Every dog has its own unique personality, but some breeds are like that friend who texts you constantly, while others prefer to send the occasional postcard. Understanding your dog’s social needs isn’t just about training or behavior management. It’s about building the right kind of relationship that helps both of you thrive.
Whether you’re working from home with a Velcro dog attached to your hip, or you need a companion who won’t turn your house upside down when you grab groceries, this guide will help you understand the breeds that crave constant companionship versus those independent spirits who march to their own drum.
French Bulldogs: The Ultimate Shadow
French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate, playful nature and strong attachment to their human family members. These dogs love to be the center of attention and struggle when left alone for long periods. French Bulldogs are prone to separation anxiety because they crave constant interaction with their owners.
Picture this: your Frenchie following you to the bathroom, sitting outside the shower door, and giving you those big bug eyes when you reach for your car keys. French Bulldogs demand attention from their owners or other humans. They can suffer from severe separation anxiety when left alone. Their flat faces might make them snore adorably, but they’re not built for emotional independence.
German Shepherds: Devoted Protectors
German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and protective dogs that often form strong bonds with their owners. While they are known for their versatility as working dogs, their attachment to their family can make them prone to separation anxiety when left alone. German Shepherds are used to having a purpose and being involved in their owner’s daily life, so extended periods of isolation can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviors.
These magnificent dogs were bred to work alongside humans all day, every day. German Shepherds tend to form deep bonds with their owners. This trait can make them distressed and anxious when left alone. When your GSD starts rearranging your furniture while you’re at work, they’re not being destructive for fun. They’re telling you they miss having a job to do with their favorite person.
Bichon Frise: The Velcro Lapdog
The Bichon Frise is a small, affectionate dog that craves companionship and attention. Bred as lapdogs, Bichons are happiest when they are with their human family members, and they can struggle when left alone. Their cheerful disposition can quickly become anxiety when separated from their loved ones, leading to barking, whining, or destructive chewing.
Bichon Frise are the type of dog that will follow you around all day. These fluffy white clouds were literally bred to be companions, not working dogs. They’re the definition of a people-pleaser who genuinely believes their purpose in life is to make you smile.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Hearts on Four Legs
The Cavalier King Charles breed has a reputation for suffering from extreme separation anxiety. They will provide your family with unconditional love and loyalty, and they are lap dogs. They do not like to be left on their own.
These sweet-faced spaniels have been bred for centuries to be royal lap warmers. Cavaliers are extremely social and enjoy being around people and other animals. They enjoy being involved in family activities and require a significant amount of attention and engagement to remain happy and well-adjusted. If your Cavalier could talk, they’d probably ask why you ever need to leave the house without them.
Weimaraners: The Gray Ghost Shadows
Weimaraners are athletic, intelligent dogs that thrive on human companionship. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they have a high energy level and a strong desire to be with their people. This breed can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long, as they become bored and frustrated without adequate interaction. Weimaraners need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them content, and they are best suited for active families who can provide plenty of time and attention.
This breed is a German gundog who was bred to work alongside their guardians for long periods. They do not do well when separated from their humans. They are nicknames “Velcro dogs” because they will stick to their guardian like glue. Your Weimaraner probably thinks personal space is just a myth humans made up.
Vizslas: Hungarian Hunting Companions
Nicknamed the “velcro dog” because of their propensity to stick close to their owner, these beautiful hunting dogs were born and bred to hunt alongside people. Vizslas love to work and love to be with humans. Left alone, with nothing to do, often leads to anxiety.
Perhaps a lesser known breed than others on this list, the Vizsla is another hunting dog breed from Hungary that many owners feel passionately about. Vizslas tend to be a high anxiety dog breed because they hate being away from their owners and appreciate a busy, full house. They are known as very affectionate and even great with children, so this breed is really perfect for an active family or a super active person with plenty of time to share with their pet.
Australian Shepherds: Work-Oriented Partners
Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic dogs that are used to working closely with their handlers. They are known for their strong work ethic and loyalty, which can make them prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Australian Shepherds thrive in active environments with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, and when left without these outlets, they may become anxious or destructive. Their need for regular interaction and activity means they are best suited to households where someone can keep them company and provide them with tasks or challenges.
These brilliant herding dogs don’t just want to be with you. They want to have a job to do alongside you. 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.
Border Collies: The Einstein of Neediness
The Border Collie consistently ranks as the most intelligent dog, but this means they are more likely than other breeds to become bored when they have no stimulation. So leaving them alone can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behavior as they look for ways to amuse themselves.
Border Collies are an extremely active breed of dog, who were bred for their herding abilities and their ability to assist on farms. They are highly intelligent and social as well, so they make a great dog for anyone with an active lifestyle who can meet their exercise and companionship needs. Border Collies will have a really hard time if they aren’t getting enough exercise, and lack of play can often result in destructive or problematic behavior in these dogs. This high level of activity need can’t be met without intense social time with their owners, so they are also prone to separation stress and general high anxiety unless properly cared for.
