Some dogs are more independent, while others thrive on constant companionship and never want to leave your side. For those who love having a loyal, loving, and sometimes even clingy companion, certain dog breeds are more inclined to form close, almost inseparable bonds with their owners. These breeds are known for their deep attachment and must be near their human family members as much as possible. Whether you’re looking for a dog that will follow you from room to room or one that will curl up beside you on the couch, these clingy breeds will ensure that you’re never alone.
16. Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is a lesser-known breed that is incredibly affectionate and devoted to its family. Known for their calm and gentle nature, Clumber Spaniels are happiest when they are close to their owners. They form strong bonds and are often content to follow their humans around the house, always staying close. Despite their large size, Clumber Spaniels are known for being couch potatoes, enjoying nothing more than lounging beside their favorite person. Their loyalty and attachment make them excellent companions for those who appreciate a low-energy and highly affectionate dog. Clumber Spaniels may be reserved with strangers, but they are deeply loving with their family, making them one of the clingiest breeds around.
15. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is a small to medium-sized breed known for its intelligence and devotion to its owners. These dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong attachments, often following their owners from room to room. American Eskimos are known for their lively and friendly personality, and they thrive on human interaction. They do not do well when left alone for long periods, as they crave companionship and can become anxious if separated from their family. Their fluffy white coat and expressive eyes make them particularly endearing, and their constant need to be near their owners makes them one of the clingiest breeds.
14. Havanese
Havanese dogs are small, affectionate companions known for their strong attachment to their owners. Often referred to as “Velcro dogs,” Havanese thrive on close human contact and are happiest when they are near their family members. They are highly social dogs that do not like to be left alone and will often follow their owners around the house to stay close. Havanese dogs are also known for their playful and friendly nature, making them excellent companions for singles and families. Their need for companionship and desire to be involved in family life make them one of the most clingy dog breeds.
13. Velcro Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be small in size, but they have a big personality and an even bigger attachment to their owners. Known for their fierce loyalty, Chihuahuas often form strong bonds with one person and will become their constant shadow. These tiny dogs are happiest when they are close to their favorite human and are known to follow them from room to room. Chihuahuas are also known for being protective and can become quite attached to their owners, sometimes to the point of being possessive. Their need for close companionship and their tendency to become very attached to one person make them one of the clingiest dog breeds.
12. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are small, cheerful dogs that thrive on human companionship and are known for their affectionate nature. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are happiest when involved in family life. Bichons are often described as “people-oriented” dogs and do not like being left alone. They are known to follow their owners around the house, always wanting to be close. Their friendly and sociable nature makes them great companions for those who enjoy having a dog that is always by their side. Bichon Frises are also relatively easy to train and adapt well to different living situations, making them a great choice for those looking for a clingy and loving companion.
11. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a medium-sized breed known for its athleticism and deep attachment to its owners. Often referred to as “Velcro dogs,” Vizslas form strong bonds with their families and are happiest when they are close to their humans. These dogs are incredibly loyal and thrive on companionship, often following their owners from room to room. Vizslas are also highly intelligent and require regular exercise and mental stimulation, making them a great choice for active individuals or families. Their affectionate nature and need for close contact make them one of the clingiest dog breeds, and they are known to be very protective of their family members.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, affectionate dogs known for their strong desire to be close to their owners. These dogs are incredibly loving and thrive on human companionship, often following their owners around the house to stay close. Cavaliers are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors. They are also highly adaptable and do well in both apartments and houses. Their affectionate nature and need for close contact make them one of the clingiest dog breeds, and they are known to form deep bonds with their owners, providing comfort and companionship.
9. Great Dane
Despite their massive size, Great Danes are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them one of the clingiest dog breeds. Often referred to as “gentle giants,” Great Danes form strong bonds with their owners and are happiest when they are close to their family members. These dogs are known to follow their owners from room to room, always wanting to be involved in whatever their humans are doing. Great Danes are also known for their protective nature and can be loyal to their families. Their size may be intimidating, but their need for close contact and loving personality make them one of the most devoted and clingy dog breeds.
8. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are known for their intelligence and strong attachment to their owners. These dogs are incredibly loyal and thrive on human companionship, often forming deep bonds with their families. Shelties are known to follow their owners from room to room, always wanting to be close. They are also highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility, making them a great choice for those who enjoy engaging in activities with their dog. Shelties are known for their affectionate nature and must be involved in all aspects of family life, making them one of the clingiest dog breeds.
7. Maltese
Maltese dogs are small, affectionate companions known for their strong attachment to their owners. These dogs are incredibly loyal and thrive on close contact, often following their owners around the house to stay close. Maltese dogs are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them great companions for singles, families, and seniors. They are also highly adaptable and do well in both apartments and houses. Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming, but many owners find this a rewarding bonding activity. Maltese dogs are known for their need for close companionship and their affectionate nature, making them one of the most clingy dog breeds.
6. Border Collie
Border Collies are known for their intelligence and strong work ethic, but they are also incredibly loyal and affectionate dogs that form deep bonds with their owners. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are known to follow their owners from room to room, always wanting to be involved in whatever their humans are doing. Border Collies are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility, making them a great choice for those who enjoy engaging in activities with their dog. Their need for close contact and loving personality make them one of the clingiest dog breeds.
5. Dachshund
Dachshunds are small, lively dogs known for their strong attachment to their owners. These dogs are incredibly loyal and form deep bonds with their families, often following their owners from room to room to stay close. Dachshunds are known for their playful and affectionate nature, making them great companions for singles, families, and seniors. They are also highly adaptable and do well in both apartments and houses. Their short legs and long bodies make them unique in appearance, but their personality is what truly makes them stand out as one of the most clingy dog breeds.
4. Papillon
Papillons are small, intelligent dogs known for their lively and affectionate nature. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are happiest when they are close to their humans. Papillons are known to follow their owners from room to room, always wanting to be involved in whatever their humans are doing. They are also highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility, making them a great choice for those who enjoy engaging in activities with their dog. Papillons are known for their friendly and social nature, making them great companions for those who enjoy having a dog that is always by their side.
3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for their strong attachment to their owners and need for close contact. These dogs are incredibly loyal and form deep bonds with their families, often following their owners from room to room to stay close. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for their affectionate and loving nature, making them great companions for singles, families, and seniors. They are also highly adaptable and do well in both apartments and houses. Their short coat is easy to care for, requiring only minimal grooming. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for their need for close companionship and protective nature, making them one of the most clingy dog breeds.
2. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic dogs known for their strong attachment to their owners. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are known to follow their owners from room to room, always wanting to be involved in whatever their humans are doing. Australian Shepherds are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility, making them a great choice for those who enjoy engaging in activities with their dogs. Their affectionate nature and need for close contact make them one of the clingiest dog breeds, and they are known to form deep bonds with their families.
1. Pug
Pugs are small, affectionate dogs known for their strong attachment to their owners. These dogs are incredibly loyal and thrive on close contact, often following their owners around the house to stay close. Pugs are known for their friendly and playful nature, making them great companions for singles, families, and seniors. They are also highly adaptable and do well in both apartments and houses. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them easy to care for. Pugs are known for their need for close companionship and loving personality, making them the clingiest dog breed that will never leave your side.
Embracing the Clingy Companionship
Choosing a clingy dog breed can bring immense joy and companionship to your life. These breeds, from the devoted Pug to the protective Staffordshire Bull Terrier, each offer unique qualities that make them perfect for those seeking a constant companion. Whether you’re looking for a dog that’s energetic and playful or calm and affectionate, there’s a clingy breed on this list that’s perfect for your lifestyle.