12 Worst Dog Breeds To Own (If You Love Your Personal Space)

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

golden retriever happy
MISS_SUMMER/Pixabay

Dogs are loyal by nature, but some take it to a whole new level. If you love your alone time, these breeds will challenge that with their need for constant attention. Whether it’s their high energy, clingy personality, or undying devotion, these pups will make sure you’re never alone. While their love is heartwarming, they might not be the best fit if you value independence. So before bringing one of these dogs home, make sure you’re truly ready for their level of attachment.

1. Labrador Retriever 

Labrador Retriever standing in a sunlit field.
Zoyatalmach/123rf

If you’re looking for a shadow, a Labrador Retriever will gladly take the job. Friendly, affectionate, and endlessly loyal, they have to be involved in everything you do. Whether you’re cooking, watching TV, or heading to the bathroom, expect a Lab right beside you. Plus, their high energy means they need plenty of playtime, exercise, and attention. But here’s the catch. Leave them alone too long and they’ll get seriously anxious (and maybe even destructive). While their devotion is sweet, if you’re someone who values personal space, this lovable but needy breed might be too much.

2. Golden Retriever 

Golden Retriever with floppy ears.
Bee32/123rf

Golden Retrievers don’t just love you, they need you all the time. These affectionate goofballs are playful, friendly, and completely glued to their humans. No matter where you go, they’ll follow, always ready for snuggles or play. But because they crave constant interaction, they really struggle with being alone. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can get restless or straight-up sad. While their loyalty is adorable, their need for constant engagement can feel like a full-time job. If you love your personal space, a Golden’s never-ending enthusiasm might be a lot to handle.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with long, wavy ears.
Salismle/123rf

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are bred for companionship, which means personal space? Yeah, they don’t believe in it. These affectionate little dogs will snuggle with you every chance they get, on the couch, in bed, even while you work. Plus, their sensitive nature makes them extra emotionally attached, meaning they hate being left alone. If they’re separated from their favorite human for too long, they can get anxious or even depressed. While their love is adorable, convincing a Cavalier that they don’t need to be in your lap 24/7 is nearly impossible.

4. Border Collie 

Border Collie lying in a sunlit forest
Terezadvorakova/123rf

Border Collies are smart, fast, and obsessed with staying active. If they’re not busy training, playing, or working, they’ll find ways to keep themselves entertained, usually by demanding your attention nonstop. Since they bond deeply with their owners, they’ll follow you everywhere and might even try to herd you. But here’s the thing. If they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they will become restless and destructive. While their loyalty is unmatched, their intensity can be exhausting if you’re looking for a more relaxed companion.

5. Australian Shepherd 

Australian Shepherd with one blue eye.
Fxquadro/123rf

Australian Shepherds don’t just want to be around you, they need to be. Super smart and incredibly energetic, they’re always on the lookout for something to do, and more often than not, that “something” is following you around like it’s their life’s mission. Because of their strong herding instincts, they tend to stick to their humans like glue, making them one of the clingiest breeds out there. While their loyalty is beyond sweet, their constant need for engagement can be exhausting. If you’re not up for a highly interactive and attached pup, they might be too much.

6. Italian Greyhound 

Italian Greyhound with a sleek, gray coat.
Cynoclub/123rf

For such a dainty, elegant dog, Italian Greyhounds sure are needy. They don’t just love their humans, they cling to them, both physically and emotionally. Whether they’re curled up in your lap, trailing behind you like a shadow, or gazing at you with those big, soulful eyes, they simply can’t stand being apart. Because of this, they’re prone to separation anxiety, and being left alone for too long can really stress them out. If you value personal space, their constant need for closeness might be overwhelming, but if you love an ultra-snuggly, affectionate companion, they’re absolutely perfect.

7. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman with cropped ears on a leash
Evdoha/123rf

Dobermans are more than just protectors, they’re full-time best friends who must know what you’re doing at all times. Once they bond with you, they become your personal bodyguard, shadow, and biggest fan all in one. Their deep devotion means they hate being left alone and will follow you from room to room, always watching, always waiting. While their unwavering loyalty is impressive, it can feel like having a pair of eyes on you 24/7. If you love a dog that’s completely devoted, they’re amazing, but if you prefer a little space, their attachment might be a lot.

