A huge number of us decided to add dogs to our families over the last few years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership has soared to record levels.
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.
One thing to take into consideration is that some dogs are well-known for their propensity to turn into so-called ‘velcro dogs’.
These are pets that tend to stick to their owners like glue, becoming anxious even if separated for a short period of time.
In one way this can be good – making you feel utterly loved by your pooch, who will be eager to please and would be highly unlikely to ever run away or get lost.
But it can also be exhausting if your dog is never content to curl up by itself for a few hours while you get on with other parts of your life.
Of course not all pups from a breed that are prone to this personality trait will turn out to be so needy, but it’s worth nothing that they are ones likely to be most clingy.
So, here are the 11 breeds of pup prone to becoming sticky ‘velcro dogs’.
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5. Maltese
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

6. Vizsla
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

7. Golden Retriever
What's true for the Labrador Retriever is usually also the case for its close cousin the Golden Retriever - including this dog's need for constant company and affection from its human family. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

8. Australian Shepherd
The loyal Australian Shepherd was developed in the United States from European herding dogs and became popular cowboys. As family pets they consider their humans to be part of their pack and like to keep them as close as possible at all times. Photo: Canva/Getty Images