Skip to Content

13 Dog Breeds Who Hate Being Left Alone

13 Dog Breeds Who Hate Being Left Alone

As dog parents, we want to make sure that our canine friends lead a happy and healthy life. Unfortunately, we can’t spend every minute of the day together with them, and some breeds find it difficult to stay alone for longer periods of time. 

If you are considering becoming a dog parent any time soon but work long hours, take a look at this list of dog breeds who find it difficult to stay alone.

1. Toy Poodle 

toy poodle

Activity level: Highly Active 

Perfect for Families

Toy Poodles are known for their high separation anxiety. They quickly bond with their new owner and staying home alone is a pure nightmare for them. 

Toy Poodles are classified as highly active dogs and need daily exercise and walks.

2. Australian Shepherd

australian shepherd puppy

Activity level: Highly Active 

Perfect for Active Families or Outdoor enthusiasts 

Australian Shepherd dogs are a working breed. This means that they were specifically bred for the sole purpose of guarding their cattle. 

As pets, Australian Shepherds need constant activity to stay happy and healthy. If left alone for extended periods they can get depressed or even destructive. 

3. Chihuahua 

sad chihuahua

Activity level: Active 

Perfect for Single People or Senior Citizens

Although they are small, this popular breed is classified as an active dog. They require at least 60 minutes of exercise each day.

Chihuahuas are also known for being very anxious dogs and being separated from their beloved owners can take a toll on their health.

4. American Pit Bull Terrier

sad pit bull terrier

Activity level: High Energy 

Perfect for Families or Outdoor enthusiasts

The highly energetic and active Pit Bull Terrier is just a big cuddle bug. They love spending time with their owner whether snuggled up under a blanket or playing outside. 

If you are interested in adopting a Pit Bull make sure to provide your canine with a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise daily. 

5. Italian Greyhound 

italian greyhound

Activity level: Energetic

Perfect for Active Single People 

Although Italian Greyhounds are classified as toy dogs, you’d be surprised by the amount of energy they have. Staying home alone means much more than just not getting their daily exercise. 

These adorable dogs have a serious problem with separation anxiety, so consider that before adding them to your family. 

6. Bichon Frise 

bichon frise dog

Activity level: Moderate Energy

Perfect for Families

Bichon Frise breed is not as energetic as the other dog breeds we mentioned so far, as they only need 30 minutes of exercise daily. 

However, this fluffy dog breed loves human interaction more than anything. Being separated from their owner can cause serious anxiety problems and even depression.

7. French Bulldog 

french bulldog

Activity level: Low Energy

Perfect for Families or Travel enthusiasts

French Bulldogs are a low-energy type of breed, so spending time on daily exercise shouldn’t be your biggest concern. 

They tend to get jealous if their favorite human spends time with other pets and they thrive on human attention. Leaving them alone for longer periods can cause destructive behavior.

8. Fox Terrier

fox terrier dog

Activity level: Highly Active

Perfect for Active Families 

As with any terrier breed, the Fox Terrier is a highly energetic dog. They need daily runs, playtime, and exercise, or else they become destructive.

If you work long hours and aren’t capable of spending time with this adorable dog breed, then they might not be the best choice for you. 

9. Pomeranian 

pomeranian dog

 Activity level: Active

Perfect for Families

Pomeranians are best known for their gorgeous fluff. These tiny dogs are extremely intelligent and although they don’t require too much exercise, they need company. 

Pomeranians hate being left all alone, as they thrive on human interaction.

10. Labrador Retriever

labrador retriever

 Activity level: Highly Active 

Perfect for Families or Outdoor enthusiasts

The most popular dog breed for families with kids is definitely the Labrador Retriever. This highly energetic dog needs daily exercise and training and being left alone does him no good.

Without their humans around, they tend to get hyperactive and destructive as they get bored.

11. Maltese

meltese dog

Activity level: Low Energy

Perfect for Families

Maltese are not as active as some larger dog breeds so you don’t have to worry about not having time for long daily exercise. 

However, this dog breed is prone to anxiety and they love to be around their humans. If you work long hours this is not a perfect dog for you. 

12. Border Collie

border collie on mountain

Activity level: Highly Active 

Perfect for Active Families or Outdoor enthusiasts

Border Collies are another shepherd dog breed specifically bred to be work dogs. However, when they don’t live on a farm they need something to occupy their minds. 

Having time to spend with your Border Collie every day is crucial if you’re interested in this breed. When left alone they can get destructive and depressed.

13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

spaniel puppy

Activity level: Moderate Energy

Perfect for Single People, Senior Citizens, or Less Active Families

This dog is labeled as a ‘velcro dog’. They love their humans and are known to be extremely needy. They don’t need much exercise, but they do need you to be close to them. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to separation anxiety, making it unwise to leave them alone for extended periods.