If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, 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’ 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 crossbreed.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Before setting your heart on a particular dog it’s important to realise that different breeds tend to have have very different personalities and attributes.
Some hate to be separated from their owners for even short periods, affectionately known as ‘velcro dogs’, and need constant attention, approval and entertainment.
Some potential owners would love being the centre of these loving pooches’ universe, but if you’re looking to regularly leave a dog alone while you pop out to work or socialise you should maybe look elsewhere.
Meanwhile, others are far more sure of themselves – still loving their human family but perfectly happy to take some time out, entertain themselves, or just curl up by themselves for a nap.
Here are the 20 most and least sticky breeds of dog.
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5. French Bulldog
Every step you take, every move you make, your Frenchie will be watching you. The UK's fifth most popular pet is unlikely to leave you alone for a second. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Labrador Retriever
The UK's most popular dog for umpteen years (although it received some competition from the equally sticky French Bulldog a couple of years ago), 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. | Getty Images
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7. Golden Retriever
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
8. Australian Shepherd
Not all retrievers or lapdogs (although we still have a couple 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