Does your dog miss you too much? These are the 10 breeds that suffer the most from separation anxiety

Every dog owner understands the struggle of trying to leave the house while sad puppy eyes stare back at you from the hall and the sad whines coming from behind the door once you’ve shut it. It’s the worst. And coming back home later to your shoes being eaten or your door scratched up do little to ease the pain.

But this kind of behavior typically means that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Of course, there are ways to train your pup to help them suffer less, but that will be more difficult with some breeds than others. Here are the top 10 dog breeds that suffer the most from separation anxiety.

Top 10 dog breeds with the worst separation anxiety

Labrador Retriever

Labs were originally bred to retrieve game with humans, so being alone isn’t natural to them. When they aren’t with people, they feel the need to fill the space with digging or chewing or some other kind of physical labor. Their social behavior makes them lovable, but it also makes it difficult for them to stay alone for prolonged periods of time.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds were bred to herd and protect their owners, so when they’re left alone, they don’t know what to do with all the energy that would normally go towards that. Thus, they’ll often tear at furniture and bark when you’re not around.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are some of the gentlest and sweetest dogs by nature as they are naturally extremely empathetic. Although they are not typically anxious dogs, long periods of solitude can be tough on them as they prefer to be around the company of humans or even other animals.

Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles are very sensitive to sudden changes, and that includes their owner suddenly being gone. You may notice their behavior change less in destructive behavior and more in their energy. Some will even eat less or not at all.

Border Collie

Like Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies were bred to herd and need to put that energy somewhere. So when their owners aren’t around for extended periods, they may lash out by constant barking, pacing, and even attempting to escape.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are wonderful house pets as they don’t mind being kept indoors. However, they do mind being left alone. They love being around people and you’ll notice they get even clingier if you’ve been gone during a long work day.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises were bred to be companions to sailors and royalty and therefore do not enjoy being left alone for long periods. They will lash out by barking or tearing up cushions and other soft objects.

Vizsla

Vizslas were bred to hunt alongside their owners, so being away from them feels unnatural to them. Even within the home, Vizslas will often follow their owner into different rooms. Their resulting behavior is more subtle as they don’t lash out by chewing or barking, but rather by being more withdrawn.

Papillon

Like the Bishon Frise, Papillons were bred to be noble companions. They can handle some alone time, but if it’s excessive, they’re likely to show you they are upset by barking or becoming less interested in playing.

Shih Tzu

It won’t be immediately obvious that your Shih Tzu is suffering from separation anxiety, as they tend to be much more passive creatures. But they love to be around humans and suffer when left alone for long stretches of time, showing their signs by retreating into corners or refusing to engage when you are around.

Other dog breeds that suffer from separation anxiety include Cocker Spaniels, Jack Russell Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, American Pit Bull Terriers, and French Bulldogs. Whether it’s energy they need to let out or the need for human companionship, these dog breeds will show you their dissatisfaction being left alone in a variety of ways and it’s important to do your research on yours to understand its behavior and better support it to give it the love and attention it needs.

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