Working from home has become a common lifestyle for many, and for those who enjoy the company of a four-legged friend, choosing the right dog breed can make all the difference. Some breeds are known for their clingy nature, making them perfect companions for those long hours at the home office — always ready to curl up at your feet or offer a comforting nuzzle during a busy day. Their loyalty and calm demeanor create a warm, stress-relieving presence. Below, we explore fifteen dog breeds that are ideal for people who work from home, thanks to their affectionate and loyal nature.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the epitome of a lap dog. With their big, expressive eyes and silky coat, they have an irresistible charm. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and enjoy being around their human companions. If you love having a shadow, this breed is for you. They are known to follow their owners from room to room, always eager to be part of whatever is happening. Their gentle nature makes them excellent therapy dogs, providing emotional support when the workday gets tough. A Cavalier will happily curl up in your lap, offering warmth and companionship, making them perfect for WFH environments.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are small but mighty in affection. Known for their bat-like ears and charming personalities, they are one of the most beloved breeds worldwide. Frenchies are known for their love of human company and are often content to nap at your feet while you work. They don’t require a lot of exercise, so they are well-suited to apartment living. Their playful and sometimes comical antics bring joy and laughter to any home. Despite their sometimes stubborn nature, they thrive on attention and are happiest when they are close to their humans.
Pug
Pugs are small dogs with big personalities. Their wrinkled faces and curled tails make them instantly recognizable. Known as the clowns of the dog world, Pugs are playful, loving, and always ready to entertain. They are incredibly loyal and thrive on human companionship, making them ideal for those who work from home. A Pug is likely to follow you around the house, eager to be involved in whatever you’re doing. They are adaptable and easygoing, with a knack for brightening up any day with their goofy nature and loveable antics.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are often described as friendly and outgoing. Their long, flowing coats and sweet expressions make them hard to resist. These dogs were bred to be companions, and they excel in this role. Shih Tzus are known for their loyalty and desire to be with their humans. They are content to sit by your side, offering companionship and comfort throughout the workday. Their playful nature and gentle demeanor make them great for families as well. They require regular grooming, but this can be a bonding experience for both you and your furry friend.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful and affectionate breed. Known for their fluffy white coats, they resemble little clouds on four legs. These dogs are social butterflies, thriving on interaction with their human family. They are happy to be involved in every aspect of your day, from work to play. Bichons are known for their cheerful disposition and ability to get along with everyone, making them ideal for households with children or other pets. Their gentle and loving nature ensures that they are always ready to offer a comforting presence, especially during stressful workdays.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be small, but they have hearts full of love. Known for their loyalty and devotion, they often form strong bonds with their owners. These tiny dogs are ideal for those who want a constant companion. Chihuahuas are known to follow their humans around the house, always eager to be part of the action. Despite their small size, they have big personalities and are not afraid to express themselves. They are also relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for busy professionals who need a loving presence without a lot of extra work.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are known for their distinctive eyebrows and beards, giving them a wise and somewhat serious appearance. However, these dogs are full of energy and love. They are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their owners. Miniature Schnauzers are known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, making them easy to train. They thrive on human interaction and are happiest when they are part of the family activities. Their playful nature and love of companionship make them perfect for people who work from home and want a lively but loving pet.
Maltese
The Maltese is a small breed with a big heart. Known for their long, flowing white coats, they are both elegant and affectionate. Maltese dogs are incredibly devoted to their owners and thrive on human companionship. They are happy to be lap dogs, offering comfort and affection during long workdays. Despite their small size, they are full of energy and love to play. Maltese dogs are also known for their intelligence and adaptability, making them easy to train and eager to please. Their loving nature ensures they are always close by, ready to offer a comforting presence.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small dogs with fluffy coats and vibrant personalities. Known for their spunky and lively nature, they are always full of energy and enthusiasm. Pomeranians are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their human families. They are always eager to be part of the action, following their owners around the house and even participating in Zoom meetings. Despite their sometimes bossy demeanor, they are loving and affectionate, always ready to provide companionship and comfort. Their playful antics and adorable appearance make them a delightful addition to any home.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities. Known for their long, silky coats and confident demeanor, they are both elegant and spirited. Yorkies are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on attention and are happiest when they are close to their human family. Despite their small size, they are full of energy and love to play. Yorkies are also known for their intelligence and adaptability, making them easy to train. Their loving nature ensures they are always close by, ready to offer a comforting presence.
Havanese
Havanese dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. With their soft, wavy coats and expressive eyes, they are both charming and affectionate. Havanese dogs thrive on human companionship and are always eager to be part of the family activities. They are known for their playful and cheerful disposition, which can brighten up any workday. Despite their sometimes mischievous nature, they are loving and devoted, always ready to offer comfort and companionship. Their adaptability and intelligence make them easy to train, ensuring they fit seamlessly into any household.
Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are known for their regal appearance and independent nature. With their long, flowing coats and distinctive faces, they are both elegant and charming. Pekingese dogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on human companionship and are always eager to be close to their human family. Despite their sometimes aloof demeanor, they are loving and affectionate, always ready to provide comfort and companionship. Their adaptability and intelligence make them easy to train, ensuring they fit seamlessly into any household.
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are known for their elegant appearance and gentle nature. With their slender bodies and graceful movements, they are both agile and affectionate. Italian Greyhounds thrive on human companionship and are always eager to be part of the family activities. They are known for their loving and loyal nature, forming strong bonds with their owners. Despite their sometimes shy demeanor, they are playful and energetic, always ready to offer comfort and companionship. Their adaptability and intelligence make them easy to train, ensuring they fit seamlessly into any household.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are known for their distinctive tuxedo-like markings and friendly nature. With their compact bodies and expressive eyes, they are both charming and affectionate. Boston Terriers thrive on human companionship and are always eager to be part of the family activities. They are known for their playful and lively disposition, which can brighten up any workday. Despite their sometimes stubborn nature, they are loving and devoted, always ready to offer comfort and companionship. Their adaptability and intelligence make them easy to train, ensuring they fit seamlessly into any household.
Papillon
Papillons are known for their distinctive butterfly-like ears and lively nature. With their small size and vibrant personalities, they are both charming and affectionate. Papillons thrive on human companionship and are always eager to be part of the family activities. They are known for their playful and energetic disposition, which can brighten up any workday. Despite their sometimes mischievous nature, they are loving and devoted, always ready to offer comfort and companionship. Their adaptability and intelligence make them easy to train, ensuring they fit seamlessly into any household.
If you work from home and crave a loyal, loving companion, these clingy dog breeds are the perfect match. Their affectionate nature and constant presence make long workdays feel a little brighter and a lot less lonely. With one of these pups by your side, your home office will never feel empty!
Born and bred in South Africa, a Capetonian at heart. Amy-Leigh’s love for nature and animals was inherited from her Dad. He loves taking the family on road trips to experience nature at its finest; Amy-Leigh’s favourite being whale watching in Hermanus and spotting Kudu along the West Coast. Amy-Leigh holds a BA in English Literature and Communication Studies.
