There are 221 different pedigree dog breeds to choose from, along with numerous crosses, so there’s a lot to think about before choosing the latest addition to your family. There’s even academic guidance to look to, with psychologist Stanley Coren’s book The Intelligence of Dogs classifying breeds based on instincts, obedience and adaptability. One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs are known for their tendency to turn into so-called “velcro dogs.” These are pets that tend to stick to their owners like glue, becoming anxious even if they are separated for a short time. In one way this can be a good thing – it makes you feel completely loved by your dog, who will be eager to please and very unlikely to run off or get lost. But it can also be exhausting if your dog is never content to curl up on his own for a few hours while you get on with other parts of your life. Of course not all puppies from a breed prone to this personality will turn out to be so useless, but it’s not worth anything that is likely to be more clingy. Well, here are the 10 puppy breeds that are prone to becoming “velcro dogs.”

1. Vizsla

The Vizsla is the dog for which the term “velcro dog” was coined. Hailing from Hungary, they’ll stick by their owner’s side through thick and thin – from walking and swimming, to curling up on the sofa for a night’s nap. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

2. Labrador Retriever

Any Labrador owner who has found their dog waiting patiently outside the bathroom will be able to tell you how much this breed loves its human. The downside to this is that the most popular dog in the world is also one of the most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

3. Border collies

Considering that the intelligent Border Collie has been bred to work incredibly closely with its owner to herd sheep, it’s perhaps not surprising that the relationship can be quite intense from the dog’s point of view. Time away from their owner can lead to this breed becoming destructive. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

4. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are almost certain to shadow you on even the shortest trip around the house. They love to cuddle and crave attention throughout their waking hours. Photo: Canva/Getty Images