15 Dog Breeds That Struggle with Separation Anxiety

Chalabala/Getty

Imagine coming home to find your furry friend has redecorated your living room with a particularly inventive blend of couch stuffing and scattered shoes. For some dog breeds, being apart from their beloved humans can trigger a whirlwind of emotions, from anxiety-induced antics to heartfelt howls. Let’s look at fifteen breeds notorious for their tendencies towards separation anxiety.

Cockapoo

gemphotography/Getty

The cockapoo is an affectionate and people-oriented cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. It can, however, suffer from separation anxiety. Proper training, gradual desensitization, and stimulating toys can alleviate it to a degree.

Source: EdinburghDogBehaviour

Golden Retriever

Ilo Frey/Pexels

Golden Retrievers are renowned for their friendly, outgoing personalities. However, this breed is also susceptible to separation anxiety due to their deep attachment to their owners. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and establishing a consistent routine can help mitigate separation anxiety in golden retrievers.

Source: National Institute of Health

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Pixabay/Pexels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels form strong bonds with their owners due to their gentle and affectionate nature. The breed is highly social and may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. Owners can help by gradually acclimating them to alone time, providing stimulating toys, and ensuring they receive plenty of attention and exercise.

Source: Pets4Homes

Bichon Frises

David Brown/Pexels

Craving constant companionship, Bichon Frises are social butterflies who can experience separation anxiety when left on their own. To help them feel secure during solo time, establish a consistent routine, provide engaging toys or puzzles, and gradually increase the time they spend apart. This desensitization approach can build Bichon Frise’s confidence and independence.

Source: DailyMail

Dalmatian

Jozef Fehér/Pexels

Dalmatians are energetic, loyal, and intelligent dogs with a strong bond to their families. Even though Dalmatians tend to be confident and outgoing, they can still develop separation anxiety if they aren’t properly socialized and trained. A Dalmatian suffering from separation anxiety might bark excessively, engage in destructive behaviors like chewing or digging, or even attempt to escape.

Source: DailyMail

Dachshund

Diana ✨/Pexels

Dachshunds are often bold and curious despite their small size. They may exhibit behaviors such as barking, digging, and destructive chewing if left alone for long periods. Providing mental stimulation, exercise, and a secure environment is crucial to prevent separation anxiety in dachshunds.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Chihuahua

musicFactory lehmannsound/Pexels

Chihuahuas can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. When Chihuahuas are separated from their family, they may bark excessively, tremble, or chew destructively. A consistent routine and gradual acclimation to being alone can help manage their separation anxiety.

Source: DailyMail

Vizsla

MoritzDammann/Pixabay

The Vizsla breed is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and need for human interaction. If left alone for an extended period of time, they may develop separation anxiety. Exercise and mental stimulation can help Vizslas manage separation anxiety.

Source: DailyMail

Maltese

Ayyeee Ayyeee/Pexels

Maltese dogs are known for their charming personalities and gentle nature. Because of their sensitive nature and desire for companionship, this breed is prone to separation anxiety. Creating a predictable routine and gradually accustoming them to being alone helps manage it in Maltese dogs.

Source: EdinburghDogBehaviour

German Shepherd

Summer Stock/Pexels

Despite their confidence and independence, German Shepherds can develop separation anxiety under certain circumstances, which can manifest as excessive barking, pacing, destructive behavior, or attempts to escape. Separation anxiety in these dogs can be prevented or managed by providing them with physical exercise, mental stimulation, and structured activities.

Source: DailyMail

Poodle

Artie Siegel/Pexels

Poodles are intelligent, active, and social dogs. When left alone for extended periods, they may develop separation anxiety due to their high training ability and strong bonds with their families. You can help them reduce anxiety by engaging them in obedience training, agility, or interactive games.

Source: ResearchGate

Border Collie

Kevin Peters/Pexels

Known for their herding instincts and agility, Border Collies are highly intelligent, energetic, and driven working dogs. Due to their strong bonds with their owners and their need for mental and physical stimulation, they are generally adaptable and independent but can develop separation anxiety. Providing border collies with plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation is crucial to preventing or managing separation anxiety.

Source: DailyMail

Jack Russell Terrier

Alexas_Fotos/Pixabay

Despite their strong hunting instincts and spirited personalities, Jack Russell Terriers can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently. These lively and intelligent dogs need long walks, play sessions, and interactive games to stay mentally stimulated and physically tired.

Source: DailyMail

Boxer

IslandHopper X/Pexels

Boxers are playful, energetic, and affectionate dogs known for their loyalty and protective nature towards their families. While they are generally confident and outgoing, boxers can develop separation anxiety if they become overly attached to their owners. Boxers are active dogs that enjoy activities like running, playing fetch, or participating in obedience training sessions to keep their minds and bodies engaged.

Source: NewsBytes

Australian Shepherd

Ksuksa/Getty

Australian shepherds’ herding instincts and energetic personalities make them highly trainable. Although they are loyal and affectionate to their families, they can develop separation anxiety if not properly handled. To keep their minds and bodies occupied, Aussies need to run, play fetch, participate in agility or obedience training, or play interactive games.

Source: Spirit Dog Training

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply