Picture this: You’re heading out the door for work, keys in hand, and suddenly you hear that heartbreaking whimper. Your dog is looking at you with those soulful eyes that seem to say “please don’t leave me.” If this scene feels all too familiar, you’re not alone. Some dogs just feel emotions more deeply than others, and when they’re left by themselves, their world can feel like it’s falling apart.
Studies suggest separation anxiety affects a significant portion of the estimated 90+ million dogs in the United States. That’s millions of pups struggling with loneliness every single day. But here’s what’s fascinating – certain breeds are just wired differently when it comes to emotional attachment. Some breeds suffer from separation anxiety due to their breeding history, high energy levels, and their natural disposition. Breeds that were specifically bred for companionship or for jobs that require close human interaction may find it harder to be alone.
Labrador Retriever – America’s Sweetheart With a Clingy Side
Labs have earned their spot as America’s most beloved family dog, but that popularity comes with an emotional price. The Lab was America’s most popular family dog breed for 31 years until 2022, when French Bulldogs took the top spot and generally has a relaxed disposition. However, because they are so social, they can struggle if left alone for long periods of time. These golden beauties were literally bred to work alongside humans all day long, retrieving game and staying by their owner’s side.
Given that Labradors were bred to retrieve game alongside humans, solitude isn’t something that comes naturally to them. They’re wired to stay engaged, whether through physical work or social interaction. When you see your Lab chewing through your favorite shoes or digging up the backyard, they’re not being naughty – they’re just trying to cope with the silence. Without enough of either, they’re prone to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging – often just to fill the silence. Their reputation as America’s favorite dog stems from their sociability, and that trait requires regular human contact, not just toys and background noise.
Border Collie – The Einstein of Dogs Who Overthinks Everything
Border Collies are extremely intelligent. In fact, they rank top for smarts when it comes to dogs. But sometimes being the smartest kid in the class isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. These incredible dogs were bred to herd sheep across vast Scottish highlands, making split-second decisions and working in perfect harmony with their shepherds.
Here’s the thing about having a genius for a pet – they can become bored if they don’t have much mental stimulation, such as when you’re away. Collies are also high-energy dogs, which means they need to be physically stimulated as well. Leaving them alone can lead to boredom, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior. Think of it like leaving a gifted child alone with nothing to do for hours on end. Their brilliant minds start looking for ways to entertain themselves, and that usually means your furniture pays the price.
German Shepherd – The Loyal Guardian Who Takes Their Job Too Seriously
German Shepherds are the ultimate working dogs, bred to be partners rather than pets. These dogs are working dogs and do best when an environment is physically and mentally stimulating. Left alone and bored, they can be distressed. They’re like that dedicated employee who never really clocks out – always watching, always protecting, always ready for action.
German Shepherds form deep, focused attachments to their owners. When you’re not around, they feel like they’re failing at their most important job – keeping you safe. German shepherds are herding dogs that enjoy leading and directing others. They are obedient, trainable, and intelligent dogs. But, prolonged separation times and lack of adequate physical activity can cause anxiety in German shepherds. It’s heartbreaking to think that your faithful companion is sitting by the window, worried sick about where you are and whether you’re okay.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – The Royal Lap Dog Who Rules With Love
These dogs are companion dogs and have been bred to enjoy spending lots of time with their human parents. When you leave them alone for longer periods they may suffer anxiety. These little royals were literally bred to be the perfect companions for British nobility. Imagine being designed for the sole purpose of sitting on laps and being adored all day long.
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. When you leave, it’s like taking away their entire reason for existing. Bred to be a companion dog and spend most of its time with humans means that Cavvies typically don’t react well to being left alone for long periods. The Cavalier King Charles is also one of the more naturally anxious breeds, so can be prone to barking and other nervous habits.
Vizsla – The Velcro Dog Who Can’t Let Go
Meet the breed that earned the nickname “Velcro dog” for good reason. 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. These copper-colored beauties were bred to be your shadow, your constant companion on hunting expeditions across the Hungarian plains.
Jack Russell Terrier – The Energizer Bunny With Attachment Issues
These bundles of energy quickly become bored and need lots of entertainment as well as lots of physical activity. They can quickly go awry if there isn’t a human around to help them out and to keep them engaged. They can also do a surprising amount of damage for a small dog.
