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16 Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety (With Pictures)

Written by: Ed Malaker

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Ed Malaker

16 Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety (With Pictures)

Separation anxiety is a common problem for many dog owners. Dogs with separation anxiety become extremely anxious when left alone and may exhibit destructive behaviors, excessive barking or howling, and even self-harm. It can be a stressful and challenging situation for both the dog and their owner, especially if you spend a great deal of time at work, which causes many people to wonder if there are any breeds that don’t mind staying home alone. Fortunately, there are several, so keep reading as we list them here so you can see if one will be right for your home.

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The 16 Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety

1. Basset Hound

basset hound sitting in grass
Image By: Sebastian Molina Bullrich, Pixabay

The Basset Hound is known for their long, floppy ears and soulful eyes. They are a medium-sized breed with a calm and friendly temperament, making them excellent family pets. Basset Hounds have a low tendency for separation anxiety and can tolerate being alone for several hours.


2. French Bulldog

red or fawn french bulldog out in the woods
Image By: Firn, Shutterstock

The French Bulldog, also known as a Frenchie, is a small breed that is popular for their cute and affectionate personality. Their muscular bodies and distinctive bat-shaped ears give them a unique look. French Bulldogs can adapt well to living in apartments or smaller spaces.


3. Maltese

Young maltese dog in a meadow
Image By: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

The Maltese are a small breed known for their long, silky white hair and lively personality. They have a gentle and affectionate temperament, which makes them popular as companion dogs, and they can tolerate being alone for several hours.


4. Greyhound

greyhound standing on grass
Image By: nonmisvegliate, Pixabay

The Greyhound is a large breed that is known for their speed and gentle and affectionate temperament. They can be alone for long periods if they have access to food, water, and shelter.


5. Pug

fawn pug dog standing outdoors
Image By: Poltavets Anastasiia, Shutterstock

The Pug is a small breed with a wrinkled face and curly tail. They have a playful and affectionate temperament that makes them popular as companion dogs, and they have a low tendency for separation anxiety.


6. Lhasa Apso

lhasa apso
Image By: kshitijprakash, Pixabay

The Lhasa Apso is a small breed with a long, thick coat and lion-like appearance. They have a calm and independent temperament that makes them excellent companion dogs. They also have a low tendency for separation anxiety, so they can be alone for several hours without getting upset.


7. Shar Pei

shar pei
Image By: style81, Pixabay

The Shar Pei is a medium-sized breed with distinctive wrinkles and a strong, muscular build. They have a calm and independent temperament that makes them excellent guard dogs, as they spend plenty of time watching over the property without getting bored.


8. Miniature Schnauzer

miniature schnauzer at the park
Image By: Roman Zaiets, Shutterstock

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed with a beard and eyebrows that give them a charming and playful look. They have a friendly and intelligent temperament, and they can spend several hours alone and are well suited to apartment living.


9. Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff
Image By: BORINA OLGA, Shutterstock

The Bullmastiff is a large breed from England with a loyal and protective temperament, making them wonderful guard dogs and family companions.


10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

cavalier king charles spaniel dog sitting on the floor
Image By: Svetlanistaya, Shutterstock

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed with a gentle and affectionate temperament. Despite being lap dogs, they have a low tendency for separation anxiety and can tolerate being alone for several hours. However, they are also curious and social animals that might start to explore their environment looking for company if they get bored.


11. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin
Image By: GoranH, Pixabay

The Japanese Chin is a small breed that originated in China before Japanese breeders developed them further. They are affectionate and playful with a flat face, large eyes, and long, silky fur. Japanese Chins can tolerate spending time at home alone as long as they have a few toys to play with while you’re gone.


12. Poodle

white poodle sitting on a rock
Image By: Tubuna, Pixabay

The Poodle is a highly intelligent and elegant breed with a hypoallergenic coat that sheds little and is ideal for those with allergies. Poodles are also known for their loyalty and trainability, making them popular for families and as show dogs. They can be left alone as long as there is room to move around and plenty of food and water available.


13. Havanese

close up of a cute little fluffy white havanese dog in a lush green garden
Image By: michaelheim, Shutterstock

The Havanese is a small breed from Cuba with a silky, soft coat and friendly personality. These dogs are often called “Velcro dogs” because they tend to stick close to their owners and follow them everywhere they go. However, despite that desire to stay close, Havanese have a low tendency for separation anxiety and won’t mind sitting home alone while you go to work.


14. Basenji

Basenji
Image By: Verbitskaya Juliya, Shutterstock

The Basenji is a small African breed that is quite popular due to their unique yodeling or “baroo” vocalization. They have an independent and curious temperament that can sometimes make them a bit challenging to train, but they are also intelligent, and with proper training, they can learn to stay home alone for several hours at a time.


15. Shiba Inu

shiba inu
Image By: Akbudak Rimma, Shutterstock

The Shiba Inu is a small-to-medium-sized breed that is native to Japan. They have a lively and independent temperament and a slight tendency for separation anxiety, but they are quite intelligent, and with proper training and socialization, they can learn to tolerate being alone for moderate periods of time.


16. Chow Chow

chow chow on a retro vintage background
Image By: dezy, Shutterstock

The Chow Chow is a medium to large breed from China. They have thick fur, a blue-black tongue, and a wrinkled face, and many owners describe them as loyal and independent dogs. Chow Chows can sometimes have mild separation anxiety, but they are highly intelligent, so you can train them to handle being alone while you go off to work.

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Tips for Helping Your Dog Deal With Separation Anxiety

  • Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as they get more comfortable, to help them adjust to being alone and reduce their anxiety.
  • Practice leaving your dog alone for a few minutes and then returning, gradually increasing the time that you spend away to help your dog learn that you will always return.
  • Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog to rest while you’re away. It can be a crate or a designated room with a bed, toys, and water.
  • Consider using calming aids, such as pheromone sprays or diffusers or natural supplements, if your pet is having an especially hard time with you leaving.
  • Ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. This will help reduce their anxiety and prevent destructive behaviors.
  • Use positive reinforcement training to establish good behavior and help your dog feel more confident and secure. Reward your dog for staying calm and relaxed when you leave and return.
  • If your dog’s separation anxiety is severe, consider seeking the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist, as they can provide personalized guidance and support to help your dog overcome their anxiety.

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Summary

There are many dog breeds that are less prone to separation anxiety than other breeds. If you are a new pet owner, the Basset Hound, French Bulldog, and Pug are all great options, as they are friendly and have a low tendency toward separation anxiety. If you are an experienced pet owner, don’t rule out the breeds with a slight tendency toward separation anxiety, like the Chow Chow and Shiba Inu, as they are intelligent dogs that can easily learn how to spend more time home alone without becoming upset.


Featured Image Credit: Diana Parkhouse, Shutterstock

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