9 Breeds That Suffer the Most From Separation Anxiety
Coming home to chewed-up shoes or dramatic howls isn’t always a sign of bad behavior—it might mean your dog really misses you. Some breeds are born snugglers who crave constant company and don’t cope well when left alone. This article digs into the most emotionally attached pups whose loyalty runs so deep that solo time feels like heartbreak.
Labrador Retriever
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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. 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.
German Shepherd
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German Shepherds form deep, focused attachments to their owners. They were originally developed for herding and protection, so they always anticipate commands and read human behavior. If left alone too often, their mental gears keep turning—with nowhere to direct that energy. That’s when you see pacing, barking, or furniture damage.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers are known for their patience and eagerness to please. They’ve long been used as therapy dogs because they respond so well to human emotion. They’re not naturally anxious, but extended solitude can wear on them. Given their temperament, they thrive in homes where someone is consistently present—whether it’s kids, adults, or even other pets.
Toy Poodle
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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.
Border Collie
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Originally bred to herd livestock without constant instruction, Border Collies now apply that same intensity to everyday household life. Owners need to keep up, or their behavior can deteriorate quickly—barking, escape attempts, or obsessive pacing. It’s simply too much brainpower with nowhere to go.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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These dogs were bred to be near people, and that shows in their behavior. Cavaliers adapt well to indoor living, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy being left behind. If you work long hours or travel often, you may come home to a dog that’s listless or overly clingy.
Bichon Frise
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The Bichon Frise was historically a companion dog for sailors and royalty alike, which explains their strong attachment to people. They handle short separations well, but extended absences tend to trigger attention-seeking behaviors—often barking or tearing at soft objects.
Vizsla
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Hungarian in origin, Vizslas were bred to hunt closely with their handlers, never straying too far from sight. That instinct still exists in modern Vizslas, which is why they often follow family members from room to room. When left alone, they don’t typically lash out—but they do withdraw.
Papillon
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Papillons are alert, agile, and far more energetic than their size suggests. They’re named for their wing-like ears and were once popular among European nobility as companion dogs. Even today, they still prefer being around their humans. Long separation can affect their behavior over time. You might notice them becoming more vocal or less interested in play.
Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus were bred to sit by the side of Chinese emperors, not to roam or work, so it’s no surprise they struggle with long stretches of solitude. They tend to be passive when stressed, often retreating into corners or refusing to engage. Many owners miss the signs until the dog becomes overly attached, even anxious when simply left in another room.
Cocker Spaniel
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Cocker Spaniels are emotionally perceptive and easily affected by their environment. They pick up on moods and shifts in routine quickly, which can be both a strength and a challenge. Separation anxiety is common and often shows through whining, loss of appetite, or excessive licking.
Jack Russell Terrier
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This breed is driven by instinct and mental stimulation. They were originally bred to chase foxes from dens and still retain that constant need for activity. When left alone, their brains simply redirect that need. That’s when you’ll find shredded couch cushions or scratched-up doors.
Italian Greyhound
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These dogs have a long history as companion animals in Italy’s noble households, and they still lean heavily on human presence. They’re not overly vocal or destructive, but emotionally, they’re fragile. Long periods alone can result in shaking, hiding, or clinginess when you return. They need a gentle, consistent presence—someone nearby, even if not actively engaged.
American Pit Bull Terrier
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Despite the stereotypes, Pit Bulls are highly people-oriented and emotionally responsive. Many were originally bred for both work and companionship, which is why they often seek out human touch and eye contact. When separated from their owners too often, some become moody; others lose interest in play.
French Bulldog
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French Bulldogs prefer being near people more than just about anything else. They aren’t high-energy, but they are deeply attached to their routines and their humans. In the face of isolation, they’re not exactly barkers, but they communicate their discomfort in other ways—usually sulking, hiding, or refusing to eat.
Havanese
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Havanese dogs are velcro canines with fur. Bred as companion dogs for Cuban aristocracy, they’re used to constant attention and cushy laps. When left alone, they spiral fast, whining, scratching at doors, or chewing like they’re staging a protest. These fluffballs panic when they miss you. A lonely Havanese is simply a tiny soap opera waiting to unfold on your living room rug.
Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas might be tiny, but their loyalty is unmatched. They form intense bonds and don’t take kindly to solo time. Leave them alone, and that fierce little heart goes into overdrive—cue trembling, barking, or burrowing into laundry piles like a panicked survivalist. They don’t just miss you—they assume you’ve been kidnapped and they’re the only ones who care enough to sound the alarm.