Everyone loves to own a pet, and dogs are said to be man’s best friend.

When you’re working a 9-5 job, 5 days a week, it’s important to look into adopting a breed that is known for having little to no separation anxiety.

So, if you are planning to bring home a canine companion but have some unsettled questions about which breeds are best for long work hours, we have you covered in this article here.

What Is Separation Anxiety In Dogs?

Separation anxiety in dogs is where a pet realizes that their owner is no longer home and they begin panicking.

This panic can manifest in many different extremes, sometimes ranging from potty accidents to physical trauma and destruction of their owner’s personal belongings.

Did you know that on average, around 20%-40% of pet dogs suffer from separation anxiety which happens due to the hyper-attachment of fur babies to their owners.

This constant need to be around each other causes anxiety and extreme stress in our canine companions, and sometimes even the owners!

While some dog owners understand the delicacy of this problem, many of them do not know the right way to cope with it.

If you wish to get a dog despite a tight schedule, you might want to get one from a breed that has low separation anxiety.

Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety For Full Time Workers

Chow Chow

Going by its appearance, a Chow Chow may seem cuddly, but in reality, they are an independent breed of dog.

If your daily routine keeps you out of home most of the time, you can rely on this dog to be on its own without showing signs of separation anxiety.

This breed doesn’t need coddling or constant attention like some, making it a great option for single people who work a lot.

chow chow dog

Basset Hound

The short-legged and long-bodied Basset Hound breed is fun, loving and entertaining while also being independent.

While Basset’s love cuddles and affection from their owners, they certainly have no issues with spending their free time alone snoozing on the couch.

You can rest easy knowing that your dog would not be anxious when you leave the house, whether it’s for a few hours or most of the day.

bvdb bassethound

French Bulldog

In general, French Bulldogs are affectionate, fun-loving, independently minded and strong-willed.

On average, these little powerhouse dogs engage in more solo activities, preferring their own agenda over others telling them what to do.

Taking these factors into consideration, you can say that a French Bulldog is a pet friend that you can leave alone at home for a few hours or most of the day.

french bulldog

Bullmastiff

As a protective pet dog that loves its master, a Bullmastiff generally likes to spend its time with its owner and other family members.

Despite being an affectionate family dog, this big breed isn’t afraid of going off on their own and entertaining themselves.

Therefore, you can assume that your Bullmastiff will be happy and content staying at home by themselves.

bullmastiff

Shar Pei

Shar Pei’s are a unique looking, wrinkly breed that are well-known for being a bit stubborn by nature.

However, they are highly independent and have low energy levels.

These qualities make the Shar-Pei a great option for owners who need a dog that won’t care how long they’re gone throughout the day.

shar pei 1

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are a lot of dog packed into a small and energetic package!

This breed is intelligent, active and thankfully, pretty independent.

While they enjoy playing with their owners, they are just as content with lazing around on the couch for hours while their owner is busy around the house or at work.

boston terrier

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are the biggest breed in the canine kingdom. They are tall, heavy and calm, making them an excellent overgrown cuddle-buddy, known for their loving dispositions.

While they may be snuggly by nature, they do not mind lounging around, making them a great option for people looking for a breed with a low prevalence of separation anxiety.

irish wolfhound

Lhasa Apso

Going by the appearance, the Lhasa Apso may seem like a pooch that needs meticulous attention from their owners.

However, that’s simply not the case.

This adorable, small breed is an excellent companion while also being one that’s fine with alone time and independence.

They may follow their owners around the house, but they certainly don’t mind going off to find their own thing to do.

lhasa apso

Bull Terrier

This breed of dog may appear like they’d be dangerous thanks to some common misconceptions about bully breeds of dogs, the Bull Terrier is simply a big sweetie.

They enjoy spending time with their people, however, their attention remains focused on securing the home.

For this reason, they make an excellent breed option for owners who need a dog that doesn’t mind being alone for extended periods of time.

english bull terrier. original public domain image from wikimedia commons

How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?

It is not advisable to leave your furry friend in solitude for more than 8 hours.

However, your pet’s alone time depends on its breed and training.

Contrary to what some owners may think, in order to prevent your dog from developing separation anxiety, you should allow them some time alone.

How to Leave Your Dog Home Alone For a Long Time?

