Dog breeds with low separation anxiety are the topic today.
If you love dogs but have a full-time job, you want a breed that doesn’t mind being home alone.
Otherwise, you’ll find yourself coming home to a house full of shredded items or furniture and maybe even an angry neighbor complaining about your dog’s howling.
So dog lovers with busy schedules rejoice.
Today is for you.
Let’s talk about dog breeds that can cope with spending some time alone.
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What is Separation Anxiety
Before we get into breeds and their levels of separation anxiety, we need to discuss what it actually is.
As the name implies, separation anxiety is a condition in which a dog experiences a high level of anxiety due to being separated from his family.
Dogs show signs of separation anxiety in many different ways. Some examples include:
- Excessive barking
- Whining or crying before you leave and when you return home
- Urinating or defecating in inappropriate places (like your closet!)
- Pacing frantically, especially right before you leave
- Destructive behavior, such as chewing up your furniture
- Aggression
- Hiding while you’re gone or right before you’re supposed to leave
While some dogs suffer from separation anxiety as a result of past trauma, in many cases it’s really just in their breed’s nature.
In any event, dogs with separation anxiety don’t do well in a home with a hectic schedule where they’re often left alone for long hours.
So, it becomes an exercise in horror for the dog and frustration for the owner who comes home to a destroyed living room or random accidents all over the house.
While there are ways to help your existing dog cope with separation anxiety (including crate training, desensitization training, hiring a dog sitter, or even trying medication), if you’re just beginning your adoption journey it makes sense to choose a breed that doesn’t mind spending time alone.
With that in mind, let’s dive into our list!
Dog Breeds with Low Separation Anxiety Perfect for On-the-Go Owners
If you have a busy schedule or a job that keeps you away from the home often, it might seem like there will be no doggy companionship available to you.
That is incorrect.
There are actually several dog breeds with low separation anxiety that do quite well left to their own devices.
This doesn’t mean they still aren’t man’s best friend.
It just means they generally have more of a “You do you, bro” temperament than other breeds. That lends itself perfectly to the on-the-go owner.
1. Chow Chow
At first glance, this breed looks like the biggest cuddle bug around, but the Chow Chow is actually quite an independent dog.
Unlike many breeds, this pup just isn’t into PDA.
Rather, this reserved, independent breed comes to his owner when he wants some love and leaves when he’s had enough.
This makes him perfect for a home with owners who aren’t constantly around.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 17-20 “
- Weight: 45-70 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
- Coat Type: Medium-length double coat that’s smooth in some spots and rough in others
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Moderately, with proper training and socialization.
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2. Bassett Hound
This breed actually loves his people, however, he also loves to sleep.
This wrinkly, floppy-eared hound has a low energy level, and napping is his favorite pastime.
While he loves a good ear scratch and belly rub, he’s also equally content to sleep the day away while you’re off doing your work thing.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Hound
- Height: no taller than 15″
- Weight:40-65 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
- Coat Type: Short & Smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes, very
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3. French Bulldog
Although a highly affectionate breed, like the Bassett Hound, Frenchie dogs love to sleep.
They don’t demand lots of activity or attention when their owners aren’t around, which makes them perfect as a family pet who flies solo.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Non-sporting
- Height: 11-13″
- Weight: under 28 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Coat Type: Short & smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes
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4. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a consummate family dog. Protective and affectionate, he loves to be with his people.
That being said, just like my previous two picks, his low energy level makes him the perfect breed to snooze and snore the day away while you’re off at the office.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Working Group
- Height: 24-27″
- Weight: 100-130 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
- Coat Type: Short & smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Moderately
5. Chihuahua
Wait! Don’t go. This really is true. Chihuahuas are known to be yappy and sometimes aggressive, but what you don’t hear so often is how clingy they are.
Chihuahuas are a bit of a dichotomy, as they love their families, but they can also be left alone due to their independent nature.
That being said, if you’re out of the home all day, a second Chihuahua buddy is recommended for company. These guys are happier and less aggressive with a pal.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Toy Group
- Height: 5-8″
- Weight: up to 6 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
- Coat Type: Short to medium, smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: No
6. Shar Pei
This wrinkle with paws is another great addition to the list of low-maintenance dogs with low separation anxiety.
This breed is highly independent, but this also makes them willful and stubborn.
Once you establish who calls the shots, though, this breed makes the perfect companion for the owner who is on the go. This is due to its low energy and exercise requirements.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 18-20″
- Weight:45-60 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
- Coat Type: Short & smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Moderately
7. Boston Terrier
These adorable little guys are holy terrors – in short bursts.
They enjoy running around like maniacs for short periods, but after that, they’re content to chill out on the sofa.
A relaxed breed overall, these guys are generally content to do their own thing until their owner returns for more bug-eyed shenanigans.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 15-17″
- Weight:12-25 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
- Coat Type: Short & smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes, very
8. Irish Wolfhound
Perhaps the very best of both worlds, the Irish Wolfhound is a ginormous cuddler.
These dogs love their humans and love to snuggle up with them whenever they get the chance.
That being said, they’re also equally happy to lounge around all day while their owners are out doing their 9 to 5.
