Dogs are known for being loyal, loving companions, but they also require attention, time, and care.
If you’re someone who spends long hours away from home, it’s crucial to choose a dog breed that can handle being alone without developing anxiety or destructive behaviours.
While every dog is unique, some breeds are more prone to separation anxiety and need constant human interaction to thrive. If you’re often away from home, here are dog breeds that may struggle with being left alone and require more attention than others.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Every dog has its own personality, and training, environment, and individual circumstances play a significant role in their behaviour.
1. Border Collie
Known for their intelligence and work ethic, Border Collies require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Without adequate attention, they can become bored, anxious, and even destructive.
If you’re not home to provide them with regular exercise and mental challenges, they may develop unwanted behaviours like chewing or excessive barking. These dogs were bred to work alongside shepherds all day long, so idleness doesn’t suit them well.
Leaving a Border Collie alone for extended periods can result in frustration and stress that manifests in problematic ways.
2. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are affectionate and friendly, but they are also prone to separation anxiety. These dogs thrive on companionship and can become upset if left alone for long periods.
They may bark excessively or engage in destructive behaviour, especially if they aren’t mentally or physically stimulated. Their sweet, gentle temperament makes them wonderful family pets, but this same trait means they crave constant human interaction.
When isolated, Cocker Spaniels often express their distress through vocalisation or by damaging household items.
3. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs with an intense need for both mental and physical stimulation. If they don’t get enough exercise or attention, they can become anxious or destructive.
These dogs can be particularly challenging if left alone for long stretches of time. Bred to herd livestock across vast ranches, they possess boundless stamina and a sharp mind that demands engagement.
Without an outlet for their energy, Australian Shepherds may resort to digging, chewing, or other undesirable activities to cope with boredom.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, but they also require plenty of attention and exercise. When left alone for too long, they may become bored and engage in destructive behaviours like chewing or digging.
Regular mental stimulation and companionship are key to keeping them happy. Labs form deep bonds with their families and genuinely enjoy being part of daily activities.
Their social nature means prolonged isolation can lead to anxiety and frustration that shows up in unwanted ways around the house.
5. Beagle
Beagles are social, curious dogs that do not like being left alone. They can become anxious when left by themselves for long periods, leading to barking, whining, and destructive behaviour.
Beagles are also known for their incredible sense of smell, which can lead to them getting into trouble when unsupervised. Originally bred for hunting in packs, they naturally seek companionship and teamwork.
Solitary confinement contradicts their pack instincts, often resulting in vocal protests or mischievous exploration of your home.
6. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and protective, but they also form strong bonds with their families. If left alone for long periods, they can experience separation anxiety, which may result in destructive behaviours.
They also require a lot of exercise to stay happy, and without it, they can become restless. Their intelligence and devotion make them excellent working dogs, but these same qualities mean they need purpose and presence.
Isolation can trigger stress responses that damage both your belongings and their emotional wellbeing.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are highly energetic, curious, and independent, but they can also be prone to separation anxiety. When left alone, they may become destructive, chewing on furniture or barking excessively.
These dogs require a lot of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation to keep them content. Despite their small size, they possess a big personality and boundless energy that needs regular outlets.
Without supervision and engagement, Jack Russells often channel their frustration into troublesome behaviours that can surprise unprepared owners.
8. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate lap dogs that thrive on human interaction. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods and may exhibit behaviours like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
Shih Tzus need companionship and attention to be happy. Bred centuries ago as palace companions, they were never meant to spend time alone.
Their entire purpose revolves around being close to their people, so extended isolation goes against their fundamental nature and can cause significant emotional distress for these devoted little dogs.
9. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are friendly and affectionate dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. These dogs don’t handle being left alone well and can become anxious or depressed when separated from their families.
If they’re not given enough attention, they may bark excessively or act out in other ways. Their cheerful, playful demeanor relies heavily on social interaction and engagement.
When deprived of company, Bichons often experience genuine sadness that manifests through vocalisation or withdrawal, making them unsuitable for households with long absences.
10. Dachshund
Dachshunds are small but energetic dogs that love to be around their owners. While they are independent to some degree, they can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
This breed needs regular companionship and stimulation to prevent boredom and anxiety. Originally bred to hunt badgers in underground burrows, they possess courage and determination that belies their size.
However, their strong attachment to family means solitude doesn’t sit well with them, often leading to persistent barking or other attention-seeking behaviours.
11. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities. They form strong attachments to their owners and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
These dogs can become destructive or excessively vocal when left by themselves. Despite weighing just a few pounds, Chihuahuas possess fierce loyalty and confidence that makes them bond intensely with their chosen person.
This intense connection means they struggle greatly with solitude, often expressing their displeasure through trembling, barking, or destructive acts that seem disproportionate to their tiny size.
12. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are affectionate and playful dogs that thrive on human interaction. They can become anxious and upset when left alone for too long, and may resort to destructive behaviours such as barking or chewing.
They require consistent attention and companionship. These tiny terriers were originally bred to catch rats in textile mills, but today they’re cherished as devoted companions.
Their attachment to their owners runs deep, making prolonged absences particularly difficult for them to handle emotionally and behaviourally.
13. Poodle
Poodles are intelligent, energetic dogs that need plenty of stimulation. When left alone for long periods, they can become anxious and engage in unwanted behaviours.
Poodles are highly social and form close bonds with their owners, making them sensitive to separation. Whether standard, miniature, or toy sized, all Poodles share exceptional intelligence that requires regular mental challenges.
Without proper engagement and company, their sharp minds can turn toward mischief or anxiety, resulting in behaviours that reflect their frustration and loneliness during extended isolation.
14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These small dogs are affectionate and love being around their families. Cavaliers tend to experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long, and may bark, whine, or destroy furniture as a result.
They require constant companionship and attention to remain happy. Bred specifically as companion dogs for royalty, their entire genetic purpose centers on providing comfort and affection to their humans.
Leaving them alone contradicts everything they were created for, often leading to significant distress that shows through vocalisation or destructive outlets.
15. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and loyal nature. While they are generally easygoing, they need companionship and mental stimulation.
Without enough attention, they can develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive behaviours like chewing or digging. Their gentle temperament and eagerness to please make them beloved family members worldwide.
However, this same devotion means they struggle when left alone for extended periods, as their happiness is deeply tied to being near the people they love and participating in family life.