8. Pug

 Pug with a black harness.
Serezniy/123rf

Pugs don’t just want to be with their humans, they need to be. These little goofballs are the ultimate cuddle machines, always snuggling, following, and demanding attention. Because of their deep attachment, they struggle with being alone and can develop separation anxiety if left for too long. And let’s be real, there’s no such thing as personal space with a Pug. Whether they’re sitting on your lap, leaning against you, or just staring up at you adoringly, they’re always right there. If you love constant companionship, they’re the best, but if you need a break now and then, good luck!

9. German Shepherd

German Shepherd lying on grass.
R3dsnake/123rf

German Shepherds take loyalty to the next level. Not only are they smart and protective, but they also love being right by your side—literally all the time. They’re natural guardians, which means they’ll follow you around, making sure you’re safe, whether you need it or not. Plus, they require tons of mental and physical stimulation, so they’re always looking for ways to be involved. If you’re not into the idea of a furry bodyguard shadowing your every move, a German Shepherd’s clingy nature might be too much.

10. French Bulldog

French Bulldog
Sunnie-Lee Davison/Unsplash

French Bulldogs may be small, but their love for their humans is massive. They don’t just want attention—they need it. These little companions will stick to you like glue, always wanting to cuddle, play, or just be near you. And because they hate being alone, they can get anxious if left by themselves for too long. Plus, their playful and social personality means they’ll always be in your space. If you’re someone who enjoys peace and quiet, a French Bulldog’s neediness might feel a bit too intense.

11. Vizsla

Vizsla standing in a sunlit forest.
Tmartfoto/123rf

Vizslas aren’t called “Velcro dogs” for nothing. They don’t just like being with their owners—they insist on it. Whether you’re cooking, working, or just walking from one room to another, they’ll be right there with you. And because they’re packed with energy, they don’t just want company—they want interaction. If they don’t get enough attention, they can become anxious and restless. So, if you prefer a more independent pet, a Vizsla’s nonstop need for companionship and activity might be a little too much to handle.

12. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel with curly ears.
Suerob/123rf

 Cocker Spaniels are basically furry love sponges. They live for human interaction, always ready to snuggle or follow you from place to place. And because they’re so sensitive, they don’t do well with being left alone for long stretches. On top of that, they’re super playful and always looking for attention, which means they’ll be in your space pretty much all the time. If you’re the type who enjoys a little solitude, a Cocker Spaniel’s affectionate and ever-present nature might feel more overwhelming than endearing.

Love Pets as Much as We Do?

Dog Follow
Giant Design/Canva.com

Scroll up and click the ‘Follow’ button to stay updated with the latest heartwarming, hilarious, and helpful pet posts from Pawdown, delivered straight to your Microsoft Start feed and MSN homepage!

Related Posts

Terriers are smart but stubborn dogs. Discover 8 common training challenges terrier owners face and how to handle each like a pro using practical, proven strategies.
Dogs and kids can be adorable together, but adopting one before your child turns 10 may cause more harm than joy—for both of them.
Think the Dogo Argentino is all brawn and no brain? Think again—this powerful breed has heart, intelligence, and loyalty to match its muscle.
Discover how highly trained service dogs are helping veterans reclaim peace, purpose, and stability after the trauma of war.
Elegant, loyal, and lightning-fast, the Azawakh is a breed that’s as rare as it is remarkable. You may not have heard of them—but once you do, they’re impossible to forget.
Discover the rich history, unique traits, and noble temperament that make the Chow Chow one of the most fascinating and majestic dog breeds around.
Discover why Basenjis are the perfect dog breed for apartment living with their quiet demeanor, compact size, and low-maintenance grooming needs.
Looking for a pint-sized pup that stays small but brings big love? These 20 tiny dog breeds will melt your heart—and fit perfectly on your lap.
Off-leash freedom sounds fun—but it comes with risks. Learn the 6 key things to know before unclipping your dog’s leash in public.