While separation anxiety isn’t necessarily breed specific, there are certain dogs that tend to get a little more nervous than their counterparts when their parents leave the house.
Separation anxiety can have many different factors that cause it to occur. Some dogs have a hard childhood… er… puppyhood… or get abandoned too early while other dogs seem to get anxious about mom and dad leaving for no apparent reason whatsoever.
If you are in the market for a new dog, knowing which breeds are prone to separation anxiety could be really important, depending upon how much time you are able to spend at home with your new pet. Following are some of the top breeds known to get anxious when they are left alone.
1. GERMAN SHEPHERD
Everyone knows that German shepherds make great guard dogs and police dogs. They have been used for everything from law enforcement work to sheep tending. Sadly, this breed has seen some decline in its overall health in recent years and that includes emotional problems which can sometimes lead to severe separation anxiety.
2. AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
The Australian Shepherd breed was created as a working dog. They are herding animals who are most comfortable when they are on the move. As a result, when they are forced to keep still or have a lack of things to keep them occupied, they tend to get very nervous. These are great dogs to have if you can keep them busy. If they are going to be spending a lot of time stationary or alone, however, a different breed is highly recommended.
3. LABRADOR RETRIEVER
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dogs in the United States. They have grown quite fond of spending time with their family. Like German Shepherds, sadly Labradors have also seen a decline in overall health due to overbreeding, and that includes an increase in separation anxiety. When selecting one of these dogs, make sure that you are very careful about how they were bred and raised early on, if you can. Never buy a puppy from a puppy mill, as you are sure to get one with at least a few problems.
4. VIZSLA
Vizslas are a very popular breed from Hungary. They were bred to be hunting dogs, and they are known to spend hours in the woods for long periods of time. Vizslas have a lot of energy and they don’t like being left alone for extended periods of time. So, if you plan on leaving your new doggo for long stretches of time, a Vizsla is not for you.
5. BORDER COLLIE
Like the other sports dogs, Border Collie’s are on the list for many of the same reasons. These dogs make excellent pets. They are known for their high levels of intelligence and their ability to work hard. These dogs need pretty constant mental stimulation, though, or they get bored very easily. Boredom in dogs like these can lead to pretty severe anxiety when their mom or dad leaves home.
6. COCKER SPANIEL
Cocker Spaniels were bred as hunting dogs like the Vizslas were. They are used to spending a lot of time with their families. They get separation anxiety for some of the same reasons as the German Shepherd and the Labrador. Throughout the years, breeding has led to some temperament issues, one of which is separation anxiety.
7. BICHON FRISE
Bichon Frise are tiny little lapdogs who enjoy spending time on their parent’s laps as much as possible. Their owners report that separation anxiety runs high in this breed. These tiny little lovers prefer mom and dad to stay right where they are and they tend to get very upset when they leave. If you are in the market for a little dog, make sure you have plenty of time to spend with them before choosing a Bichon Frise.
8. CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the smallest spaniel breeds there are. They were bred as companion dogs, much like the Bichon Frise. Like the Bichons, they prefer to be around their humans and when they are left alone too long they can get very upset.
9. ITALIAN GREYHOUNDS
Italian Greyhounds make excellent family companions, even for those that aren’t as active as some of the other breeds like. Because these dogs bond so closely with their family, however, they can get upset pretty easily when they are left alone for long periods of time.
10. TOY POODLE
Toy Poodles are the smallest of the Poodle breeds. They are bred for the sole purpose of human companionship. As a result of that breeding, their very favorite thing is spending time with their very favorite humans. If they are left alone for too long, they get stressed out because they need that human interaction.
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