Word Spy - Velcro dog

n. A dog that always sticks close to its owner, especially by following the person from room to room.

Example Citations:

In the greyhound world, they call this "chipping," because greyhounds are like potato chips: you can't have just one, Norton said. Oftentimes referred to as "Velcro dogs," greyhounds make great companions, she said.
—Katy Fitzpatrick, "Quincy greyhound adopter wants to give dogs a few good homes," The Patriot Ledger , April 20, 2010

Since that day, dog and mistress have become inseparable. Gwinner refers to him as her "Velcro dog."
—Veronika LaRocque, "Animal Planet to feature 'Shaggy' dog adoption in Southampton," The Republican, August 2, 2010

Earliest Citation:

"These are my Velcro dogs, they're glued to my thigh," said Rita Helle, accompanied by a 4-month-old abandoned on a road east of Pueblo, and a 2-year-old out of the Burmar Kennel.
—Natalie Meisler, "Two groups race to save greyhounds," Denver Post, August 16, 1992

Notes:

Category:

Pets and Animals

Posted on January 12, 2011

Comment on this Item:

Comments:

Owners of a few breeds use this term differently. I have heard Irish Water Spaniel people refer to their dogs as velcro dogs because everything sticks to the long curly coat.

Posted by Madelaine D on January 12, 2011 at 10:34 AM

Belgian Shepherds are known to be velcro dogs -- not necessarily a good thing as they can bark too much when you go out of sight.

Posted by Terri_pal on January 12, 2011 at 6:19 PM

Yes Dover or Buds as I now call him is My Velcro dog. I have to be careful not To trip over him. He is even under foot when I am vacuuming the house!!! Guess the noise Does not bother him because he is a bit Deaf at age 14.

Posted by Unknown User on April 4, 2011 at 11:26 AM

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