15 breeds that turn a new couch into a loyalty test

Trending Dog Topics
By Angela Park

A brand new couch feels like a promise, but some adorable breeds see it as a challenge. If you have a soft spot for small companions with big personalities, get ready for a playful tug of war between comfort and devotion.

From clingy cuddlers to spirited watchdogs, these pups test patience while winning hearts. Read on to meet the charming troublemakers who might claim your cushions and your loyalty.

English Toy Spaniel

© Ultimates Indulge

Sweet and shadow like, the English Toy Spaniel prefers to be wherever you sit, which often means the newest sofa. Their velvet ears and melting eyes make rules feel negotiable, especially no dogs on furniture.

You will discover they can snooze for hours, then pop up for surprise bursts of merriment.

They are sensitive companions who bond deeply and dislike being ignored. Expect some clinginess, light snoring, and occasional watchdog whispers at hallway echoes.

Early training, gentle boundaries, and a comfy dog blanket help spare the cushions from daily takeover.

Moderate shedding and grooming needs mean hair will find fabric, but it is manageable. Provide chews, calm play, and daily walks.

In return, you get an armrest ornament with unwavering devotion.

Lowchen

Image Credit: Jk9dat, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

The Lowchen charms guests, then quietly annexes the comfiest cushion. Smart and people oriented, they learn household patterns fast, including where you leave your blanket.

Their playful zoomies can send pillows flying, but they settle quickly for snug cuddles and soft sighs.

Because they crave attention, they sometimes nudge with paws or place toys directly on the couch to start games. Positive reinforcement curbs jumping and fabric nibbling.

A designated snuggle spot, plus structured fetch, protects upholstery without dampening spirit.

Grooming matters since their coat mats and traps lint. Brush often and keep nails short to save threads.

With routine, the Lowchen becomes a polite sofa sidekick who still steals your seat when you stand.

Bolognese

Image Credit: Mrtibbs1999, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Bolognese dogs are velcro like companions who follow you from room to room, claiming laps and cushions alike. Their cloud white coat sheds little but clings to upholstery in tiny tufts if neglected.

Expect tender gazes, polite requests, and occasional stubborn pauses when asked to move.

They thrive on routine and quiet games, which helps minimize anxious scratching on fabric. Provide a plush bed beside the sofa and reward settling there.

Calm visitors and predictable schedules reduce clingy couch guarding.

Daily brushing prevents knots that snag threads. Short training sessions keep manners sharp without pressure.

With affection channeled into place training and chew breaks, a Bolognese becomes your gentle, couch adjacent confidant who respects boundaries most days.

Tibetan Spaniel

Image Credit: © Pexels / Pexels

Tibetan Spaniels love high perches to survey their kingdom, and the couch backrest is a prime lookout. Expect catlike balance, window gazing, and gentle paw taps when you forget cuddle time.

They are affectionate yet independent, mixing lap snuggles with sentinel duty.

Without guidance, they may claim the best vantage cushion and bark at street dramas. Teach a perch mat and reward quiet watching.

Strategic window film or curtains helps reduce impulse alerts.

Light shedding means regular lint rolling is wise. Short, smart training sessions keep manners crisp and protect upholstery.

Offer puzzle toys and sunny nap spots to satisfy their observer instincts, and your couch survives while your living room gains a dignified guardian.

Japanese Spitz

Image Credit: Trev Grant, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

The Japanese Spitz brings sparkle and fluff, plus an opinion about where you should sit. They adore family time and often leap up to supervise movie nights.

That plush coat sheds seasonally, so couches collect snowflake fur unless brushing is consistent.

Teach an up on invite rule to keep enthusiasm polite. A washable throw saves fabric during blowout weeks.

Because they are bright and eager, trick training redirects couch energy into fun rituals.

Daily walks and play drain fizz, reducing zoomie induced cushion slides. Keep nails tidy and provide chew toys to protect seams.

Handled kindly, a Japanese Spitz becomes a photogenic couch companion who trades a little fluff for plenty of laughter.

Volpino Italiano

© Store norske leksikon

Feisty and affectionate, the Volpino Italiano treats the couch like a stage. Expect expressive chatter, prancing paws, and a flair for dramatic lounging.

They bond strongly with their people and may protest when evicted from the center cushion.

Consistent boundaries and place training help channel their charisma. Provide a raised bed nearby to satisfy the love of lofty views.

Grooming is key since their dense coat sheds and tangles if ignored.

Short exercise bursts and brain games tame fidgety energy that topples pillows. Reinforce calm greetings and quiet cues to protect the living room vibe.

With routine and affection, your Volpino becomes a courteous seat sharer, turning couch time into a charming nightly performance.

Kromfohrlander

© Flickr

The Kromfohrlander is rare, people focused, and agile enough to appear beside you before the remote warms. They excel at reading moods and will nuzzle into cushions when you exhale.

Without guidance, this closeness can slide into territorial sofa saving.

Teach on and off cues early, reward calm downs, and rotate comfy mats near you. Their moderate energy needs call for brisk walks and scent games, preventing restlessness that leads to fabric digging.

Gentle structure keeps them confident and courteous.

Grooming depends on coat type, but regular brushing reduces stray hairs. Trim nails to spare upholstery threads.

With steady routines and shared activities, the Kromfohrlander becomes a loyal, couch adjacent friend rather than a cushion commander.

Coton de Tulear

© Store norske leksikon

Cotons are comedians and cuddle pros, which means your couch becomes a stage and a snuggle dock. Their cottony coat barely sheds but mats easily, catching crumbs and lint if grooming slips.

