Separation anxiety is a condition that can affect a number of dog breeds.
Barking excessively, destructively chewing, relentlessly digging, persistent howling and whining are all signs of separation anxiety.
It can be a disturbing experience for dog owners who have to leave their furry friends at home alone.
They’re a number of different ways to soothe a dog’s separation anxiety, including leaving the radio or television on, purchasing a dog camera or crating your pup.
You could also avail of the services of an experienced dog trainer who has knowledge of the issue or talk to your local veterinarian about ways to tackle their separation anxiety.
In this article, helloBARK! will take a look at 20 dog breeds that have a reputation for suffering with separation anxiety.
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20) Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kai (Photo: lifewithkleekai/Instagram)
A relatively new breed, the Alaskan Klee Kai were bred to be companion dogs. These little dogs, often dubbed mini huskies, quickly become attached to their owners. However, this affection comes at a cost as they don’t like to be separated. Their high-pitched scream can be disturbing for owners to hear.
19) American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pitt Bull are often used to guard and watch the home. However, the breed can be anxious and destructive when left at home alone. They can require stimulation when left at home alone to prevent unwanted behaviours.
18) Australian Shepherd
Bred to work on the farm helping humans to herd cattle and sheep, the Australian Shepherd is a bright dog. They like to stay active. When left alone with nothing to do, they can suffer from separation anxiety.
17) Bichon Frise
These little dogs make great companion pets. They’re excellent for first time owners with little experience with dogs. However, Bichon Frise crave attention and they don’t like to be left alone for long spells.
16) Border Collie
The smartest dog in the world, the Border Collie is a bright and versatile breed. Like the Australian Shepherd, their primary function was to work on the farm. They require a lot of mental stimulation to keep those smart brains ticking over. So periods at home alone with nothing to do can lead to destructive behaviour.
15) Chihuahua
Loved for their ability to adapt to apartment living, Chihuahuas have a reputation for being little dogs capable of a lot of noise. Normally with their owners throughout the day thanks to their portable size, Chihuahuas love human company and can become destructive or even aggressive when left behind at home alone.
14) Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel enjoys some exercise (Adobe Stock)
Initially bred to function as gun dogs, the Cocker Spaniel would follow their owners around woodland or fields during hunts. Unsurprisingly, they love to be outdoors. So if left indoors alone, you could experience some symptoms of separation anxiety with these dogs.
13) Fox Terrier
Adored for their trademark beards, the Fox Terrier is a unique dog. Like the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie, they’ve got a high IQ. Fox Terriers require a lot of mental stimulation and boredom can lead to some unwanted behaviours from these adorable pups.
12) French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is one of the most common apartment dogs. They’re happiest in the company of their humans and don’t like or require a lot of exercise. French Bulldogs demand attention from their owners or other humans. They can suffer from severe separation anxiety when left alone.
11) German Shepherds
German Shepherd (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Not a breed you’d instinctively think of when considering potential dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. When you consider how these dogs like to be active – or even working in some cases – it makes sense that some German Shepherds may struggle when left to their own devices with nothing to do in an enclosed space.
10) German Shorthaired Pointer
Another German breed that has a reputation for struggling with separation anxiety is the German Shorthaired Pointer. Like the Cocker Spaniel, they served a purpose for humans during hunting expeditions. Used to the constant company of humans, they can become anxious when left alone.
9) Havanese
Hailing from Havana in Cuba (as their name indicates), this little breed is often described as a great dog for first-time owners. However, the only downside is their tendency to suffer from separation anxiety. They don’t like to be without human company.
8) Italian Greyhound
Described as a good breed for people who live in apartments, the Italian Greyhound is satisfied with stretching their legs a couple of times a day. They love to relax on the bed or the sofa. They don’t like to be left alone.
7) Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Jack Russell Terriers are a common breed throughout the world. They’re compact dog with a lot of energy. If left at home alone for too long, they can become destructive little terrors.
6) King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are the 19th most popular dog in the USA (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The quintessential lap dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been acting as company dogs for centuries. They’re affectionate and sociable animals that love the company of other dogs and humans. However, if you’ll have to leave them at home alone for more than two hours a day, they probably aren’t the right fit for you.
5) Labrador Retriever
Dog labrador retriever playing outside smile in green park (Photo: Adobe Stock)
A surprise inclusion as these dogs have a deserved reputation for being great family dogs, the Labrador Retriever does have one downfall. They love to be with their families and can sometimes display symptoms of separation anxiety when left at home alone.
4) Maltese
If you’ve seen a Maltese dog, there is a good chance they were in the arms of their owner. The toy breed are so small that they’re easy to carry around on your daily errands or trips to the coffee shop. They love human company and don’t like to be left alone.
3) Pomeranian
Pomeranian (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Like the Maltese, Pomeranian dogs are another great example of companion pets. These little fluff balls, like the Alaskan Klee Kai, can become very attached to their owners in a short space of time. This can lead to the breed displaying signs of separation anxiety.
2) Toy Poodle
Poodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Second only to the Border Collie in terms of intelligence, the Toy Poodle needs a lot of mental stimulation to keep them content. The toy size have been bred to for companionship purposes, so it’s no surprise that they don’t like to be without human company.
1) Vizslas
Sometimes given the name “velcro dogs”, Vizslas like to stick by the side of their humans. When they’re not, they can suffer from separation anxiety.
