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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.