Most Affectionate Dog Breeds

While this is often the number one criteria new dog owners seek in a dog, dogs that are particularly needy in affection may also become a problem when their emotional requirements are not met. However, they make the most loveable companion for families that provide them with the amount of affection and attention they need.

Papillon
Photo: Robyn Martin

These dog breeds will accept less easily to be left alone. If left along for longer periods of time, they can develop behavior problems, such as separation anxiety, excessive barking, etc. Demanding dogs fare well in a one-dog-one-owner-relationship and are not recommended for multi-dog-households. Most of them make excellent family dogs, provided they live indoors with the family and are the only pet in the household. More than other dogs they have a tendency to become jealous of anyone or anything that shares in receiving their owner's love and attention.

Please note that being very affectionate is not necessarily the same as being loyal. Many working dog breeds are extremely loyal and often have a very close, sometimes exclusive, relationship with their owner. However, they can remain at a distance when needed and can also spend hours on their own. The breeds mentioned on this page are dogs that will follow you as a shadow and suffer when they are not allowed to do so. They will also persistently beg for your attention.

Note that some dog trainers, such as Cesar Milan, insist that affection that hasn't been earned and is shared at the wrong time can be detrimental to a dog. This means that even though these dogs love to be pampered they also need firm training - 'an iron fist in a velvet glove - to keep their demands within acceptable boundaries.

Australian Shepherd
Bichon Frisé
Border Collie
Brittany Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Doberman Pinscher
English Springer Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Irish Setter
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Papillon
Poodle
Schnauzer
Shetland Sheepdog

Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
(Most Needy Dog Breeds)

Canine Information Home > Most affectionate dog breeds

Partner websites: Dog Breeds of the World | Dog breeds A to Z by BulldogInformation.com

For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend
Patricia McConnell

Not just a simple dog training books, but a combination of stories, scientific research and practical tips to show how understanding emotions in both people and dogs can improve owners' relationships with their pets.

More information:

Be the Pack Leader:
Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life
Cesar Millan

More information:

The Canine Information Library 2003-2010 © All rights reserved by CanineInformationLibrary.com and Caninebreeds.bulldoginformation.com.
Original idea, design and development by C. Marien-de Luca. Photos of upper right corner (from left to right) Husky pup and European wolf cub by Eric Isselée. No part of Bulldoginformation.com and Canininformationlibrary.com may be copied, distributed, printed or reproduced on another website without the owner's written permission.