Separation anxiety in dogs is a common issue that many pet owners face, and it can be especially challenging for certain breeds. When dogs become anxious after being left alone, they may exhibit destructive behaviors like barking, chewing, or pacing. While all dogs can experience separation anxiety, some breeds are more prone to this condition due to their strong attachment to their owners and emotional sensitivity.
In this blog, we will explore the 9 dog breeds that suffer the most from separation anxiety, providing insight into their behaviors and how to help them cope. Understanding these breeds and their unique needs can help owners provide the right care and prevent unwanted behaviors. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced pet parent, it’s important to recognize the signs of separation anxiety and take steps to address it for the well-being of your furry friend.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular family dogs due to their friendly, affectionate nature. However, this close bond with their humans also makes them prone to separation anxiety. Labradors thrive on companionship and being around their family members as much as possible. When left alone for long periods, they can become distressed and exhibit destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture, digging, or excessive barking.
This breed has a high energy level and needs both physical and mental stimulation. Without adequate exercise and engagement, especially when alone, they can become bored and anxious. Crate training and puzzle toys may help reduce symptoms, but Labradors typically do best in households where someone is frequently present. Their loyalty and love for their people mean they feel a strong sense of loss when separated, making them one of the top breeds affected by this condition.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are highly intelligent, energetic dogs originally bred for herding. Their mental sharpness and strong attachment to their human handlers mean they require constant stimulation and companionship. When left alone, Border Collies often become anxious, frustrated, and bored, which can lead to behaviors like chewing, digging, barking, and pacing. Their need for structure and engagement makes them ill-suited for households where they’re frequently left alone for long hours.
Border Collies thrive when they have tasks to perform or problems to solve, and they do best in active homes that can match their energy level. Because of their emotional sensitivity, they can quickly pick up on their owner’s stress or schedule changes, which may further intensify their anxiety. To manage separation anxiety in this breed, consistent routines, training, and interactive toys are essential. A lack of attention or time from their owners often results in emotional distress for this brilliant breed.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and protective dogs that form deep bonds with their families. Their devotion is one of their greatest strengths, but it also makes them especially vulnerable to separation anxiety. These dogs are known to be “velcro dogs”—they want to be close to their humans at all times. When separated, they may bark excessively, become destructive, or even try to escape their environment. German Shepherds are working dogs that thrive on purpose and routine.
They need consistent training, exercise, and mental challenges to stay balanced. Without these outlets, especially when left alone, anxiety can manifest quickly. Because they are sensitive to changes in their environment and relationships, any disruption can increase their stress. Early socialization and crate training can help reduce anxiety, but German Shepherds generally need owners who can provide steady companionship and a sense of security. Their emotional sensitivity makes them one of the top breeds prone to separation anxiety.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate lap dogs that crave constant human interaction. These gentle and loving companions were bred to be close to people, and as such, they often experience high levels of separation anxiety when left alone. Their sweet nature and dependence on human companionship mean they don’t do well with solitude. This breed is particularly prone to becoming depressed, anxious, and even physically unwell when deprived of social contact.
Signs of separation anxiety in Cavaliers can include whining, barking, pacing, and even accidents indoors despite being house-trained. They are also highly sensitive to changes in routine and thrive on consistency and affection. While they are adaptable and friendly, they are best suited for homes where someone is almost always present. Cavaliers are happiest when they’re sitting on a lap or following their favorite person from room to room, which is why they are so susceptible to separation anxiety.
5. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are highly energetic and intelligent working dogs that need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Originally bred for herding livestock, they thrive on having a job to do and a strong connection with their owners. When left alone or unstimulated, Australian Shepherds are prone to developing separation anxiety. They may become restless, bark excessively, or become destructive around the home.
Because of their loyalty and eagerness to please, they form intense bonds with their human families, which can make separation particularly difficult. These dogs are not ideal for households where owners are away for extended periods. They need regular activity, whether it’s long walks, agility training, or interactive toys to keep their minds occupied. Without these, their anxiety can escalate quickly. Providing structured daily routines and ensuring they have plenty of exercise can help manage symptoms, but ultimately, Australian Shepherds need a very engaged and active lifestyle.
6. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog that thrives on affection and being close to its family. These dogs are known for their charming personalities and are often described as being people-oriented. However, this attachment makes them particularly vulnerable to separation anxiety. Bichons may cry, bark, or become destructive when left alone for too long. Despite their small size, they have big emotional needs and require regular interaction and engagement to remain emotionally healthy.
Their dependence on human companionship is part of what makes them such wonderful lap dogs, but it also means they struggle with solitude. Bichons benefit from crate training and gradually getting used to short separations to help ease their anxiety. They are most comfortable in environments where someone is home most of the day. For families that travel frequently or are out of the house often, this breed may not be the best fit due to their emotional dependency.
7. Vizsla
Vizslas are athletic, affectionate dogs often referred to as “Velcro dogs” because they stick close to their owners. Originally bred for hunting and companionship, Vizslas have a deep need for physical closeness and regular interaction. This breed is extremely sensitive and can suffer severely from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Without companionship, Vizslas may bark, whine, or engage in destructive behavior to cope with their stress. Their high energy levels also mean they need significant daily exercise, and without it, their anxiety can intensify.
Vizslas are not well-suited to being alone during the day, and they thrive in homes where someone is present most of the time or where they can accompany their owners on daily activities. Socialization and mental stimulation are key for this breed, and crate training may help in easing mild anxiety. However, their deep emotional bond with humans makes them one of the most affected breeds.
8. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are elegant, affectionate dogs that form incredibly strong attachments to their owners. Because they are highly sensitive and emotionally in tune with their humans, they are prone to developing separation anxiety, even when left alone for short periods. Italian Greyhounds prefer being close to their people, often following them from room to room. When left alone, they may tremble, whimper, or become destructive due to stress. These dogs do best in quiet, stable homes with a consistent routine.
Their anxiety can be worsened by sudden changes or long stretches of solitude. Italian Greyhounds also tend to be timid, and their nervous temperament can make anxiety symptoms more pronounced. Training, socialization, and gradual desensitization to alone time can help reduce symptoms, but these dogs are ultimately happiest in homes where they can receive constant affection and companionship. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living, but only if someone is home most of the time.
9. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are intelligent, affectionate, and highly social dogs that often form intense bonds with their owners. Their small size and loyal personality make them excellent companions, but also very prone to separation anxiety. Because of their sharp minds and emotional sensitivity, Toy Poodles can quickly become stressed when left alone, even for short durations. They may bark, chew, or engage in other anxiety-driven behaviors when experiencing isolation.
Toy Poodles are happiest in homes where they are part of the daily routine and can interact frequently with people. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or short training sessions, can help alleviate some anxiety. Still, consistent companionship is the most effective way to keep these dogs emotionally healthy. Crate training and desensitization techniques may also help. Ultimately, their need for closeness and mental engagement means Toy Poodles thrive in environments with steady social interaction and minimal time spent alone.
Bottom Line
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety can display a range of distressing behaviors, but with proper care, training, and understanding, you can help your dog feel more comfortable when alone. Some breeds are more vulnerable to this condition, including Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Recognizing the signs early on and addressing them with patience, routine, and mental stimulation can make a significant difference in your dog’s anxiety levels. If you’re considering a new dog, take their emotional needs into account to ensure a harmonious relationship.
FAQs
What is separation anxiety in dogs?
Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes distressed when separated from their owner, leading to behaviors like barking, whining, or destructive chewing.
Can separation anxiety be treated?
Yes, with proper training, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement, separation anxiety can be managed and reduced.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to separation anxiety?
Yes, breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to be more susceptible to separation anxiety due to their emotional attachment to their owners.
How can I help my dog with separation anxiety?
Gradual desensitization, crate training, and providing mental stimulation like puzzle toys can help ease your dog’s anxiety when left alone.