Don’t let their compact size fool you – Jack Russells pack the energy of a much larger dog into their small frames. Jack Russell Terriers are well-known for their high levels of energy. Though small in stature, they can spend hours playing, running, and swimming. Bred for hunting, these active dogs need a lot of attention and engagement from their owners. It’s not uncommon for a Jack Russell Terrier to experience separation stress and feel uncomfortable when their owner departs the house – especially if they haven’t had their daily walk or play time. Picture a toddler who’s had too much sugar and multiply that by ten – that’s your Jack Russell without proper attention and exercise.
Toy Poodle – The Tiny Genius With Big Feelings
Many dog breeds can suffer from separation anxiety, but the Toy Poodle is one of the most prone to this problem. This breed is highly social and does not do well when left alone for long periods. When left alone, they may bark excessively, destroy furniture, or have accidents indoors.
These miniature marvels are incredibly smart, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Despite their delicate size, Toy Poodles are high-functioning thinkers. They adapt quickly to patterns in the home, and when those routines shift – especially if you’re suddenly absent – they take note. They’re not overly dramatic about it, but their energy dips. Some will shadow the door or skip meals. Poodles are known to be an affectionate dog breed. This type of poodle has been bred as a companion dog, and, therefore, requires an abundance of human interaction. Toy poodles tend to be one of the more clingy dog breeds.
Bichon Frise – The Fluffy Cloud Who Lives for Love
The Bichon Frise is known to have separation anxiety. They are companions and lapdogs who do not like to be away from their families. Bichon Frise are the type of dog that will follow you around all day. These walking cotton balls were bred for one purpose – to be utterly delightful companions.
bichon frise thrives when they are with humans, as intended in their breeding. They can quickly become bored and suffer separation anxiety if left to fend for themselves for too long. While Bichon Frise don’t have unusually high activity needs like Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers, this small, fluffy breed of dog was bred to be a companion dog, first and foremost. When you’re not around, they feel like they’re missing their entire purpose in life.
Cocker Spaniel – The Gentle Soul Who Wears Their Heart on Their Sleeve
Cocker Spaniels tend to be loyal and loving. Their overall temperament makes them prone to separation anxiety. These sweet-natured dogs have such tender hearts that they feel every emotion deeply. Originally bred as hunting companions, they’ve evolved into some of the most emotionally intelligent dogs you’ll ever meet.
things to love about Cocker Spaniels, but this devoted family pet is known to be prone to separation anxiety if left alone. Because they are naturally such a friendly, rewarding dog in response to people’s attention, cocker spaniels seem to feel aggrieved when they don’t get enough of it. Cocker Spaniels are hyperactive dogs belonging to hunting group of dogs. However, they are compassionate, resilient, friendly, and intelligent. They do not like being left alone. They may develop the hyper-attachment disorder, as they love to be around their owner.
Australian Shepherd – The Workaholic Who Never Learned to Relax
Herding breeds tend to have a propensity toward separation anxiety, and the Australian Shepherd is no exception. They were made to be working dogs, and they do not like being stagnant and alone. They do not like being away from their humans for long periods.
Australian Shepherds are like that friend who always needs to have a project going – they were bred to manage entire flocks of sheep while making countless decisions throughout the day. This job has been bred for herding and is a very active dog that does best when at work. These pups are typically cheerful, sociable, and very loyal. This means they can become attached to their owners and dependent on companionship. Aussies are a herding breed and rejoice in staying busy. Without work to do and humans to protect, they can become anxious shadows of their former selves.
Conclusion
Living with an emotional dog breed isn’t about changing who they are – it’s about understanding their beautiful, complex hearts and working with their nature, not against it. Certain breeds are more prone to anxiety due to their genetics and temperament. These dogs love so deeply and completely that being apart from you genuinely hurts them.
The key is gradual training, plenty of mental stimulation, and accepting that some dogs will always need a little extra emotional support. Desensitization and counterconditioning techniques are valuable tools for helping dogs overcome separation anxiety. Desensitization involves gradually exposing the dog to the trigger in a controlled manner, starting with mild exposure and increasing intensity over time to build tolerance. Remember, their intense devotion is also what makes them such incredible companions. When you come home to those wiggling, ecstatic greetings, you’re experiencing love in its purest form.
So the next time you see those pleading eyes as you grab your keys, remember – you’re not just leaving a pet behind. You’re temporarily breaking the heart of someone who thinks you’re the most wonderful thing in the entire world. Isn’t that kind of love worth a little extra patience and understanding?
