Sometimes we just need to be loved. The assurance and affection of a companion animal by our side can give us the confidence we need to get through our day. More so than any other species of animal, dogs are equipped and eager to provide us with the unconditional love we seek in our relationships. All dogs are capable of showing affection, but some breeds are known for being more dedicated to their owners than others. Here we’ll discuss and go over 13 dog breeds that follow you around.
While some people may find this behavior clingy or obnoxious, many people look for loyal companions that will accompany them throughout their day, providing the support and camaraderie we look for in our closest friends. As such, these breeds tend to make excellent emotional support animals.
13 Different Dog Breeds That Follow You Around
Although having a dog follow you around may sound like an endearing and attractive prospect, keep in mind that these breeds are also known to suffer from separation anxiety.
1. Labrador Retriever
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 50-80 pounds
Coat: medium, dense
One of the most popular breeds in the United States, the Labrador Retriever was originally developed in England as a bird dog to assist on hunts by retrieving downed waterfowl.
As a hunting dog and retriever, this breed develops strong bonds with its owner. Excellent at following orders, the Labrador Retriever responds well to training and will go out of its way to please its owner.
One of the best family dogs on our list of dog breeds that follow you around, Labs are great with children and do well in large families.
2. German Shepherd
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Average Size: 50-90 pounds
Coat: medium
As the name implies, the German Shepherd was originally developed in Germany to oversee and protect livestock from predation by wolves and bears. Although first used to herd sheep, the breed is employed widely in a number of fields, including with the police, militaries, search and rescue missions, and as seeing eye dogs.
As with most working breeds, loyalty and an eagerness to please are desirable traits. No breed shows this dedication more than the German Shepherd, which has been known to sacrifice its own life for the safety and protection of its owner.
3. Golden Retriever
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 60-80 pounds
Coat: medium
Yet another retriever breed to make our list, the Golden Retriever was first developed and bred in Scotland as a bird dog used to retrieve downed waterfowl.
Like all retriever breeds, the Golden Retriever is known for its loyalty and deep trust in its owner. As eager to please as the Labrador Retriever, this dog will brave harsh and inhospitable terrain to track down and pick off wild game.
While no longer primarily used for hunting, the Golden Retriever nonetheless remains an incredibly loyal and faithful companion that sticks by its owner’s side.
4. Australian Shepherd
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 35-70 pounds
Coat: medium-long
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was not actually developed in Australia, but has its origins in the United States. While formally bred in the US, the breed was derived from Collies imported from Australia.
Known for its incredible athleticism and intelligence, the Australian Shepherd is a dedicated and capable working dog employed to herd and manage livestock.
With its physical stamina and keen intelligence, the breed can be a handful and does require rigorous activity and mental stimulation, and is perhaps one of the more physically active dog breeds that follow you around.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Average Size: 70-100 pounds
Coat: short
Known for their fierce aspect and intimidating appearance, the Doberman Pinscher was originally developed in the late 1800s by a German tax collector to provide protection while on the job.
The Doberman’s appearance belies its nature and original purpose as a guard dog. Combining intelligence, loyalty, and physical athleticism, this breed is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to protecting its owner.
As a guard dog, the Doberman Pinscher’s primary objective is to ensure its owner’s safety at all times, and it is therefore in its nature to stay close by your side. Due to its physical prowess, it is necessary to properly socialize and train Dobermans from a young age to accustom them to other people.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 14-20 pounds
Coat: long, dense
One of the smaller working dogs on our list, the Shetland Sheepdog was originally developed on the Shetland Islands of Scotland to herd livestock.
Resembling Lassie in miniature, the Shetland Sheepdog is also a collie-type breed, albeit one of the smallest. However, despite its small size, the breed is an effective herding dog capable of directing and managing livestock up to ten times its own size.
Incredibly intelligent, having ranked 6th out of 138 breeds tested for their trainability, the Shetland Sheepdog is known for being a loyal and dedicated companion. While small, this dog does require a good deal of exercise and mental stimulation.