Be aware that you’ll need ample space for these guys. These gigantors can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Hound
- Height: at least 30″
- Weight: 105-120 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 6-8 years
- Coat Type: Medium & wiry
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Moderately
9. Lhasa Apso
You probably wouldn’t imagine a little stuffed animal-looking pooch would make the list of dog breeds with low separation anxiety, but they do.
Unlike other small breeds of their type, the Lhasa Apso is incredibly independent.
In fact, he’ll probably see you out the door and then go on to do his own thing all day while you do yours.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Non-sporting group
- Height: 10-11″
- Weight: 12-18 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Coat Type: Long & silky
- Hypoallergenic?: Yes
- Good with kids?: Moderately
10. Bull Terrier
Like the Pit Bull, the Bull Terrier has managed to garner an erroneous reputation of being aggressive and dangerous. Incorrect.
They are, however, quite protective of their homes. This means that rather than being filled with anxiety while you’re gone, they’ll be filled with purpose.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Terrier
- Height: 14-16″
- Weight: 24-38 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
- Coat Type: Smooth
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes, very
11. Pug
A consummate couch potato, the Pug is generally a low-anxiety dog.
His lack of desire to do anything physical for more than five minutes makes him one of the dog breeds with low separation anxiety because chances are, when you get home, he’ll be on the couch right where you left him.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Toy
- Height: 10-14″
- Weight: 14-18 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 12-15
- Coat Type: Short and straight
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Yes
12. Akita
This independent breed loves his owners and will protect them at all costs.
While that may seem like a recipe for anxiety, the operative word in his description is independent.
In addition to that he’s one of the dog breeds with low separation anxiety because he views guarding the home as a job rather than a punishment.
Breed Overview: Physical Traits and FAQs
- AKC Group: Working Group
- Height: 24-28″
- Weight: 70-130 lbs
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
- Coat Type: Medium double coat
- Hypoallergenic?: No
- Good with kids?: Moderately
Even non-clingy dogs need attention & stimulation
Before we start closing out for today, I just want to make something clear. While these breeds above can do well enough when left alone while you go to work, they still need (and deserve) your attention when you’re back home.
Make sure you spend quality time together during your downtime. Take Fido for a walk before you head out for the day and again when you come home. Play training games together in the evening, or just cuddle up together on the sofa to catch up on your favorite show.
Also, consider investing in some good mental stimulation puzzles and toys to occupy his mind while you’re gone. Sometimes, what we see as anxious behavior is really just plain boredom.
Last but not least, if you’re going to be gone for very long periods of time (overnight or longer), consider either boarding your dog in a kennel or hiring a pet sitter. Even these non-clingy pups shouldn’t be left home alone for days on end without any sort of supervision.
FAQs about Dogs With Low Separation Anxiety
Let’s finish up with some frequently asked questions, shall we?
What is the least clingy dog breed?
If I had to pick just ONE dog as the least clingy, I’d probably go with the Chow Chow. They’re pretty content just chilling and doing their own thing. But any of the breeds mentioned above are pretty good when left home alone.
What is the most clingy dog breed?
The Vizsla is hands-down THE clingiest dog breed according to most owners. Other Velcro dogs include Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Italian Greyhounds. Check out our list of the clingiest dog breeds for more information.
What breed of dog loves to snuggle?
Lots of breeds love to snuggle! Again, though, if I had to pick just one, I’d go with the Labrador Retriever. These pups take cuddle time to whole new levels!
Can a dog be home alone for 7 hours?
Yes, under the right circumstances, it’s entirely possible to leave a dog home alone for 7-8 hours. You’ll need to either invest in a nice crate or a doggy door and fenced-in yard to make it work. If you’ll be gone longer than 8 hours, though, hire a dog walker to check in on Fido, especially if you use a crate.
Can a puppy be alone for 7 hours?
No, it’s not a good idea to leave a puppy home alone for that long. Remember, puppies can only hold their pee for one hour per every month of age. So, a 3-month-old pup can only hold it for 3 hours, a 4-month-old pup for 4 hours, and so on. In other words, you can’t really leave a puppies home alone for 7 hours until they’re about 7 months old.
What’s the best dog for a lazy person?
If by “a lazy person,” you mean someone who really just isn’t all that into hiking and other outdoorsy activities, then a Basset Hound is a good fit! They’re perfectly happy to Netflix and chill. That said, ALL dogs need some daily exercise to stay healthy.
What dog breed is the best for loneliness?
Every single dog breed is capable of helping you fight loneliness. If “companionship” is your only requirement and you don’t really have any specific breed in mind, consider adopting a shelter dog that’s just as lonely as you are.
What is the number 1 friendliest dog?
That would have to be the labrador retriever! He wants to be best friends with everyone he meets!
Does every dog have separation anxiety?
No. There are plenty of breeds that rarely suffer from separation anxiety. However, any dog (including those mentioned above) can have separation anxiety under the right (or rather, wrong) circumstances, such as past trauma.
These Dog Breeds with Low Separation Anxiety Make Great Pets
So on the list of dog breeds with low separation anxiety, we have big dogs, little dogs, medium dogs, wrinkly dogs, and smooth dogs.
We even have some with buggy eyes. If you can’t find a dog on this list to fit your life, you won’t find one anywhere!
Seriously, though, every dog on this list of dog breeds with low separation anxiety would make a great pet for any home with an on-the-go family.
Do a little more research into these guys, and I’m sure you’ll find a winner.
