The Most Anxious Dog Breeds & How To Care For Them (Dogs That Need A Little Extra Love!)
Owning a dog is one of life's greatest joys. They offer steadfast loyalty, unconditional love, and constant companionship. But as much as we adore them, many pet owners face a familiar challenge—leaving their dogs home alone. While some pups handle it well, others, especially those prone to anxiety, find it tough. For certain breeds, being apart from their humans can lead to stress, whining, or even destructive behavior.
Keep reading to discover which dog breeds are most prone to separation anxiety and why some may need extra comfort when you’re away.
Havanese
Another charming breed prone to separation anxiety is the Havanese. Hailing from Cuba, these dogs were bred to be perfect family companions and flourish on the affection and attention of their loved ones.
When left alone, their anxiety often shows clearly. If you expect to be away for a while, it's wise to arrange for a sitter to keep your Havanese company and help ease their stress.
Research Found...
For years, scientists and animal behaviorists have been exploring what goes on inside a dog's mind—and they’ve found that many dogs can suffer from serious separation anxiety.
But don’t worry—this isn’t true for every dog. While any pup might feel uneasy when left alone, certain breeds are naturally more susceptible. Curious which breeds struggle the most when apart from their humans?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
We can't resist—the dogs only get cuter as the list goes on! Next up is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, another beloved companion breed.
Companion dogs like these are especially prone to separation anxiety. Even though they try to stay busy when left alone, they often struggle to fill the emptiness and can end up feeling sad and withdrawn.
Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador Retriever is the quintessential family dog, thriving on attention and social interaction. Because of this strong bond, being left alone can cause them significant distress.
While many owners wish they could spend every moment with their furry friends, the reality is that it's just not possible for most.
Bichon Frises
We get it—your cuteness radar is probably going off the charts right now. Bichon Frises are undeniably adorable, with their fluffy, customizable coats and tiny paws bouncing around. These little charmers crave attention.
They really don't like being separated from their owners. The sudden drop in affection when their humans are gone can trigger serious anxiety. Sure, they’re cute as can be—but that sweetness comes with a need for lots of love and reassurance.
What Are They Up To?
Humans have always been curious about what goes on inside a dog's mind—especially when we have to leave them behind. Wouldn't it be nice to know exactly what they're feeling as we walk out the door?
Chances are, your pup is thinking about you. They might be feeling a little sad, maybe a bit confused, and definitely counting the minutes until you return. For some dog breeds, though, the emotional reaction runs even deeper. Separation can be truly distressing, and they don’t just miss you—they worry.
Toy Poodles
Toy poodles are undeniably adorable—small, fluffy, and full of personality. They don't ask for much, except for one important thing: attention. These little dogs were bred specifically for companionship, which means they crave constant interaction with their humans.
Because of this, they don’t cope well when left alone. Even brief absences can trigger anxiety. If you have a toy poodle, it’s important to plan for those times when you’ll be away. Whether that means arranging for a pet sitter, a trusted friend, or leaving behind a few favorite toys, a little preparation can help keep your pup calm and content.
12 Different Breeds
There are 12 specific dog breeds that are known to struggle the most with separation anxiety. While it's reassuring to know that most breeds don’t fall into this category, it can still be tough if your beloved pup happens to be one of them.
If you do own one of these breeds, don’t worry—it just means you’ll need to be a little more mindful. Keep an eye out for the signs of distress, like excessive barking, destructive behavior, or pacing. With the right care and a little extra attention, you can help make sure your furry friend feels safe and secure even when you're not around.
Italian Greyhounds
Meet the Italian Greyhound. While their larger Greyhound relatives are known for being energetic and speedy, Italian Greyhounds are content with relaxing by your side and enjoying a good run in the open fields.
They're the ideal travel companion, as shown in the photo, but when left alone, they can quickly become quite anxious. Who would want to leave such a sweet, delicate pup by themselves anyway?
Border Collies
Imagine taking away all physical activity from a professional athlete at the height of their career, with nothing else to focus on. That's what life is like for border collies when they lack exercise, mental stimulation, or any form of entertainment.
Without these essential activities, severe bouts of sadness can emerge in these dogs when their owners are absent. It's heartbreaking to think about, especially for such an incredible breed.
German Shepherds
Despite their strength and confidence, German Shepherds don't do well when left alone. Their composed personalities might fool you, but research shows they’re actually one of the breeds most affected by separation anxiety.
This helps explain why they’re such reliable partners in police work—they’re loyal, attentive, and eager to stay close to their handler. Whether they’re tracking, guarding, or comforting, these dogs thrive when they’re part of a team. If you own a German Shepherd, make sure to give them plenty of attention and routine to help ease their stress when you're away.
Cocker Spaniels
Cocker Spaniels are fun and interesting dogs. They are gun dogs so they are used to being outdoors for long hours alongside their owners. That makes them great for companionship, but troublesome in other areas.
Over the years, this breed has developed some temperament issues. Now, we're not saying to count the breed out completely, we're just telling you that if you plan to leave a Cocker Spaniel by itself you should expect a shift in attitude.
Australian Shepherds
It's not a secret that Australian Shepherds need stimulation. It explains why they don't do too well when combating boredom. It isn't what anyone wants to hear but its the truth regarding this breed.
When there's nothing left to do, these dogs become supremely anxious. You have to be sure to raise them up properly as a puppy and even once they're grown, always have plans ready for days or moments they have to be left alone.
Vizslas
These Hungarian breeds are highly active. They often aim to please their owners while outside as well. However, leaving them alone for long periods of time can cause them to come close to losing their minds.
Viszlas have a hard time trying to fill the void in dull moments of the day, thus their separation anxiety can kick in rather quick. That's something you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy, so owners, try your best to accommodate these guys.
German Shorthaired Pointers
The German Shorthaired Pointer is next on this list. This breed was developed in Germany for hunting during the 19th century. We know how hunting works... the dog stays closely attached to the human and they get things done.
But this special trait makes it hard for the dogs to adapt to being alone while their owners are away. Anxiety can start brewing as you wonder what your dog is up to. He or she is probably wishing you'd come back as soon as possible!
