The Most Nervous Dog Breeds & How To Care For Them (Pups That Need A Little Extra Love!)
Having a dog is one of life's biggest joys—they bring unwavering loyalty, boundless love, and constant companionship. Yet, despite our deep affection, many dog owners encounter a common struggle: leaving their furry friends alone at home. While some dogs manage just fine, others—particularly those prone to anxiety—find it challenging. For certain breeds, time apart from their humans can trigger stress, vocalizing, or even destructive habits.
Keep reading to learn which dog breeds are most susceptible to separation anxiety and why some pups need extra reassurance when you’re away.
Italian Greyhounds
Say hello to the Italian Greyhound. Unlike their bigger Greyhound cousins, who are famous for their speed and energy, Italian Greyhounds are perfectly happy lounging by your side or enjoying a gentle run in open fields.
They make excellent travel buddies, as this photo shows, but when left alone, they can get quite anxious. Honestly, who could bear to leave such a sweet and fragile pup all alone?
Vizslas
These Hungarian breeds are full of energy and love to please their owners, especially when outdoors. However, leaving them alone for extended periods can quickly drive them to the brink of frustration.
Viszlas, in particular, struggle to cope with boredom during quiet times, making them prone to separation anxiety faster than you'd expect. It's definitely not something anyone would want to deal with—so if you’re an owner, do your best to meet their needs and keep them happy.
Cocker Spaniels
Cocker Spaniels are lively and engaging dogs, originally bred as gun dogs accustomed to spending long hours outdoors with their owners. This makes them wonderful companions, but they can present challenges in other ways.
Over time, this breed has developed certain temperament quirks. We're not saying you should rule out having a Cocker Spaniel, but if you plan to leave one alone, be prepared for some possible changes in behavior.
Australian Shepherds
It's no secret that Australian Shepherds thrive on mental and physical stimulation, which is why boredom doesn’t sit well with them. While it might not be the easiest truth to hear, it’s an important one for anyone considering this breed.
When left without enough to do, these dogs can become extremely anxious. Raising them right from puppyhood is key, and even as adults, it’s essential to have activities and plans in place for times when they must be alone.
Toy Poodles
Toy poodles are absolutely adorable—tiny, fluffy, and bursting with personality. Their main request? Lots of attention. Bred as companion dogs, they thrive on being close to their humans and crave constant interaction.
As a result, they struggle with being left alone. Even short periods apart can cause anxiety. If you have a toy poodle, it's wise to prepare for those moments when you’re away—whether that means hiring a pet sitter, asking a friend to check in, or leaving out some favorite toys. A bit of planning goes a long way in keeping your pup calm and happy.
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.
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.
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.
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!