Chihuahuas: Tiny Dogs with Big Attachment Issues
Chihuahuas may be small, but they form incredibly strong bonds with their owners and can become anxious when left alone. Known for their loyalty and devotion, Chihuahuas often prefer to be with their humans as much as possible. When left alone for extended periods, they can exhibit signs of separation anxiety, including barking, whining, and destructive chewing. Their small size and delicate temperament make them particularly sensitive to changes in their environment, and they thrive best in homes where someone is available to provide them with constant companionship.
The tiny Chihuahua is an ideal breed for dog lovers living in an apartment, but not if they are going to be left alone as separation anxiety is common. They might be perfectly behaved when their human is around but tend to resort to howling, whining and destructive behaviour when they feel lonely. These pocket-sized personalities pack all their love into one person, and they expect that devotion to be returned 24/7.
Toy Poodles: Small Dogs with Big Emotions
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.
This type of poodle has a gentle temperament and has been bred as a companion dog. As such, they need time and love from their human family. When they don’t get it, they can suffer from significant separation distress. Their intelligence means they notice everything, including when you’re getting ready to leave.
Greyhounds: Couch Potato Champions
Greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy and independent, contrary to their racing background. They are comfortable spending time alone and are known to be couch potatoes. Their calm demeanor makes them suitable for full-time working owners, requiring only moderate exercise when their owner is home.
Despite their reputation as racing dogs, Greyhounds are surprisingly independent and low-maintenance in a home environment. Known for their speed and agility, they were originally bred for hunting. However, their calm demeanor makes them excellent couch companions. Greyhounds enjoy a good sprint but are also content to lounge around for most of the day. While they enjoy being around people, they also have an independent streak that allows them to be content when left alone for a while.
Basset Hounds: The Laid-Back Loungers
The Basset Hound is considered to be a low-energy dog breed thanks to their calm, easygoing personality that borders on being lazy. As a result, most Basset Hounds are independent dogs that don’t mind some solo time, which they’ll likely choose to spend napping.
The AKC notes that Basset Hounds are very independent: This makes them a bit more challenging to train, but it means that they’ll be fine being left home alone. And if their adorable droopy ears weren’t already the selling point, they’re also mild and love to get affection from their family. These dogs have mastered the art of contentment.
Shiba Inus: The Cat-Like Canines
The Shiba Inu breed is among the most popular breeds in Japan. Known to be inherently loyal and independent, they are not needy dogs, according to Coates. “They [Shiba Inu] have a reputation for not being overly affectionate, but that is balanced by being happy in their own company,” said Coates.
Shiba Inus can often be happiest when they have a little bit of daily time to relax, play, and explore on their own. This breed used to be used as a hunting dog in Japan for hundreds of years, so they’re used to doing things on their own. These dogs respect your personal space and expect the same courtesy in return.
Chow Chows: The Independent Aristocrats
The lion-like Chow Chow is always clean, refined, and dignified, according to the AKC, meaning they’ll do just fine unsupervised in your home.
Chow chows weren’t bred to be cuddled and fussed over, and after their centuries-long streak of independence, they’d prefer it to stay that way. Their self-sufficient nature is exactly what makes chow chows ideal companions for those with busy schedules, says Dr. Attas. Chows don’t tend to bark much, according to the AKC, which might be a result of their regal history as companions to emperors and nobles. In other words, you can leave home without worrying about disturbing your neighbors. However, the chow chow’s reserved nature means they might not appreciate midday check-ins from strangers, so plan to be home before their next potty break (about every 6 to 8 hours for healthy adults).
Akitas: The Dignified Guardians
Akitas love affection, but unlike other breeds, they don’t demand attention by constantly pawing or barking. “Steadfast and intuitive, they are arguably the most independent breed,” notes Wag!
The Akita is a large, powerful breed from Japan, known for its loyalty, courage, and independence. Their calm and dignified nature sets them apart. Akitas are not needy dogs – they enjoy affection but don’t constantly seek it. With the right care, an Akita will be a steady, loyal companion who respects your space – and expects you to respect theirs.
Understanding your dog’s social needs isn’t about categorizing them as good or bad. It’s about finding the perfect match for your lifestyle. Those Velcro dogs who need constant company? They’ll give you unconditional love and loyalty that fills every corner of your heart. The independent breeds? They offer a different kind of companionship, one built on mutual respect and quiet understanding.
Whether you’re drawn to a shadow who’ll never leave your side or a dignified companion who values their alone time as much as yours, the key is being honest about what you can provide. What do you think makes the perfect dog-human match? Tell us in the comments.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
