Which Dog Breeds Are the Clingiest? 6 Affectionate Breeds That Love Being By Your Side

But which breeds are most likely to be your four-legged shadow?

Our 2026 Webbox survey of 171 dog owners asked about their pets’ personalities and everyday behaviour. Among the breeds reported by our respondents, Cockapoos and Chihuahuas were described as the most affectionate. We also found that 85% of dogs interrupt their owners at least occasionally, whether that’s by bringing them toys, pawing at them or barking for attention.

Of course, being affectionate doesn’t automatically mean a dog is clingy, and every dog has their own personality. Breed, upbringing, routine and individual temperament can all influence how much time a dog wants to spend by your side.

So, which dogs are the biggest cuddle bugs? Here are six affectionate breeds known for forming close bonds with their people. 

1. Cockapoo

Cockapoos are a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, two breeds that are both known for being switched-on and eager to be part of the action. That combination often means a Cockapoo’s clinginess isn’t really about wanting cuddles so much as wanting to know what’s going on. 

You’ll often see this as “helping” behaviour, following you into the kitchen, getting involved when you’re pottering around the house, or nudging their way into whatever you’re doing. Giving them plenty to think about, through training, play or puzzle feeders, can take some of the edge off the constant shadowing.

Affection style: Playful and involved, often treating time with you as an activity in itself. 

Best suited for: Active owners or families who can provide plenty of interaction, play and mental stimulation. 

2. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas often bond especially closely with one particular person in the household, sometimes to the point of being a little standoffish with everyone else. It’s a trait that shows up a lot in the breed, and it’s part of why they stood out in our Webbox survey as one of the most affectionate dogs.

Their small size can play a part too. A Chihuahua is easy to carry or have close by, so it’s simple for owners to unintentionally reinforce that closeness. Left to their own devices, many will happily trot along at your heel or curl up wherever you are rather than settle somewhere else in the room.

Affection style: Fiercely loyal, often to one person in particular, and happiest with their favourite human in view. 

Best suited for: Owners looking for a small companion with plenty of personality who enjoys close interaction. Ideally with time to socialise them well with others.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Cavaliers were bred to be companion dogs first and foremost, rather than working alongside people at a distance. Rather than needing a task to feel settled, Cavaliers tend to be content simply being near their owner.

This often makes them one of the more relaxed breeds on this list. They’re just as happy curled up on the sofa beside you as they are joining in with a walk, and they don’t usually need constant activity to feel fulfilled, just your company.

Affection style: Gentle and cuddly, often happiest when relaxing alongside their owners. 

Best suited for: Families and owners looking for a sociable dog that enjoys being part of everyday home life, including quieter households.

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus were originally bred purely as companion dogs, rather than for any working role, and that shows in their temperament today. They tend to be less driven by exercise than many other affectionate breeds, and are often just as content with a quiet lap of your time as an active day out.

That doesn’t mean they’re low-energy in personality, though. Many Shih Tzus are quite happy to potter around after their owner or settle wherever the household activity is, simply enjoying being included rather than needing to be entertained.

Affection style: Calm and companionable, with a tendency to enjoy curling up close to their people. 

Best suited for: Owners looking for a smaller companion dog that can be happy enjoying life at home.

5. Labrador Retriever 

Labrador Retrievers were originally bred to work closely with a handler, retrieving game and, in their earliest form, helping fishermen in the water. That history of close teamwork is a big part of why Labs are so people-focused today, even in a pet home with no retrieving to do.

That instinct often shows up in everyday affection. A Lab greeting you with a toy in its mouth, or following you around with something to carry, isn’t really about the object itself, it’s a working trait finding a new outlet at home.

Affection style: Enthusiastic and interactive, often showing affection through play, walks and joining in with family activities. 

Best suited for: Active families and owners who can give them plenty of exercise, training and enrichment.

6. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers were specifically bred to be easy to train and keen to work closely with their handler. That focus on wanting to please people, rather than just retrieving ability, is part of what sets them apart from some other gundog breeds.

Day to day, this often comes across as a dog that’s genuinely tuned in to you, checking in, staying close during activities, or seeking a bit of reassurance through touch. It’s less about needing you and more about wanting to be included in whatever you’re doing.

Affection style: Warm, enthusiastic and highly social, often wanting to be involved in family life. 

Best suited for: Families and active owners who want a sociable dog and have plenty of time for exercise and interaction.

Why do some dogs follow their owners everywhere?

If your dog follows you from room to room, waits outside the bathroom or settles at your feet whenever you sit down, you might have what is sometimes called a “Velcro dog”. But following you everywhere isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong.

Dogs are social animals, and spending time with their owners can be rewarding in itself. Some dogs may also learn that staying close leads to attention, play, treats or other things they enjoy. For others, it’s simply part of their routine – if following you around has always been part of their day, they may see no reason to stop.

Breed can play a part, too. Some dogs have been bred to work closely alongside people, while companion breeds have historically been selected for their close relationship with humans. But breed is only one piece of the puzzle. Your dog’s individual personality, experiences, training and home environment can all influence how attached they become.

Sometimes, a dog may also follow you because they’re looking for something to do. If your dog is bored or doesn’t get enough physical or mental stimulation, sticking close to you may be one of the most interesting things happening in their day.

Is a clingy dog always affectionate?

Not necessarily. A dog that follows you around, wants to sit beside you or regularly asks for attention may simply be showing affection. But clinginess can sometimes be linked to anxiety, particularly if your dog struggles to cope when you’re not around.

The key is to look at how your dog behaves when they’re not getting your attention. A dog that happily settles while you’re busy, relaxes in another room or can spend some time independently is likely comfortable with being apart from you. If they become noticeably unsettled whenever they can’t be near you, it may be worth looking more closely at what’s causing the behaviour.

It’s also worth paying attention to changes in your dog’s usual behaviour. A dog that has always followed you around is very different from a dog that suddenly becomes unusually attached.

Wanting to be close to you isn’t a problem in itself – it’s whether your dog is comfortable without you that can tell you more.

When should you worry about clingy behaviour?

If your dog suddenly becomes much more attached than usual, it’s worth considering whether something has changed. A new routine, a change in the household, a stressful experience or another disruption to their usual day could all affect how your dog behaves.

Sometimes, a sudden change in behaviour can also have an underlying health or behavioural cause. If your dog becomes unusually clingy without an obvious reason, or you notice other changes in their behaviour, speaking to your vet can help rule out anything that needs attention.

It’s also worth considering whether your dog is getting enough exercise, interaction and mental stimulation. Dogs that don’t have enough to occupy them may naturally seek out their owners for something to do.

For many dogs, though, following you from room to room is simply part of their personality. If they’re relaxed, settled and comfortable spending time independently, having a four-legged shadow may just be their way of saying “I’d rather be with you.”

How can you enjoy your dog’s affection without encouraging demanding behaviour?

Having an affectionate dog can be one of the best parts of pet ownership, but it’s still important to help them feel comfortable doing their own thing. You don’t need to ignore your dog to encourage independence –  instead, make calm, independent behaviour rewarding too.

For example, if your dog settles quietly on their bed while you’re working or relaxing, reward them with praise, attention or one of their favourite treats. Giving them a mental stimulation toy can also help keep them occupied while you get on with everyday tasks. 

It’s also important to make sure your dog has plenty of appropriate outlets for their energy and curiosity. Regular walks, play and mental enrichment can help keep them occupied, so following you around isn’t their only source of stimulation.

The aim isn’t to make your dog less affectionate. It’s to help them feel just as comfortable settling down on their own as they are curling up beside you.

Frequently asked questions