your side. On the other hand, many dogs like to have company and prefer to be close to their people at all times.
What Does It Mean When A Dog Puts His Paw On You?
Your dog pawing at you is a sign that they want to communicate something and can be interpreted in several ways.
In most cases, dogs will paw at their owners as a way of showing love and affection. However, this act can also be a sign that your dog is feeling insecure and wants your attention.
Conclusion
Although Velcro dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes, they have one thing in common – they will follow your every move!
If you don’t mind having a canine shadow and don’t need privacy to go to the bathroom, a Velcro dog can be an ideal companion. Here are some extra clingy dog breeds:
In the end, while Velcro dogs may seem overly needy, there’s nothing wrong with owning a dog who wants to spend every second by your side.
Do you have a Velcro dog? If so, what breed of dog do you own?
Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.
Related Articles:
- 11 Of The Best Outdoor Dog Breeds
- 13 of the Calmest Large Dog Breeds
- 10 Best Large Breed Dogs for Families
- 10 Best Indoor Dog Breeds
- Top 10 Dogs Good With Children
- 11 Of The Best Extra Large Dog Breeds
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I have a 5 month old miniature schnoodle puppy. She takes Velcro dog to the extreme! Ever since I brought her home, she goes crazy if I leave her side, even if I’m ONLY five or ten feet away and she can see me the entire time! She whines , screams, and howls if I go to another room without her! She’s my ESA but she goes crazy if I’m not right there next to her! She’s gotten better but if I have to go outside and make her stay in the house, even if she can see me from the door, she runs through the house whining, screaming, and howling! I can’t let her in the back yard because of poison ivy and she’ll stay back from the door when I tell her to get back and stay. However, she runs through the house, from door to door, going insane, until I come back in! I even leave the door open, but the screen door secured, and talk to her but it doesn’t change her running around screaming like I’m torturing her! I’m hoping she gets better because it’s REALLY scary hearing her go on like that for long periods of time! The breeder gave me instructions to let her cry herself out but when I had to have a surgical procedure and she had to stay home, she was still screaming hours later, when I got home! It concerns me! I know part of it is that she wants to be in the middle of what I’m doing and part is separation anxiety but isn’t it a little excessive if she can see and hear me the entire time? As I said, she’s getting better about letting me go to the bathroom when she’s in her kennel to sleep. Doesn’t she need to learn that she has to stay by herself on occasion? Of course, when she’s running around and playing with her toys, she doesn’t seem to notice that I’m not with her or she doesn’t get upset about it, when she runs off on her own. She’s happy playing with her toys even if she goes to a different room. It’s the screaming and whining when I have to do something without her that is VERY upsetting! I know she doesn’t understand that it’s for her own safety. So I truly hope she grows out of it! I let her nap where she wants, even on my bed. But at night she has to go into her kennel to sleep. She moves around too much otherwise and doesn’t really get any rest. Her kennel is on my bed or on the floor at the foot of it, so she knows I’m still there with her. When I take her with me, she’s pretty content. She doesn’t fight to get away when another dog is around. She just looks at them. I’m glad because she’s going to be trained to be a service dog when she’s older. She’s content to focus on me and not on any other animal or person. It will make her training easier since I don’t have to prevent her from paying attention to other stimulus.
I have a 15-year-old Maltese and a 4 year old Yorkshire Terrier and I can tell you that it is because of you that your dog is clingy but don’t be worried because it’s a good thing the only reason they’re clingy is because they love you and if you treat them right they’ll respect you as well my older dog The Maltese his name is Benjamin he will nip every once in awhile but that’s because he’s in pain and I know he is because I’m old I’m 59 and I know what that feels like just have common sense and you’ll be fine and your dog will love you and never never scold them for trying to love you
My mixed breed (Chihuahua+ Rat Terrier) dog is the way you describe but I’m wondering what qualities would indicate that a “Velcro dog” is actually suffering a pathology such as the much less adorable sounding Separation Anxiety. When I leave for half a day for a Dr. appt or other non-dog environment, he acts like he’s going to have a stroke when I come back: jumping around panting and yipping in just paroxisims of what I interpret as relief that I’m back. Other people always comment on how he tracks me constantly and follows me around from room to room. It’s only slightly annoying when he’s “underfoot” and in peril of being squished. But I actually do worry because his other medical issue is collapsed trachea, which he’s had since birth, and when he gets worked up he starts snorking.
My 3 Griffon Bruxellois are definitely Velcro toy dogs but they’re the best and I knew breed temperament before taking own them. All from puppies are just so loyal and loving.
I got a young dog a couple months ago. She’s a Shepsky(Husky X Shepherd). She’s very smart, easy to train, and is near me 24/7. I’m a retired widow and live alone. She keeps me company and alerts me if a stranger is around! She sleeps with me at night and it gives me security.! She is clingy a lot of the time.
I rescued my dog “Hobo” from a situation that involved 30+ dogs being abandoned on a rural property. He was 5 months old and a cross of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier & Labrador Retriever.
We have been together for 9 years and he’s the definition of Velcro-Dog. He’s also the most gentle, loyal & trustworthy dog I have ever met. He’s my shadow and I have been so blessed to share my life with such an intelligent & sensitive canine.
My shorkie Bronco is a Velcro dog. He is a shih tzu yorkie mix. He loves to follow me around the house and loves belly rubs. Lol. He also loves to go bark at the neighbors dog. I think it’s cute that he follows me around the house.
I have a 3 yr old rescue Boxer named Gracie. Gracie has to be wherever my husband and I are sometimes up so close my legs go numb. She is loveable clown of a dog and makes us laugh every single day 🤣❤️
I have owned 4 Havenese dogs. They have been both sexes. All 4 were Velcro dogs.
My Maltese is a Velcro Dog. My only concern is that he can’t get a good nap or finish his food at meal time if I have to leave the room. Otherwise his devotion is comforting.
I have a G.S.P. and I have a G.S.P./ Dalmation..
Both are velcro dogs but my pure breed G.S.P. is the worst offender by far. They both get 1 to 2 hours of exercise, A day!
Free run and play with some ball throwing.. Then a walk home and there.. Dog park once a week..
My female, G.S.P. has to be touching always. Or wines it is almost unbearable, What do I do.???
Have puzzles and chews toys..
Suggestions??
I have a cocker spaniel and I can’t walk anywhere, even to take the trash out! She will start whining and be howling like I’ve left her for hours, and I wasn’t gone for a minute!
I’ve had mini dachshunds all my life, I lost my last BEST FRIEND at age 17, he had been blind his last 9 years due to PRA.
I’m 77 & would love another puppy or young mini dachshund but I’m told I’m too old.
Yes he was very CLINGY BUT I LOVED IT!!
I have a Yorkie that is under my feet or in my lap 24/7. He’s almost 5 yrs old, wants me to hold him all the time. He’s worse than a baby!!😂 So sweet & is a Mama’s boy for sure, but if Mama isn’t around then he sticks close to Daddy!❣️