Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

11 Best Dog Breeds For People Who Want A Furry Shadow That Never Leaves Their Side

| March 12, 2025

Shutterstock

Some pets enjoy their independence, but others prefer to stay as close as possible to their favorite person. These affectionate companions follow their humans everywhere, even into the bathroom, never wanting to be left behind. Their loyalty comes from a deep bond, a need for companionship, and a desire to always feel connected. For those who don’t mind a little extra clinginess, these devoted pets make the perfect furry shadows, always ready to offer love, comfort, and constant company throughout the day.

Labrador Retriever

Shutterstock

Labrador Retrievers are famous for their affectionate and loyal nature. If you bring a Lab into your home, be prepared to have it follow you from the couch to the kitchen and everywhere in between. These friendly dogs love being part of the action and will always be close by, just in case you need a tail-wagging companion. Labs are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train—but don’t expect them to ever respect your personal space!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Shutterstock

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most affectionate and devoted companion dogs. These small pups were bred to be lap dogs, and they take that role very seriously. Whether you’re lounging on the couch, working at your desk, or brushing your teeth, your Cavalier will be right there, looking up at you with big, soulful eyes. They don’t just want to be near you—they want to be on you, snuggled up as close as possible at all times.

Golden Retriever

Shutterstock

Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle nature and deep bond with their humans. They have no concept of personal space and want to be where you are, no matter what. Whether you’re cooking dinner, watching TV, or taking a nap, your Golden will be right there, possibly with their head on your lap. Their affectionate personality and constant need for human interaction make them one of the best Velcro dog breeds.

Italian Greyhound

Shutterstock

Italian Greyhounds may look sleek and elegant, but they are also incredibly clingy. These small hounds adore their humans and prefer to be touching them at all times, whether that means curling up in a lap or draping themselves across a shoulder. If they’re not getting enough attention, they won’t hesitate to remind you with a gentle paw tap or a sad-eyed stare. Don’t be surprised if your Italian Greyhound insists on sleeping under the covers with you—they love staying as close as possible.

Australian Shepherd

Shutterstock

Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and bond strongly with their owners. These energetic dogs thrive on companionship and will follow you from room to room, always eager to be part of whatever you’re doing. If you’re not keeping them engaged, they might start herding you around the house just to stay busy. Their need for mental and physical stimulation means they’re happiest when they’re right by your side.

Dachshund

Shutterstock

Dachshunds may be small, but their love for their humans is huge. These long-bodied, short-legged pups develop deep attachments to their families and don’t like being left alone for even a moment. If you’re sitting down, they’ll be in your lap, and if you’re walking around, they’ll be right on your heels. They are known for their stubborn streak, so once they decide they want to be near you, there’s very little you can do to convince them otherwise.

Pug

Shutterstock

Pugs are equal parts affectionate and goofy, and they have no intention of ever letting you out of their sight. These charming little dogs were bred to be companions, and they take that role to heart. Whether you’re watching TV, cooking dinner, or heading to the bathroom, your Pug will be right behind you, snorting and wagging their curly tail. They crave human attention and will do whatever it takes to be included in your daily activities.

Border Collie

MidJourney

Border Collies are highly intelligent dogs that bond closely with their families. They are always watching, always thinking, and always ready to follow their humans wherever they go. If you’re up and moving, your Border Collie will be too, making sure they don’t miss a single moment of action. Their need for mental and physical engagement means they’re always ready for an adventure—or just a trip to the kitchen.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu Shutterstock

Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs, and they still take that job very seriously. These fluffy little lap dogs want nothing more than to be near their humans at all times. If you sit down, expect your Shih Tzu to hop right into your lap without hesitation. They are affectionate, loyal, and completely devoted to their families, making them the perfect choice for anyone who wants a dog that acts like a tiny, furry shadow.

Boxer

Shutterstock

Boxers may be strong and muscular, but deep down, they are just big, affectionate goofballs. These playful dogs form deep bonds with their families and will follow them everywhere, often leaning against them or trying to sit on their laps—despite their size. Boxers are known for their energetic and protective nature, meaning they will be not only your loyal companion but also your bodyguard. If you want a big, loving dog who never lets you out of their sight, a Boxer is a perfect choice.

Cocker Spaniel

Shutterstock

Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, people-oriented companions that thrive on being close to their humans. They follow their favorite person everywhere, always eager to snuggle or offer a wagging tail. These sweet-natured dogs don’t do well with long periods of separation and prefer constant companionship. If you’re looking for a loyal friend who will always be by your side, a Cocker Spaniel is a perfect choice.

The Joy Of A Constant Shadow

Shutterstock

If you love the idea of a dog that never leaves your side, these breeds are exactly what you need. They don’t just enjoy your company—they need it, trailing you from room to room, curling up beside you, and making sure you’re never alone. Some will climb into your lap, while others will lean against you like a furry bodyguard, but they all share one thing in common: they refuse to be far away. Personal space may be a mystery to them, but their unwavering loyalty makes up for it.

Looks like your ad blocker is on.

×

We rely on ads to keep creating quality content for you to enjoy for free.

Please support our site by disabling your ad blocker.

Continue without supporting us

Choose your Ad Blocker

  • Adblock Plus
  • Adblock
  • Adguard
  • Ad Remover
  • Brave
  • Ghostery
  • uBlock Origin
  • uBlock
  • UltraBlock
  • Other
  1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock Plus icon
  2. Click the large blue toggle for this website
  3. Click refresh
  1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock icon
  2. Under "Pause on this site" click "Always"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Adguard icon
  2. Click on the large green toggle for this website
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Ad Remover icon
  2. Click "Disable on This Website"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the orange lion icon
  2. Click the toggle on the top right, shifting from "Up" to "Down"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Ghostery icon
  2. Click the "Anti-Tracking" shield so it says "Off"
  3. Click the "Ad-Blocking" stop sign so it says "Off"
  4. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock Origin icon
  2. Click on the big, blue power button
  3. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock icon
  2. Click on the big, blue power button
  3. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the UltraBlock icon
  2. Check the "Disable UltraBlock" checkbox
  1. Please disable your Ad Blocker
  2. Disable any DNS blocking tools such as AdGuardDNS or NextDNS

If the prompt is still appearing, please disable any tools or services you are using that block internet ads (e.g. DNS Servers).