These Dog Breeds Are the Most Likely to Suffer from Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety happens when a dog feels extremely stressed from being away from its owner. An anxious dog can exhibit behaviors such as barking, whining and even trying to escape when feeling abandoned. Some breeds are particularly prone to this kind of stress, which can be pretty destructive. Knowing which breeds are most likely to suffer from separation anxiety can help you manage and ease these episodes.

Signs of social anxiety in dogs

Some of the signs you’ll notice if your dog is suffering from social anxiety include:

• Shaking or trembling
• Loud barking
• Aggressive behaviors such as biting, growling, or snapping
• Drooling
• Pacing
• Destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture, digging, or scratching objects
• Urination and defecation in inappropriate places
• Lack of appetite
• Hiding or trying to escape

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and love bonding with their family. However, this strong attachment can sometimes backfire, leading to separation anxiety. Labradors need constant interaction and can get anxious when feeling lonely. Being apart from their humans can cause the dogs to experience stress.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and protective breeds that form strong bonds with their owners. However, they need to feel purposeful and close to their human family. As a result of this close connection, being alone can be tough for them. 

Australian Shepherd

Bred to herd livestock, Australian Shepherds are incredibly energetic and smart. This loyal breed loves human interaction, but their loyalty can become an issue if they’re alone for too long. When deprived of mental and physical activities, Aussies may try to escape to find their owners. Make sure to keep them busy to prevent these behaviors.

Chihuahua

Often known as “purse dogs,” Chihuahuas are the definition of loyal and affectionate companions. The dogs’ tiny stature doesn’t take away their big personalities—they’re lively and alert. Chihuahuas form such strong bonds with their humans, crave your attention, and love being close to them. 

Dachshund

You can easily identify a Dachshund with their long body and playful nature. These loyal and lively pups love digging and chasing. However, beneath all that enthusiasm, this breed craves human companionship and can sometimes feel insecure. Dachshunds require social interaction and mental stimulation, and without it, they may develop anxiety.

Maltese

Historically bred for companionship, a Maltese is a royal lapdog. They are loving and gentle, making them ideal for close human interaction. Maltese need constant love and attention to feel happy and secure.

Toy Poodle

Toy poodles are incredibly smart and eager to please. They have vibrant personalities and are very affectionate. However, because they form such strong bonds with their owners, these dogs can become quite distressed when feeling lonely.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, were originally bred to catch rats but are now popular lap dogs. Full of energy and love, they bond closely with their families. However, this breed can become scared when you abandon them. Sometimes, they may try to escape to look for you.

Border Collie

Border Collies are celebrated herding dogs, famous for their boundless energy and intelligence. The dogs’ enthusiasm and loyalty make them exceptional pets, but they thrive on human interaction. So it’s best not to allow them to be alone for too long. 

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus were bred to be delightful companion dogs. Originating from Tibet, this dog breed can adapt to different situations. Despite having an independent nature, these tiny charmers can desperately seek your attention. They enjoy following their owners everywhere within the home.

Beagle

Sociable and energetic, beagles have a pack mentality that makes them naturally inclined to be with others. Hence, they develop a strong attachment to their owners to feel secure. So don’t be surprised if your beagle always feels sad whenever you’re leaving the house. 

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are incredibly affectionate and form tight bonds with their families. They have a social nature, which encourages them to crave constant companionship. This dog breed can become excessively clingy to everyone in their living environment. Provide the dogs with toys and treats that can keep them engaged while you go out. 

Havanese

Popular for their intelligence and eagerness to please, the Havanese love human interaction and being the center of attention. These dogs just want to sit quietly on your laps if you give them the go-ahead. So if you can’t commit to spending time with this dog breed, don’t keep them. 

Pug

Pugs were bred to be lap dogs for Chinese royalty, making them natural-born cuddles. With their affectionate and loyal personalities, they quickly form strong bonds with their human companions. Leaving these dog breeds may cause them to go through stress and some may refuse to eat.

Vizsla

Vizslas thrive on exercise and close contact with their humans. They rely on physical and emotional interaction. They show their anxiety through excessive drooling and scratching at doors. Sometimes, their anxiety can lead to destructive tendencies when their need for companionship and activity is unmet.

