Dogs bring endless joy to our lives, but some breeds need way more of our time than others. These attention-seeking pups can’t stand being alone and will do almost anything to stay by your side.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it’s super important to know which breeds might follow you even to the bathroom! Here’s our rundown of the most clingy canine companions who just can’t get enough of their humans.
1. Border Collies: The Workaholics Who Never Clock Out
Border Collies were bred to work all day herding sheep, and that tireless energy doesn’t disappear in a home setting. Without a job to do, these brainy pups will invent their own tasks – often destructive ones!
Their intelligence demands mental stimulation through puzzles, training, and interactive play. Border Collies can develop anxiety and behavioral issues if left alone for long periods, making them perfect for active families who are home frequently.
2. German Shepherds: Velcro Dogs With A Badge
Loyal to a fault, German Shepherds form intense bonds with their owners that border on obsession. These protective pups want to be wherever you are, monitoring your activities with those soulful brown eyes.
Originally bred as working dogs, they crave purpose and direction. A bored German Shepherd can become destructive or develop separation anxiety. Their devotion makes them incredible companions, but prepare for a shadow that follows your every move!
3. Vizslas: The Hungarian Shadows
Known as “velcro dogs” in the canine world, Vizslas take attachment to an art form. These elegant Hungarian pointers were bred to work closely with hunters and never developed the independent streak found in other sporting breeds.
Vizslas truly suffer when left alone, often experiencing severe separation anxiety. They’ll curl up in your lap despite their medium size and follow you from room to room. Their need for physical contact is so strong, many owners joke about never using the bathroom alone again!
4. Australian Shepherds: The Energizer Bunnies Of The Dog World
Australian Shepherds pack boundless energy into their beautiful, multi-colored coats. These herding dynamos were built for all-day work and become frustrated without adequate physical and mental challenges.
Aussies bond deeply with their families and can develop destructive behaviors when bored or ignored. Their intelligence means they’ll find ways to get your attention—whether you like it or not! Many Aussie owners find themselves exhausted trying to keep up with these perpetual motion machines.
5. Bichon Frise: Fluffy Little Attention Magnets
Don’t let their adorable cotton-ball appearance fool you—Bichons were bred specifically to be companion animals and take that job very seriously! These charming little dogs were historical favorites of nobility because of their devoted, people-pleasing nature.
Bichons thrive on human interaction and can become depressed without it. Their cheerful demeanor masks a sensitive soul that craves validation and attention. Many Bichon owners report their pups following them from room to room, unable to let their humans out of sight.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Royally Dependent Companions
These gentle aristocrats were literally bred to warm laps in royal courts, and centuries later, they haven’t forgotten their purpose. Cavaliers exist to love their humans with an intensity that’s almost overwhelming.
Their soft, pleading eyes seem to be constantly asking for affection. Cavaliers suffer tremendously when left alone, often howling or developing destructive habits. Their neediness isn’t just emotional—they physically crave the warmth of their person’s lap or bed, making them champion cuddlers.
7. Poodles: The Brilliant Prima Donnas
Poodles combine off-the-charts intelligence with a dramatic flair for attention-seeking. These sophisticated canines form intense bonds with their owners and demand to be included in family activities.
Standard, Miniature, or Toy—all Poodle varieties share the same need for mental stimulation and human interaction. Their problem-solving abilities mean they’ll find creative ways to get your attention if ignored. Poodles can become anxious or depressed without adequate engagement, often expressing their displeasure through mournful howling.
8. Labrador Retrievers: The Perpetual People-Pleasers
America’s favorite breed earned that status through their legendary friendliness, but that sociable nature comes with a price—Labs hate being alone! These food-motivated retrievers will shadow you constantly, hoping for treats or play.
Labs were bred to work alongside hunters all day, retrieving game and staying close. This working heritage means they’re happiest when given jobs and human interaction. A bored Lab is a destructive Lab, known for chewing furniture or digging up yards when their social needs aren’t met.
9. Shih Tzus: The Imperial Attention Demanders
Once the treasured companions of Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus haven’t forgotten their imperial heritage. These little lions expect to be treated like the royalty they once served, demanding attention with an almost comical persistence.
Bred exclusively as companion animals, they have zero tolerance for solitude. Their big, expressive eyes seem to follow your every move, silently begging for interaction. Shih Tzus are known for their dramatic reactions to being ignored—from pitiful whimpers to full theatrical productions!
10. Italian Greyhounds: The Trembling Velvet Shadows
Despite their elegant appearance, Italian Greyhounds are surprisingly clingy companions who shiver at the mere thought of being left alone. These delicate speedsters form intense bonds with their humans and suffer genuine distress when separated.
Their thin skin and minimal body fat means they’re constantly seeking warmth—preferably yours! Italian Greyhounds are notorious for burrowing under blankets and demanding body contact. Many owners find themselves purchasing special heating pads and endless sweaters for these sensitive souls.
11. Brussels Griffons: The Bearded Busybodies
With their expressive, almost human-like faces, Brussels Griffons have perfected the art of guilt-tripping their owners into providing constant attention. These compact companions have oversized personalities packed into small frames.
Griffons form intense attachments to their chosen person and can become jealous of other pets or family members. Their inquisitive nature means they must be involved in everything you do. From cooking dinner to taking showers, expect your Griffon to be monitoring your activities with their signature furrowed brow.
12. Cocker Spaniels: The Sensitive Souls
Those soulful eyes aren’t just for show—Cocker Spaniels use them masterfully to manipulate their humans into providing endless affection. These sweet-natured dogs were bred as hunting companions who worked closely with their handlers all day.
Cockers form deep emotional bonds and can develop severe anxiety when left alone. Their sensitive temperaments mean they’re easily affected by household tensions or changes in routine. Many Cocker owners report their dogs showing almost human-like emotional responses, including jealousy when attention is diverted elsewhere.
13. French Bulldogs: The Snorting Velcro Companions
Frenchies have skyrocketed in popularity partly because of their comical personalities, but new owners are often surprised by their extreme neediness. These bat-eared clowns were bred specifically to be companions and take that role very seriously!
French Bulldogs physically cannot bear being separated from their humans. Their flat faces mean they struggle to regulate body temperature, so they seek human contact for comfort and warmth. Expect your Frenchie to follow you everywhere, including trying to squeeze into the bathroom while you shower!
14. Miniature Schnauzers: The Bearded Watchdogs Who Never Rest
Behind those distinguished whiskers lies a dog with an intense need to be involved in every aspect of your life. Miniature Schnauzers were bred as ratters and watchdogs, combining working drive with companion loyalty.
Their alert nature means they’re constantly monitoring your activities, barking announcements about everything from mail deliveries to your bathroom visits. Schnauzers bond deeply with their families and can become destructively anxious when left alone. Their intelligence demands mental stimulation through games and training.
15. Great Danes: The Gentle Giants Who Think They’re Lapdogs
Ironically, one of the world’s largest dog breeds is also among the neediest! Great Danes may look imposing, but they’re notorious for their separation anxiety and desire for physical contact.
These massive dogs were bred to be estate guardians who lived closely with their families. Modern Danes retain this desire for constant companionship, often attempting to squeeze their enormous bodies onto couches or beds. Their size makes their neediness particularly challenging – imagine a 150-pound dog insisting on sitting in your lap during Zoom meetings!