7. Border Collie
Average Lifespan: 10-17 years
Average Size: 25-45 pounds
Coat: long
Another collie to make our list, the Border Collie was originally bred and developed in the United Kingdom, between Great Britain and Scotland.
As with the Shetland Sheepdog, this breed was used to herd sheep and manage livestock in harsh outdoor environments. Thanks to its thick and long coat, the Border Collie is well-suited for outdoor work and loves to play in the snow.
The Border Collie is also thought to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds and is known to perform well in dog sporting competitions. Due its athletic build and keen intellect, this dog will require a lot of hands on training and daily exercise.
8. French Bulldog
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Average Size: 15-30 pounds
Coat: short
A trendy and popular breed, the French Bulldog was originally developed in Paris, France, as a companion animal. Acquiring its flat face from its bulldog parentage, this dog also traces its roots to French ratting breeds.
The first dedicated companion animal on our list of dog breeds that follow you around, the French Bulldog’s main object is to shower its owner with affection and accompany them wherever they go.
Unfortunately, as a companion animal, the French Bulldog is known to suffer from separation anxiety. It is therefore best suited for those who work from home or have families with children capable of caring for this oftentimes needy breed.
9. Chihuahua
Average Lifespan: 12-20 years
Average Size: 4-10 years
Coat: short or long
Perhaps one of the most famous breeds to make our list, the iconic Chihuahua hails from Mexico where it was originally bred as a companion animal.
Interestingly enough, the Chihuahua possesses pre-columbian roots and shares genes with the ancient dogs kept by Native Americans. Known for having more bark than bite, this dog is fiercely dedicated to its owner and is happiest when in the company of its family.
Fortunately, the Chihuahua is an incredibly long-lived breed and is known to be healthy. While happy to follow its owner around, Chihuahuas are protective of their homes and do not mind being left back for short periods of time.
10. American Pit Bull Terrier
Stacy via Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 30-60 pounds
Coat: short, fine
Renowned for its incredible bite force, the American Pit Bull Terrier was originally bred in the United States, having been developed from several English bully-type breeds.
Unfortunately, this breed has historically been used in dog-fighting and to protect people and properties. Well-suited to the task, it possesses a toned body and solid frame, showing incredible stamina. Combined with its fearless determination, this breed is intensely protective of its home and owner.
As with the Doberman, the Pit Bull’s use as a guard dog makes it a fiercely loyal companion, often willing to take a bullet for its owner. Although it gets a bad rap, well-socialized Pit Bulls are known to make wonderful family pets.
11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Average Lifespan: 9-14 years
Average Size: 13-18 pounds
Coat: medium
A spaniel-type breed originally developed in England, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was used on hunts to assist with tracking down wild game. Although traditionally used as a working dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has more recently been bred for its companionable qualities and doey-eyed appearance.
It remains a loyal and dutiful breed that is eager to please and will stick by its owner’s side. Endearing and cute, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes a terrific addition to most families.
12. Maltese
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 4-12 pounds
Coat: medium-long, hypoallergenic
The Maltese is a toy, spitz-type breed originally developed in central Europe as a companion and emotional support animal. Although it is unclear where or when exactly the Maltese first appeared, there are references to dogs of a similar appearance and size in ancient Greek and Roman texts.
Known for being laid-back and calm, the Maltese is perhaps the least demanding of the dog breeds that follow you around, as it does not require rigorous physical exercise and can handle being left alone.
13. Pug
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
Average Size: 10-20 pounds
Coat: short
Famous for its flat face and stocky body, the Pug was originally developed in China as a companion animal and lap dog. It is perhaps one of the most well-known flat-faced breeds and is popular across the globe.
The breed is curious and inquisitive, and is happiest in the presence of its owner. Due to its small size and squashed features, the Pug cannot handle excessive physical exertion, although it should be exercised regularly to prevent obesity.
Despite being a relatively long-lived dog, the breed can suffer health and breathing issues related to its brachycephaly, which constricts its breathing pathways. Loving and benign, Pugs are wonderful family pets and great with children.