They rarely like being alone and may park on your seat as a placeholder.

Use place training, puzzle feeders, and gentle boundaries to keep manners bright. Regular brushing, detangling spray, and a washable throw protect fabrics.

They thrive on positive attention, so reward quiet lounging nearby rather than constant lap claims.

Daily walks and trick sessions drain bubbly energy, preventing cushion tunneling. Keep nails short and provide soft chews.

Treated as a partner, a Coton de Tulear turns couch time into a lighthearted ritual you will both anticipate.

Russian Toy

Image Credit: © Pexels / Pexels

Delicate and devoted, the Russian Toy believes proximity equals love, so the couch is mission critical. Their petite frame slips between cushions like a bookmark, and their stare convinces you to share space.

They can be surprisingly spirited, with little guardian alerts at hallway sounds.

Teach quiet cues and gentle on off rules to prevent constant springing onto laps. Provide soft ramps to protect fine joints and fabric edges.

A fleece throw becomes a perfect nest that gathers most shed hairs.

Short play bursts and careful socialization build confidence. Keep nails ultra tidy to avoid snags.

With kindness and structure, a Russian Toy transforms from clingy cushion magnet into a poised, couch compatible companion.

Prague Ratter

Image Credit: Томасина, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Tiny yet bold, the Prague Ratter treats the couch arm like a watchtower. They adore warmth and will burrow under throws, occasionally dragging them across the cushions like trophies.

Their terrier like spirit means quick darts after dust bunnies and squeakers.

Clear boundaries, frequent play, and a designated blanket keep the furniture from becoming a racetrack. Reward stillness and teach a settle cue.

Provide chew options to save corners and seams from curious nibbling.

Minimal grooming equals minimal shed, but nails must stay short for fabric safety. Daily mental work, like scent games, channels intensity.

Handled with humor and structure, a Prague Ratter becomes a pocket sized sentinel who shares couch space with surprising grace.

Manchester Terrier

© Flickr

Elegant and athletic, the Manchester Terrier loves comfort after a good sprint, and your couch is prime real estate. They are loyal, observant, and sometimes possessive of favorite spots.

Without guidance, they may turn cushion rights into a debate.

Teach relaxed place behaviors and practice trades for toys or chews. Daily exercise smooths edgy energy that topples pillows.

Leather or durable fabrics fare better, paired with a washable cover for shedding and paw prints.

They are clean, low odor dogs, but nails and enthusiasm can scuff surfaces. Consistent praise for calm lounging makes manners stick.

With structure and sprints, a Manchester Terrier becomes a refined couch companion who respects your seat almost as much as you do.

Norwich Terrier

Image Credit: © Pexels / Pexels

Norwich Terriers pack heroic heart into a compact frame and claim couch corners with cheerful determination. Expect adventurous leaps, quick cuddles, and stubborn debates about bedtime spots.

Their wiry coat is forgiving, but loose hairs still weave into textured fabrics.

Channel energy with quick training games and daily sniffari walks. Teach an off cue and reward a nearby bed for calm.

Rotate toys to deter cushion digging and fringe hunting.

Regular brushing, tidy nails, and sturdy throws protect upholstery. They thrive on involvement, so include them in routines rather than battling for space.

Handled with patience and humor, a Norwich becomes your brave little couch buddy who guards the remote like treasure.

Norfolk Terrier

© Flickr

The Norfolk Terrier has a soft spot for soft spots and settles with a satisfied grunt. They are social, sturdy, and slightly mischievous, happy to tunnel beneath pillows for secret naps.

Without structure, this becomes a daily excavation on your best cushions.

Set clear rules, offer a crate or plush bed, and reward settling there. Short but frequent walks and tug sessions prevent furniture fidgeting.

Their coat is forgiving, but brushing keeps stray hairs from embedding in fabric.

Nails and curiosity threaten seams, so keep them trimmed and redirect digging to blankets. With affection and firm routines, a Norfolk turns from pillow bandit into a contented sidekick who still steals your seat the moment you stand.

Australian Terrier

© Flickr

The Australian Terrier brings sunny attitude and working grit into the living room, plus a tendency to patrol the couch like property. They love companionship and will wedge beside you, sometimes guarding that warm spot.

A wiry coat sheds lightly but clings to knits.

Daily exercise, nose work, and structured play take the edge off territorial vibes. Teach place, off, and leave it early.

Durable, washable throws help the sofa survive sandy paws and post walk flops.

Regular brushing and short nails protect fabric. Offer chew outlets and rotate toys to prevent boredom burrowing.

With clear jobs and cuddles, the Aussie becomes a polite, spirited couch mate who keeps spirits high and cushions mostly intact.

Skye Terrier

Image Credit: © Pexels / Pexels

The Skye Terrier is dignified and devoted, inclined to choose one human and one favored couch lane. Their long coat looks regal over upholstery but can tangle and trap debris.

They enjoy calm companionship and will quietly occupy space with steadfast presence.

Introduce grooming rituals early, using detangling and routine brushing to save fabrics. Teach permissions for furniture and maintain a supportive bed nearby.

Gentle exercise and mental work prevent stubborn parking disputes.

Keep nails managed and use throws to protect fibers from coat friction. Praise relaxed off cues and reward quiet settles.

With patience and consistent care, a Skye Terrier becomes a loyal, stately couch partner who turns evenings into soft, shared rituals.