If you’ve never heard of the term “velcro dog” before, then chances are you have never owned one! A velcro dog, is a pooch that is often described as never leaving his owner’s side. These are dogs who follow their masters everywhere they go, whether it’s on a hike or just to the washroom. We took the liberty of surveying a group of dog owners to see what they felt were the top 3 breeds of velcro dogs, and here they are!

1. Golden Retriever

Aptly named, there may be another reason why these big, lovable dogs are called retrievers – they love to retrieve their humans from whichever room they are occupying in the home! Golden retrievers can often be found working as guide dogs for the blind and deaf, so it’s no wonder that they are the most popular velcro dog breed. They are happiest around their masters and are born and bred to please. If you’re looking for a walking companion, then look no further! This breed is probably the one for you.

2. Australian Shepherd

Australian shepherds, otherwise known simply as Aussies, are some of the most versatile working dogs around. If there is one thing that this breed prefers, it’s to keep busy! Popular among search and rescue teams, Australian shepherds take finding their person very seriously, and their herding skills too come in handy when persuading their owners to take another lap around the block at walk time. Regardless of the task at hand however, you can bet that their loyalty to their human will never waver.

3. Chihuahua

While not a working breed like the retriever or the Aussie, the chihuahua is still considered to be a velcro-like dog. Though it was never bred to follow their human around, over hundreds of years and likely due to its size, the chihuahua has become an extremely popular choice amongst those who wish to never be without their pup. While they are lightweight and easily portable, it should be noted that they are also fiercely loyal to their owner, almost to a fault. Chihuahuas are known to defend their owners despite their small stature, and are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.