16 Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety (With Pictures)

Bringing a new dog into your life is an exciting decision, but it‘s important to consider your lifestyle and how much time you can realistically devote to your canine companion. If your job or other obligations require you to be away from home for extended periods, you‘ll want to choose a dog breed that can handle being alone without becoming anxious or destructive.

As a veterinarian and dog lover, I‘ve put together this guide to dog breeds with low separation anxiety. We‘ll look at over 20 breeds that tend to cope well with alone time, explore factors beyond breed that can influence a dog‘s anxiety levels, and discuss tips for preventing and managing separation anxiety in any dog.

What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety is a common behavioral disorder where a dog experiences distress when separated from his or her guardians. It‘s estimated to affect around 14% of dogs. Some common signs of separation anxiety in dogs include:

• Excessive barking, howling or whining when left alone
• Destructive behavior, like chewing furniture or scratching at doors
• Urinating or defecating in the house, even if housetrained
• Pacing, drooling, or appearing agitated as you prepare to leave
• Trying to escape from the house or yard
• Overexcitement and "bouncy" behavior when you return

While any dog can potentially develop separation anxiety, some breeds are more prone to it than others due to their traits and tendencies. Breeds that have been developed to work closely with humans, like herding dogs and companion breeds, may be more likely to become anxious when separated from their special person. On the flip side, more independent breeds that are content to entertain themselves tend to handle alone time better.

When choosing a dog, it‘s wise to be realistic about your schedule and select a breed whose needs match your lifestyle. Of course, individual personality matters too – even within a breed, some dogs will be clingier than others. But focusing on breeds known to have lower odds of separation anxiety is a good place to start.

Top 20 Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety

These independent and laid-back dog breeds tend to handle alone time like champs:

1. Basset Hound – These easy-going hounds are content to nap the day away.
2. Greyhound – Racing may be in their past, but these 45-mph couch potatoes are often happy to snooze while you‘re gone.
3. Chihuahua – These feisty little dogs have a big personality and tend to be fine by themselves once mature.
4. Shar Pei – Standoffish with strangers, Shar Peis are natural guard dogs content to hold down the fort.
5. Bullmastiff – These gentle giants are patient and loving, but not overly clingy.
6. Miniature Schnauzer – Playful and portable, mini schnauzers can be fine on their own with enough exercise and enrichment.
7. Maltese – Though small, Malteses have a moderate energy level and tend to be fairly independent.
8. French Bulldog – Frenchies are playful and adaptable companions who can handle regular alone time.
9. Pug – These charming couch potatoes are typically happy to snuggle up at home alone with a favorite toy.
10. Boston Terrier – Bostons are intelligent and independent, but benefit from puzzle toys while you‘re out.
11. Akita – Protective and loyal, Akitas are content guarding the house solo for reasonable periods.
12. Chow Chow – Chows are serious and self-reliant – they‘ll tolerate your absence with quiet dignity.
13. Shiba Inu – These spirited hunting dogs from Japan tend to be clean, calm, and fine with alone time.
14. Alaskan Malamute – Bred to pull sleds in teams, Malamutes have a self-assured, friendly confidence.
15. Havanese – While they love their people, these Cuban charmers are playful and adaptable to alone time.
16. Poodle – Poodles of all sizes are highly intelligent and trainable, and tend to handle solitude well once mature.
17. Bloodhound – These gentle scenthounds are more interested in trails than velcro-ing to your side.
18. Great Dane – Gentle giants, Danes are easy-going and calm. They make excellent napping partners.
19. Scottish Terrier – Scotties have an independent streak a mile wide and don‘t need constant companionship.
20. Keeshond – Keeshonden were bred to be watchdogs and tend to be fine guarding the house alone.
21. Lancashire Heeler – These small herders from England are plucky, independent, and adaptable.

Remember, while these breeds may have a leg up, any dog can develop separation anxiety without proper training and care. Let‘s look at some other factors…

Factors That Can Influence Separation Anxiety

While breed tendencies matter, a dog‘s individual personality and life experiences play a big role in their susceptibility to separation anxiety. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Early socialization: Dogs who are exposed to lots of different people, animals, and environments as puppies tend to be more confident and adaptable. A lack of early socialization can contribute to anxiety.

• Background: Dogs with a history of multiple homes, time in a shelter, or unknown background may have more attachment issues. Adoptable adult dogs are often in shelters because of life upheaval rather than behavioral problems, so don‘t write them off – many make excellent, devoted companions.

• Age: Puppies and older dogs tend to be more prone to separation anxiety. Puppies haven‘t yet learned that being alone is OK, while older dogs may grow more emotionally dependent with age.

• Other anxieties: Dogs who are nervous or fearful in general (due to genetics, lack of socialization, or a scary experience) are more likely to get upset when left alone.

• Sudden changes: Abrupt changes to your schedule, a move, a new baby, or the loss of another pet can all trigger separation anxiety.

• Lack of exercise: Boredom and excess energy make anxiety worse. Dogs of any breed need adequate physical and mental stimulation to be calm and content.

So in addition to selecting a breed that‘s a good fit for your lifestyle, it‘s important to commit to providing your dog with the training, enrichment, and care they need to thrive.

Tips for Preventing and Managing Separation Anxiety

With some planning and positive training, you can help set your dog up for success and make alone time less stressful. Here are some tips to try:

Crate train your pup. A crate or pen provides a cozy, safe space for your dog to relax in during alone time. Make sure it‘s large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Introduce the crate gradually with tasty treats and toys.

Practice alone time. Start leaving your dog alone for very short periods – even just a few seconds at first. Slowly build up duration over days and weeks. Don‘t rush! If your dog seems anxious, back up and practice an easier level for more reps.

Don‘t make a big fuss. Emotional hellos and goodbyes can make separation anxiety worse. Stay calm and keep departures and arrivals very low-key. Wait to greet your dog until they‘ve settled.

Provide a special treat. Give your dog a high-value chew, like a bully stick or stuffed Kong, in their crate or safe area when you leave. The treat should be long-lasting and engaging enough to distract them as you head out. Take it away when you return so it stays exciting.

Amp up the exercise. A tired dog is a good dog! Make sure your pup is getting plenty of physical exercise with walks, playtime, and brain games. A dog who‘s had their ya-yas out will be much more ready to relax while you‘re gone.

Try calming aids. Products like pheromone diffusers (Adaptil), calming chews, and compression wraps (Thundershirt) may help take the edge off mild anxiety for some dogs. Check with your vet for recommendations.

Hire help if needed. If you work long hours or travel frequently, consider using a dog walker, pet sitter, or doggy daycare service to break up your dog‘s alone time and provide midday exercise and socialization.

Even with the right breed and training, some dogs still need extra support. Severe, worsening separation anxiety won‘t get better without intervention, and a distressed dog can hurt themselves or cause significant property damage. If you‘re struggling, reach out to a vet or certified dog behaviorist who can help troubleshoot and potentially prescribe anti-anxiety medication for tough cases.

The Bottom Line on Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Choosing a dog breed with an independent streak is a smart strategy for busy pet parents who can‘t be home 24/7. But even the most easy-going dog needs adequate exercise, enrichment, and gradual training to feel confident and content when left alone.

With some breed research, a positive training plan, and lots of love (on your schedule!), separation anxiety in dogs can often be prevented or overcome. When in doubt, adopting an adult dog from a rescue or shelter is a great way to find a compatible canine companion. Many adoptable dogs have already lived in homes and have a good sense of their personalities and training needs.

No matter what breed you choose, enjoy your new best friend – with a little prep and planning, they‘ll be happy to hold down the fort while you‘re away.