If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) to lovable mongrels.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Different breeds of dog also tend to have different personalities, with some falling into the group lovingly called ‘velcro dogs’.
These are the pets that just love their owners so much they want to be as close to them as they can, 24 hours a day, and live for close contact and cuddles.
They will be less than understanding of any social life that you may have, instead being keen for another night on the couch, so if you are looking for a pub you can leave alone regularly then you should maybe look elsewhere.
Here are 21 of the stickiest velcro dogs.
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1. Vizsla
It's thought that the term 'velcro dog' was originally coined for the silky-coated Hungarian Vizsla. Thase charmers just love to be in close contact with their pet parents, whether it's on the couch or on outdoor adventures, where you can be sure they'll be right by your side at all times. | AFP via Getty Images
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2. Labrador Retriever
The UK's most popular dog for umpteen years (although it has lately received some competition from the French Bulldog), the Labrador Retriever will rarely leave their owner's side unless forced to. On walks it's unusual for these lovable creatures to stray far enough to lose sight of their humans. | AFP via Getty Images
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3. Golden Retriever
What is true of the Labrador Retriever also tends to be true of close cousins the Golden Retriever - and that's the case with their general stickiness. They will tend to be very interested in everything you are doing, and keep a close eye on how you are doing it. | Getty Images
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4. Yorkshire Terrier
If you are getting a Yorkshire Terrier prepare to never go to the toilet alone ever again - they simply won't let you do anything by yourself. After all, if they did, something bad might happen. These dogs used to be used to catch rats, but now the only thing most of them hunt are cuddles and affection. | Getty Images