Skip to content
Separation anxiety is a common issue for dogs, especially in breeds that tend to bond very closely with their owners. Dogs with separation anxiety can exhibit destructive behaviors, barking or howling, or elimination issues when left alone. However, some breeds tend to handle time alone better than others. If you lead a busy lifestyle and need a dog that can be left on its own for parts of the day, consider these breeds that tend to have lower separation anxiety.
Greyhound
Ex-racing greyhounds are used to spending time in kennels and confined spaces. Adopters of retired racing greyhounds often comment on how well these dogs handle alone time. Their calm temperament and lower energy levels (they are built for sprinting, not endurance) means they often sleep a lot during the day anyway, whether someone is home or not. Just be sure to provide a soft bed for them to relax in.
Labrador Retriever
America's most popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever, tends to have a very even-tempered, friendly personality. They do enjoy lots of playtime and interaction with their families, but as long as their basic needs for exercise and attention are met, Labradors usually handle periodic alone time well. Their affectionate nature means they still appreciate the time spent bonding with their owners too. Labs do best when they receive at least some daily exercise and play. As long as they can unwind and sleep when alone, Labs are usually trusting companions accepting of everyone.
French Bulldog
The appeal of the French Bulldog keeps growing, thanks to their fun, amusing personalities packaged in a cute, compact body. This breed thrives on attention and likes being around their humans whenever possible. However, the Frenchie also has an off switch and periods of low energy between play sessions. As long as they have some toys available, most French Bulldogs settle in nicely during alone time at home. Take them on a good walk first before leaving them to make sure they have exercised out some energy.
Great Dane
The towering Great Dane grows to an imposing size, but inside beats the heart of gentle giant. This large breed has a reputation for being one of the best breeds with families thanks to their peaceful dispositions. Great Danes don't need quite as much activity as some large breeds either.
Set aside time for daily walks and play, of course, but these dogs also spend considerable time napping and resting quietly at home. Their calm persona helps them handle periodic alone time well. Just make sure you have dog supplies sized for a dog that can top 175 pounds!
Pug
Pugs often rank as one of the dogs least likely to show separation anxiety due to a combination of their calm temperament and lower energy requirements. They are happy to receive lots of attention when their owners are home, but pugs are also just fine curling up comfortably alone at home too. This loyal breed usually accepts other humans in their lives as well and bonds with all members of a household instead of just one primary person. As a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, make sure your pug stays cool in summer weather while home alone too.
Shiba Inu
The foxlike Shiba Inu is an independent minded breed that respects the independence of their owners as well. As long as a Shiba Inu's basic needs for activity and attention are met, they handle periodic alone time very well. In fact, too much coddling and attention makes some Shibas nervous! Setting aside time for daily walks and play maintains a healthy relationship without crossing the line to separation anxiety issues. Inside the home, be sure to provide safe chew toys to keep a curious Shiba busy.
Separation anxiety affects all breeds to varying degrees based on temperament, activity needs, and early socialization. But some dog breeds tend to handle periodic alone time better than more high-strung breeds. Every dog has an individual personality, however, so be sure to spend time with both parent dogs when selecting a puppy.
