Lisa O
Some dogs are independent and happy to entertain themselves for hours. Others? Not so much. If you’re looking for a pup that will stick to you like glue, the breeds mentioned in this article are notorious for their neediness. From following you to the bathroom to whining when you leave, these 15 dogs love their humans a little too much.
Labrador Retriever – The Social Butterfly
Labradors don’t just like being around people—they need it. Originally bred as hunting mates, they are used to working closely with humans. Labs will follow you from room to room and may even try to climb into your lap despite their size! If left alone for too long, they can become destructive out of boredom. A lonely Lab might chew your furniture, dig up your yard, or even try to escape to find you!
Golden Retriever – The Heartfelt Hugger
Goldens are not affectionate—they practically beam love. This breed bonds deeply with their families and thrives on interaction (lots and lots of interaction). They’re the type to greet you with a wagging tail, no matter if you’ve been gone for five minutes or hours. A sad Golden will refuse to eat anything or sleep by the door, waiting for their person to come home.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – The Cuddle Champion
If you want a pup that loves to snuggle, look no further. Cavaliers were bred particularly as lap dogs, and they take that job pretty seriously. They’ll curl up right next to you on the couch, in your own bed, or even on your lap while you work. If they feel lonely, they will bark a lot or develop some anxious habits like licking their paws.
Border Collie – The Workaholic Shadow
Border Collies are one of the smartest breeds, but that intelligence comes with a downside—they get bored pretty fast. If they’re not herding sheep or solving puzzles, they’ll try herding you! A Border Collie will stick to you like glue, watching your every move. If they don’t get enough mental stimulation, they can turn to destructive behavior like chewing, excessive barking, or even trying to rearrange your furniture!
German Shepherd – The Protective Guardian
German Shepherds are the most devoted breeds out there, but it also means they can struggle with separation. Many German Shepherds develop separation anxiety if left alone too often, leading to pacing, whining, or even attempts to “rescue” their owners by scratching at doors. They prefer having a job to do, so leaving them without one can make them restless.
Australian Shepherd – The Energetic Sidekick
Originally bred for herding livestock, Australian Shepherds form strong attachments to their humans. If you move, these pups also move. If you sit, they sit—right next to you, preferably with a paw on your leg. A lonely Aussie will become hyperactive and will start chewing on your favorite furniture or running in circles out of frustration.
Italian Greyhound – The Delicate Lap Dog
Italian Greyhounds may look elegant, but they are total Velcro dogs. They thrive on physical closeness and will do things like getting under blankets to be near their humans. If left alone too long, they can become anxious and start shaking—a common trait in small, sensitive dogs. They’re also notorious for being difficult to house-train, especially when stressed.
Pug – The Comedic Clinger
Pugs love their human parents with every ounce of their squishy little faces. They are super famous for their goofy personalities, and they need your attention every time they see you. A pug will follow you from room to room, make dramatic sighs (you can literally hear those), or give you those sad eyes if they feel lonely. Some will even bark a lot or whimper just to get your attention.
Vizsla – The True Velcro Dog
Nicknamed the Velcro dog for a reason, Vizslas are one of the most clingy breeds in existence. They stick close to their owners at all times and were originally bred for hunting. They don’t just follow you around the house—they practically lean against you whenever possible. If left alone too often, a Vizsla can develop destructive habits like chewing or excessive digging. They’re happiest when they have a job and a human to love.
Chihuahua – The Pocket-Sized Shadow
Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas have enormous personalities—and they want all of your attention. Many Chihuahuas form strong bonds with one specific person, refusing to let them out of their sight. If they feel ignored, they might bark excessively or act jealous. Some will even burrow into your clothes or hide in your lap just to stay close. Don’t be surprised if your Chihuahua insists on being carried everywhere!
Cocker Spaniel – The Sensitive Soul
Cocker Spaniels are incredibly affectionate but also deeply sensitive. If they feel neglected, they can become very anxious or even moody. Some may cry at the door when you leave, so remember that before getting one. Because they’re so emotionally in tune with their owners, they thrive best in homes where someone is always around to give them love and reassurance.
Dachshund – The Little Burrower
Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, but now they mostly hunt for cuddles. If you leave these pups alone for too long, they can become stubborn and very destructive (like chewing on furniture or digging at your expensive carpets). Some Dachshunds even become too attached to one person, refusing to let them out of their sight. They may be tiny, but their devotion is huge.
French Bulldog – The Lovable Clown
French Bulldogs may be small, but their need for friendship is massive. These little comedians love attention and can become very clingy. They don’t handle being left alone well and may resort to howling or whining. Because they struggle with separation anxiety, they do best in homes where someone is around most of the time. If you want a dog that will always be by your side, a Frenchie is a great choice.
Toy Poodle – The Brainy Shadow
Toy Poodles are deeply emotional and strong. They form strong attachments to their families and hate being alone. Many will follow their owners everywhere, watching their every move. If you neglect them, they can become anxious or even depressed. Some Toy Poodles will carry around an item that smells like their owner to comfort themselves when left alone.
Shih Tzu – The Royal Companion
Bred to be lap dogs for the Chinese royal family, Shih Tzus love nothing more than lounging with their favorite human. Leave them alone too long, and you’ll see how they sulk or refuse to eat. Some Shih Tzus develop attachment issues, following their owners from room to room like a fluffy little shadow. They’re happiest when they’re getting belly rubs and constant attention.
