If you're away from home a lot and want to have a dog, you may well have asked yourself: “Which dog breeds suffer from separation anxiety?” It's an important question to ask if you're away from home a lot. The worst dog breeds for separation anxiety are more prone to bad behaviors, anxiety, stress and upset stomach when you're gone.
Choosing less nervous dog breeds and the dog breed least likely to have separation anxiety helps make your furry family member more comfortable when he or she is solo. It ensures your dog doesn't suffer all of the barking, pacing, drooling, destructive behaviors and other symptoms of separation anxiety.
Dog Breeds With Separation Anxiety
Dog breeds which tend to have lots of separation anxiety include:
- The Labrador Retriever. This is a beautiful and companionable dog, but they have recently declined in health and temperament, and this can make them more prone to separation anxiety and behavioral challenges. The Lab is still currently the most popular family dog breed and generally has a relaxed disposition. However, because they are so social, they can struggle if left alone for long periods of time.
- The Border Collie. Border Collies are extremely intelligent. In fact, they rank top for smarts when it comes to dogs. Because of this, they can become bored if they don't have much mental stimulation, such as when you’re away. Collies are also high-energy dogs, which means they need to be physically stimulated as well. Leaving them alone can lead to boredom, separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These dogs are companion dogs and have been bred to enjoy spending lots of time with their human parents. When you leave them alone for longer periods they may suffer anxiety. This breed also tends to be slightly more anxious in general and can develop barking and other problematic habits.
- Jack Russell Terrier. These bundles of energy quickly become bored and need lots of entertainment as well as lots of physical activity. They can quickly go awry if there isn't a human around to help them out and to keep them engaged. They can also do a surprising amount of damage for a small dog.
- German Shepherd. These dogs are working dogs and do best when an environment is physically and mentally stimulating. Left alone and bored, they can be distressed. Like the retriever, this breed has also experienced some health problems in recent years, meaning their temperament makes them more prone to separation anxiety.
- Australian Shepherd. This job has been bred for herding and is a very active dog which does best when at work. They need to stay active and may suffer anxiety when there's nothing to do.
- Bichon Frise. Bred as a companion dog, this dog really does best when around their human family. Left alone, they can become bored and can suffer severe distress due to loneliness.
- Vizsla. Vizsla are hunting dogs and were bred to hunt with their humans. They are social and do poorly when left alone with nothing to do. Time without physical activity and without their people family can lead to distress and anxiety.
- German Shorthaired Pointer. This is another dog which has been created to hunt with humans. Because they are bred to be around people and to stay active, they can quickly become bored and anxious about getting their paws dirty.
- Toy Poodle. This type of poodle has a gentle temperament and has been bred as a companion dog. As such, they need time and love from their human family. When they don't get it, they can suffer from significant separation distress.
If you're looking for dog breeds with low separation anxiety, consider the traditional Greyhound, Basset hound, French bulldog or Maltese. While there are no dogs without separation anxiety, these breeds are less likely to suffer from distress when you have to leave them alone.
Keep in mind, too, that even dogs with traditionally low separation anxiety can become distressed. If you have a furbaby, get Furbo Dog Camera. This two-way communicator and treat dispenser with HD and night vision cameras lets always see what's going on at home and allows you to talk to your furriest family member and even dispense treats.
It can help take away some of the emotional sting your dog experiences while they’re home alone.