18 Clingy Dog Breeds That Want Constant Love

Written By Jill Taylor

If you’d like a companion that’ll never leave your side, following you everywhere – almost to the point of annoyance – then clingy dogs are what you need! We’ve compiled a list of 18 dogs that fit this profile perfectly, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Labrador Retrievers

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The Labrador retriever is an extremely friendly and sociable dog that doesn’t like being left alone. It requires a lot of attention and could get worryingly needy if you don’t give it as much affection as it needs. If you’re a busy person, there are things you could do to reduce its clinginess, but this is a difficult feat to achieve.

Golden Retrievers

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Golden retrievers are affectionate and gentle dogs that do excellently well when they’re with a group of people. These dogs are also great with children, and if they form a bond with you, leaving them alone for too long may cause them to develop separation anxiety.

Border Collies

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The border collie is known to form a strong bond with its owner, often following them around the house. It is also a highly intelligent and energetic dog, and this means that you’ll need to give yours a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep it happy.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

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These gentle-natured dogs are some of the most affectionate dogs you’ll come across. Not only will the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel stay close to you, but it’ll even cuddle up with you any chance it gets. It’s a dog that’s also prone to separation anxiety when left alone.

American Staffordshire Terriers

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The American Staffordshire terrier is an affectionate and clingy dog that Brittanica calls a “people-pleaser.” It’s a dog that can be especially playful when around children, and it needs constant attention and social interaction, either from you or other familiar faces, to remain happy.

Italian Greyhounds

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The Italian greyhound is another dog that’s sensitive about companionship. This sweet and gentle breed prefers to be with its human owners than to be left alone, will follow you everywhere you go and could develop anxiety when not given the constant attention it needs.

French Bulldogs

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If we had to define the French Bulldog in one word, loyalty would fit perfectly. Along with this valuable personality trait, they also have a heart full of affection. Although it’s not an active breed, the French bulldog doesn’t mind following you around the house if that means it gets to always be close to you.

Chihuahuas

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Chihuahuas are so loyal and clingy that their affection is typically reserved for only one person. They love being lap dogs, staying with you all the time! If they don’t get enough socialization with other humans or pets, they become worryingly anxious and needy of attention when not with you.

Pugs

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Pugs are very social and always want to be the center of attention in the room. The Mirror says they’ll even follow you into the toilet if they can! They are a friendly breed that can form strong attachments with one person or a small group, and they do very well with other pets and strangers too.

Bichons Frises

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The Bichon Frise is a dog that’s known to be gentle, affectionate, and playful when it has to be. It’s extremely dependent on human companionship for its physical and emotional needs. The Bichon Frise is also a dog that’ll engage in unwanted, destructive behavior when not given enough attention, so be careful of this.

Shih Tzus

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Shih Tzus were originally bred to resemble lions in Tibet. But their roles switched from watchdogs to companions when they went to China. This affectionate breed enjoys its place as a lap dog, and it won’t stop asking for attention until it gets a bit of physical contact from you any time it wants.

Boxers

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Taking an excerpt from the AKC, we learn that, “with their innate attachment to humans and their intelligence, Boxers can be wonderful service dogs.” This energetic breed is so loyal and fits so well into families that it has become a favorite choice for paramilitary service.

Cocker Spaniels

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Whether purely bred or mixed, cocker spaniels remain very loyal and affectionate to the people and animals they grow up with. These dogs always want to be around humans, enjoy activities with the family, and are best left with a lot of toys to prevent destructive behaviors when left alone.

Yorkshire Terriers

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The Yorkshire terrier is one of the few on our list who can be raised to be independent if needed. Despite this, it still has a natural disposition to be clingy, and constantly wants love and affection. They also typically form bonds with only one person and may bark excessively when left alone.

Dachshunds

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The Dachshund is another extremely loyal breed that loves to cuddle up with its humans. It dislikes being alone and becomes especially clingy after a long period of separation. Some Dachshunds could also become destructive if left alone for too long.

German Shepherds

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The clinginess of German shepherds is rooted in their need to protect their owners. As these dogs are bred to be guardians, they become anxious, thinking you’re in danger when you’re not in their sight. Because of this, they’ll follow you everywhere you go. This overprotectiveness can turn into violent aggression towards others when not socialized properly.

Havanese

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With a friendly disposition towards strangers and other animals, Yahoo also describes the Havanese as a clingy dog that’s incredibly loyal to its owners. Separation for a long time during the day can lead to anxiety and, eventually, unwanted destructive behavior from these needy, affectionate creatures.

Australian Shepherds

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The Australian shepherd is a very energetic dog that thrives when it’s constantly being engaged with something or someone. They’re prone to separation anxiety too! This is why they always try to be a part of everything they see you doing!

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