15 Loving Dog Breeds That Stay Way Too Close

Bichon Frise is a cloud of love on four legs. These little charmers are known for their cheerful personalities and intense desire to be with their humans at all times. Whether it’s following you to the bathroom or curling up on your lap during a Zoom meeting, Bichons thrive on closeness. They’re gentle, playful, and often act like your second shadow with extra fluff. If you want a small dog with a big heart—and zero interest in alone time—this one’s for you.

Maltese

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Maltese dogs have two settings: lovingly watching you and actively touching you. These elegant lap dogs were bred for companionship and refuse to accept distance from their favorite humans. They’ll perch on your shoulder, nap in your lap, and follow you like it’s their full-time job. Maltese pups are gentle, affectionate, and completely convinced that being apart from you for more than 30 seconds is a tragedy. Expect kisses, cuddles, and constant company.

Havanese

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Havanese are born snugglers. These affectionate little dogs bond deeply with their humans and love being involved in every part of your day. They’ll cuddle while you watch TV, nap at your feet while you work, and peek into the shower just to make sure you haven’t been swallowed by the curtain. They’re playful, gentle, and velcro-level loyal. With a Havanese, your lap will always be full and your heart even fuller.

English Bulldog

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Don’t be fooled by their sleepy, slow-moving exterior—English Bulldogs are deeply devoted companions. They love lounging beside you, snoring softly, and occasionally sliding their whole body into your space like a sleepy bowling ball. Bulldogs aren’t clingy in an energetic way, but their idea of love is being permanently attached to your side. They’ll follow you from room to room, then fall asleep on your feet with no apologies.

Miniature Schnauzer

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Miniature Schnauzers are alert, loyal, and famously people-oriented. These bearded bundles of joy like to be involved in everything you do—from morning coffee to folding laundry. They form tight bonds with their humans and always want to be nearby, ideally making eye contact. Schnauzers are clingy in a helpful way, like having a very hairy assistant who insists on being underfoot for moral support.

English Cocker Spaniel

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English Cockers are affectionate, sensitive, and prone to giving you long, soulful stares from extremely close range. They don’t just want love—they need it, often in the form of belly rubs and shared couch space. These gentle dogs will climb onto your lap without hesitation and follow you from room to room like a polite (but persistent) tagalong. If you want a cuddler with big eyes and bigger feelings, this is your pup.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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Staffies are famously loving, especially with their family. These muscular cuddle machines are gentle, affectionate, and prone to climbing into your lap like it’s their birthright. They form deep bonds and crave closeness, often resting their heads on you with a sigh that says, “You’re mine forever.” Their loyalty runs deep, and so does their commitment to being physically attached at all times.

Belgian Malinois

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While high-energy and driven, Belgian Malinois are intensely loyal and form deep emotional bonds with their handlers. They don’t just want to be near you—they want to work with you, watch you, and protect you. This devotion often translates to shadow-like behavior, especially in the home. Expect a Velcro dog that’s always alert, always watching, and very much always right behind you.

Alaskan Malamute

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Alaskan Malamutes may look tough and independent, but don’t let the sled-dog looks fool you—they’re deeply affectionate. These fluffy giants love family time and are rarely more than a few feet away from their favorite humans. They lean, cuddle, and share space with enthusiasm, even if they don’t always realize how large they are. Malamutes love their people and prefer togetherness, even if that means lying on their entire leg.

Beagle

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Beagles are sociable, people-loving pups who hate being left out of anything. They’re incredibly affectionate and are happiest when they’re close, preferably touching you. Beagles will curl up in your lap, sit at your feet, or sneak under the covers like a furry submarine. Their love is loud, loyal, and includes the occasional insistence on joining your Zoom calls with zero boundaries.

American Eskimo Dog

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American Eskimos are smart, fluffy, and extremely attached to their people. They’re not the type to disappear into the background—they like to stay close, both emotionally and physically. Eskies thrive on companionship and will follow you from room to room just to be involved. They’re alert, cuddly, and have mastered the art of being charmingly clingy.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Yorkies may be small, but their need for love is massive. These tiny dynamos are loyal, affectionate, and often glued to their human like a four-legged accessory. They’ll nap in your lap, sneak into your bed, and absolutely insert themselves into any conversation you try to have. Yorkies are sassy, sweet, and believe personal space is optional when it comes to love.

Collie

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Collies, especially the rough-coated variety, are gentle, affectionate, and incredibly loyal. They tend to form strong bonds and follow their family members around with quiet devotion. Collies love to be included in every moment and are quick to nuzzle your hand if you dare stop petting them. Whether you’re cooking, walking, or watching TV, your Collie will be nearby, soaking up the togetherness like it’s their favorite hobby.

Papillon

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Papillons may look dainty, but they’re full of bold affection. These little dogs are known for their intelligence and social nature. They love being close to their people and often insist on being carried or nestled in your arms. Their expressive faces and perky ears make them expert manipulators of the “please cuddle me” look. Don’t expect to go anywhere alone—Papillons are portable love bugs.

Samoyed

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Samoyeds are fluffy white clouds with hearts to match. They adore people, thrive on affection, and are often happiest when they’re physically touching their humans. Expect them to lean on you, snuggle you, and possibly smother you with their wooly coat. Samoyeds are playful and loving, and they don’t just want attention—they need it. With their smiling faces and fluffy hugs, they’ll stick to you like static cling (but way cuter).

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These dogs don’t just love deeply—they love right up in your space, whether that’s on your lap, your feet, or your keyboard. Big or small, their mission is simple: be with you, always. Meals, naps, and bathroom breaks become shared experiences. Privacy? What’s that? But really, who needs personal space when it’s replaced with unconditional love, endless snuggles, and a furry friend who thinks you’re the center of the universe? With these clingy canines, every moment is a cozy, tail-wagging love fest.