Whippet

Bred for speed and agility, whippets are the perfect little racers in the dog world. While affectionate and gentle, these dogs’ sensitive nature can make them feel scared when alone. That drive for closeness leads to separation anxiety, where they can feel distressed and act out when isolated. 

French Bulldog

French bulldogs are loved by many dog owners because of their lovable personalities. They are bred for companionship and form strong bonds with humans. Their need for human interaction and affection is what makes them so special, but they are also vulnerable. 

Italian Greyhound

Bred for elegance and companionship, this breed is delightful and affectionate. They are gentle and sensitive and form strong attachments to their owners. Italian Greyhounds often feel very lonely when their owners are not around and may display unhealthy behaviors.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and curious little dogs. These spirited canines thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Leaving these dogs can make them become fearful. Boredom and loneliness don’t sit well with them, as they love constant interaction and attention.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians were originally bred as companions for royalty. Aside from having big personalities, these small dogs are also strongly loyal, which often causes separation anxiety. While some Pomeranians feel scared within a few minutes of being alone, others will be fine for a few hours. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Historically bred as lap dogs for nobility, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are famous for their gentle and affectionate nature. They love getting close to their owners at every given opportunity. This may lead to clingy behavior and an intense need for reassurance upon your return.

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are known for their smart and eager-to-please nature, which makes them delightful companions. However, their strong family bond can cause them to develop a strong connection with their owners. When they’re alone for a long time, these little cuties may show their distress through some not-so-cute destructive behavior.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are friendly and loyal dogs. They have a social and loving nature, which allows them to thrive on social interaction. As a result of this, golden retrievers don’t like to be separated from their owners for too long. If the dogs begin to feel lonely, they may become sad and angry, which can lead to physical and emotional issues. 

Pekingese

The Pekingese breed was originally bred for Chinese royalty. They are loyal and loving companions who bond closely with their families, which is why they can feel uneasy when alone. This often makes these dogs sad, which is manifested by unhealthy behaviors.

Shetland Sheepdog

Popular for their friendly and agile nature, Shetland sheepdogs flourish with plenty of human interaction. Plus, they need mental challenges to be engaged and happy. Leaving them alone for longer periods of time can result in stress and other problems.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers were initially bred for bull-baiting but are now cherished family pets. They have an affectionate and social nature. However, these dogs can become restless or attempt to escape when they are not with their owners. They need plenty of attention and a consistent routine to feel secure. 

Collie

Collies flourish in environments where they receive plenty of companionship and mental challenges. They have a social nature and prefer to be in the company of others than to be alone. Keeping these dogs engaged with physical and mental activities can help redirect their energy.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bred for farm work in the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, lovable dogs that need companionship to thrive. Their social nature makes them prone to feeling lonely, which can lead to nervous behavior.

Samoyed

Samoyeds are social butterflies that adore human interaction. Because they are so people-oriented, Samoyeds can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too often. Their boredom and anxiety may manifest in destructive behaviors or excessive barking. 

Great Dane

Great Danes, often known as gentle giants, are incredibly affectionate and devoted to their families. Without social interaction, these big-hearted dogs may become upset and begin to display unhealthy behaviors.

Bichon Frise

These fluffy little dogs thrive on human interaction and form deep bonds with their owners. They often become quite anxious, displaying several strange symptoms if you’re not around them. This dog breed doesn’t like being by themselves and can be rather vocal about it, making them lovable but slightly high-maintenance companions.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians thrive on routine and physical activities. Being left alone can trigger their anxiety, leading to destructive behavior and restlessness. They may express boredom by chewing furniture or digging into carpets. These energetic dogs need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

Siberian Husky

Siberian huskies crave social interaction and exercise. Their pack mentality makes them prone to separation anxiety when feeling lonely. Huskies need regular companionship and mental stimulation to avoid anxiety. Without these, a husky left alone might just turn your home into a playground.

25 Best Hunting Dog Breeds in the World

25 Best Hunting Dog Breeds in the World