Life happens and sometimes we are thrown a curveball, requiring us to go out of town on short notice or even stay late at the office or a family function.

So, what do you do if you know that your dog may have to stay home alone longer than usual?

To help make the experience less stressful and anxiety inducing, you can take the following measures:

  • Have someone stop by during the day for you
  • Provide plenty of food and water
  • Have their toys out for them to play with

 *Giving your dog some extra play time or taking them on a longer way can help keep them tired during the part of the day that you are gone from home.

pug

What Dog Breed Has The Lowest Chance Of Separation Anxiety?

No animal or person is perfect, therefore all breeds have the potential chance for behavioral issues like separation anxiety.

However, depending on their breed, size, training, and temperament, these dog breeds are less likely to suffer from distress or separation anxiety.

The list includes dog breeds such as the Irish Wolfhound, Basset Hound, French Bulldog, or Maltese.

Which Dog Breeds Can Be Left Alone During The Day?

Though you should refrain from leaving your pet canine alone for an extended period of time, some breeds of dogs have a lower chance of separation anxiety than others.

These breeds include - Basset Hound, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Shar Pei, Pugs, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, and the Akita.

What Dog Breeds Can Be Left Alone For Up To 8 Hours?

A normal work routine for an office employee must not be equivalent to a dog’s home-alone training.

Though it is always better to visit your furry friends quickly over a break, some dogs with less separation anxiety tend to manage a longer alone time.

These breeds include Bulldogs, Basenjis, Basset Hounds, Boston Terriers, Great Dane, Greyhounds, and Standard Poodles.

What Breeds Of Dogs Have The Most Separation Anxiety?

More or less, all pets tend to suffer from separation anxiety.

Labrador Retrievers are one of the humans’ most devoted furry friends, yet they can sometimes have the most separation anxiety.

Other anxious dog breeds include German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Vizsla, Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel, Blue Heeler/Australian Cattledog and the Toy Poodle.

What Is The Best Dog For Someone Who Works All Day?

Though there are no dogs without separation anxiety, some breeds are much more independent and care less about being left alone.

Such a list of low-maintenance dog breeds includes the Basset Hound, French Bulldog, Irish Wolfhound, Maltese, Shar Pei, and Whippet.

Is It Cruel To Leave A Dog Alone?

It is certainly not cruel to leave your dog home alone, as long as it is not for an unreasonable length of time.

There will be many daily occasions where you will be prompted to leave your pet home alone.

To make these times less challenging and upsetting for your pet, you should prepare them to deal with separation anxiety since they were pups.

Pets adapt to alone time much better if they are prepared at a young age.

Therefore, teaching your dog that it is completely fine to stay home alone is crucial for yours and your pet’s overall happiness.

Can You Have A Dog If You Work 9-5?

There are times when you are a working individual and a dog parent.

In that case, breeds of low separation anxiety are much easier to handle.

You have to follow some protective measures to keep your furry friends engaged in your absence. Make sure you spend quality time with your pets before leaving for your work and when you get home.

Please provide them with a comfortable space in your home with abundant food and water.

Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety For Working People

Being a working individual and owning a pet simultaneously is not always an easy task to manage.

Each dog has a different personality and temperament depending upon the breed, size, and training of your furry friend.

If you find yourself away from home a lot but truly desire that canine companionship, then you can’t go wrong checking out one of the mentioned breeds above.

If you notice that your dog is becoming anxious when you leave the house, call your veterinarian right away to see how you can help curb this unwanted behavior.

 

akita dog

Pug

Pugs are a big time couch potato.

Due to their flat noses, they struggle to stay active for too long, meaning that they are perfectly content hanging out on their bed or sofa all day.

This breed is curious and funny, yet still majorly independent, making them another good choice for those of us that work long hours throughout the week.

havanese 1

Akita

The Akita remains engaged in guarding the home. As a result, it does not get anxious even as its owner is away for a while.

This desirable trait of protection and independence makes them a perfect breed for owners who are not home often.

 

papillon

Havanese

The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese, is a furbaby in the true sense of the term.

It loves cuddles and needs proper maintenance.

However, it has an independent nature which makes it a small dog with low anxiety.

Papillon

Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillon has exceptional athleticism and a big personality to boot.

It likes to remain close to its owner but also has an independent nature like most dogs on the list.

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