Dogs are perhaps the most humanized animals on this planet.

Pet canines are the best friends to their human masters and like to be with them as much as possible.

Due to this nature, they become quite attached to their favorite human and hate to see them leave, leading to a higher prevalence of anxiety in many different dog breeds.

If you’re a person who has the time to spend with a dog and you’re looking for a breed that will enjoy and devote their time and attention to you, then the breeds on this list could work for you.

However, if you’re often away or have a full-time job, some of these high anxiety breeds may not enjoy seeing you go.

12 Dog Breeds Prone to Separation Anxiety

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers, being family dogs, keep their owners and their family members close to their heart.

For this reason, the Labrador Retriever breed can start showing signs of distress when being separated from their owners.

This kind of attachment with owners and family members makes them more prone to bouts of separation anxiety.

labrador-retrievers-get-separation-anxiety

2. Border Collie

The Border Collie likes to remain active at all times.

Usually, they keep their master on their toes with this breeds high level of energy.

When subjected to a lack of activity, the dogs of this breed show signs of behavioral problems.

In such situations, these dogs become unhappy to the extent that they become destructive by nature.

Being unhappy when left alone increases the likelihood of these dogs experiencing separation anxiety.

border collie

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a sharp brain.

As a family dog, the Cavalier is known to be one of the best companions.

What makes them unique is their fearless nature, despite being so docile and friendly.

This breed is known for barking a lot and this behavior increases when they are left alone.

As such, it is one of the dogs that does not handle being separated from their owners.

cavalier king charles spaniel

4. German Shepherd

Gentle to its master, the German Shepherd can be equally fierce and feisty to strangers.

Its instinct is to protect its owner and the people whom it knows. Its demeanor and intelligence are the two attributes of its nature that reflect its emotional attachment to the members of its family.

Thus, even the thought of being alone puts German Shepherds in a state of mental distress, landing them on this list.

german shepherd

5. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd is a dog with a herd mentality.

Similar to the Border Collie, the Aussie needs plenty of mental and physical exercise.

Both training and socialization are essential to help the pooches from these breeds grow into well-rounded dogs.

When you add up all these factors, it becomes crystal clear why the Australian Shepherd has the likelihood of falling under the category of dogs with anxiety.

australian shepherd

6. Vizsla

A dog with gentle nature, the Vizsla can become frustrated and this shift in attitude can lead to aggression.

Despite being independent by nature with protective instincts, it is sensitive to loneliness.

As a result, Vizsla finds a place on the list of dog breeds with separation anxiety.

vizsla dog

7. German Shorthaired Pointer

Going by the habits and instincts, the German Shorthaired Pointer makes for an excellent family dog.

However, the breed truly does best with a large space where it can explore as well as ample exercise and mental stimulation.

The GSP’s desire to be with their owners and crave their attention is the reason why they are on the list of breeds with separation anxiety.

german shorthaired pointer

8. Toy Poodle

Short in size, cute by looks, and energetic by nature, the Toy Poodle is a popular companion.

Sometimes it may display signs of shyness, and at other times, it may bark excessively upon seeing strangers.

This breed tends to form strong bonds and attachments to their owners and enjoys being carried around, which gives them a higher predisposition to having separation anxiety.

toy poodle

9. Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels have an affectionate, playful, and lovely nature, making them excellent companions.

This breed is soft and cuddly and truly blossoms when bonded with their favorite human.

Their desire to be around people and have constant affection can easily lead to separation anxiety, which is how these cuties end up on the list.

english cocker spaniel

10. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cute, curly haired dog that loves spending time with their people.

They are social by nature which makes it difficult for them to go solo in most situations.

Due to an outgoing, social nature, the dogs from this breed tend to remain attached to their master.

As a result, the Bichon Frise comes under the category of dog breeds that are prone to depression when there is no one to interact with.

bichon frise dog

11. Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are loyal to people who own them.

But at the same time, they can also be attention seekers.

These breeds are lap dogs, which makes them an ideal companion for those that want a small friend to take with them easily.

This lapdog nature makes them far more likely to experience separation anxiety whenever their owners are away.

chihuahua

12. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is an intelligent and athletic small breed of dog.

They truly enjoy the company of their owners and have a tendency to become anxious whenever they are left alone.

This breed is a great companion for many people, but if you think that a dog that could potentially panic whenever you leave the house is not for you, then don’t look into a Jack Russell.

jack russell terrier

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