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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9. French Bulldog
Every step you take, every move you make, your Frenchie will be watching you. The UK's second most popular pet is unlikely to leave you alone for a second. | AFP via Getty Images
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10. Bichon Frise
Cheerful, affectionate, and playful, Bichons thrive on being near their families. They love constant attention and quickly grow attached. These fluffy companions prefer shadowing their people over spending any time alone. | AFP via Getty Images
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11. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate lapdogs that were bred for companionship. These sticky wee characters bond strongly with their people, and want to be as close to them as physically possible. Whether cuddling up on the couch or following you around as you do the housework, they are pretty much made of glue. | Getty Images
12. Australian Shepherd
Not all velcro dogs are lapdogs (although we still have a few of them to come). Working dogs and herding dogs can be sticky with their owners due to them being pack animals. They see their human family as being their pack and like to keep them as close as possible at all times. One great example of this is the Australian Shepherd which, despite its name, actually comes from America. | AFP via Getty Images