Velcro and Non-velcro Dogs: These are the 10 least and most clingy breeds of adorable dog - from independent Akita to loving Labrador 🐶
David Hepburn
·4-min read
Some dogs will do pretty much anything it takes to stay by your side at all times. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent – and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Starting with the dogs that will stick to you like glue, the Vizsla is the pooch that the term 'velcro dog' was invented for. Originally from Hungary, they will stick to their owner's side through thick and thin - from walking and swimming, to curling up on the couch for an evening nap. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
One thing to consider is that some dogs are far more reliant on their human owners than others, so if you want a pup that will shadow your every step then there are certain breeds that should top your list.
On the other hand, if you want a dog that will be more independent and not really mind when you pop out for a few hours, there are some great options for more self-sufficient pets.
Here are the 10 most and least independent breeds of dog.
Any Labrador owner who has found their dog waiting patiently for them outside the bathroom will be able to tell you how much this breed loves their human. The negative part of this is that the world's most popular dog is also one of the most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
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Considering that the intelligent Border Collie has been bred to work incredibly closely with their owner to herd sheep, it's perhaps no surprised that the relationship can be pretty intense from the dog's point of view. Time apart from their owner can lead to this breed becoming destructive. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
French Bulldogs are pretty much certain to shadow you on even the shortest journey around the house. They love to cuddle up and crave attention throughout their waking hours. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Moving to the breeds of dog that have truly independent spirits. The Akita was used for hunting and protection in its native Japan and is known to be equally happy at its owner's side or wandering around alone. Frankly, this is a dog that doesn't think it even needs an owner. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
For those looking for the perfect lap dog, a pup that's clingy can be a welcome attribute - and the Maltese is a case in point. This is a dog that will only leave their owner's lap if they really, really have to. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
The Afghan Hound is beautiful and it knows it - with an aloof attitude that suggests it is merely putting up with its human. Afghans like to have their own space to chill by themselves. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Capable of pulling a sledge over the Arctic tundra for hours without resting, the Alaskan Malamute is not the sort of dog that naturally enjoys cuddles. A firm mutual respect is what owners should aim for, realising that this is a breed that needs its own space. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Famously the only dog that doesn't bark (it makes an odd yodelling noise instead), the Basenji is a hunting dog from Africa that could never be confused with a lap dog. These dogs see themselves as their owner's equal, with commands seen as recommendations to be considered.
One of the most popular breeds of small dog, the Jack Russell is a lively and fun pet. They have a real independent streak though, which often manifests in them refusing to respond to comands - preferring to do what they like. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Standard pet ID tools, like tags and chips, are imperfect. The challenge inspired Jesse Joonho Lim and Ken Daehyun Pak to launch an app, Petnow, that they claim can identify cats and dogs by scanning their faces. Pak -- who, like Lim, has a doctorate in electrical engineering -- had been working as an AI video processing researcher for over a decade before joining Petnow.
A missing two-year-old girl who got lost in the woods near her home was found asleep on one of her two family dogs like a furry pillow - while the other "kept her safe". "She laid down and used one of the dogs as a pillow, and the other dog laid right next to her and kept her safe," lieutenant Mark Giannunzio said.
An animal shelter has been inundated with requests to rehome XL Bully dogs, with some owners saying they’ll put their pets down if they can’t get help.
If you one of the growing number of people looking to add a puppy to your family, here are the breeds that would be great if you’re looking for a running companion – and those that enjoy a slower pace of life.
A Sutton woman who "fell in love" with a street dog while on holiday in Turkey has launched a fundraising page in hopes to “rescue and rehome” the stray Labrador.
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