12 Dog Breeds Prone to Separation Anxiety

1. Bichon Frise

Compared to other breeds, Bichon Frises need a lot of companionship. They do best in families where someone can be with them most of the day. Many of them will become anxious when left alone for more than a few hours. For this reason, they’re prone to problem behaviors like destructive chewing and barking.

2. Keeshonds

You need to provide your Keeshond with plenty of companionship throughout the day. Otherwise, these dogs can become anxious and destructive. They’re known for being quieter than other spitz breeds, but this isn’t the case when they’re anxious. You can expect plenty of destructive chewing and barking.

3. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

These rugged, athletic dogs can make great companion animals for the right person. However, they are very people-oriented and require plenty of attention. Otherwise, they may become prone to separation anxiety. They’re particularly known for their destructive chewing, which often increases when they’re anxious.

These dogs also need quite a bit of socialization. They are pretty aloof with strangers and tend to bond closely with only those in their family. Pet sitters aren’t an alternative to spending time with these dogs.

4. Lowchen

These Little Lion Dogs are very people-oriented. They will follow you around the house all day, romp with you in the yard, and then curl up in your lap to sleep. However, many are prone to separation anxiety when left alone. We wouldn’t recommend this breed for those who work all day.

That said, these dogs are often underrated as companions. They’re responsive to training and lively without being hyperactive. They’re also much healthier than other toy dog breeds, making them long-lived companions.

5. English Springer Spaniels

English Springer Spaniels are often considered one of the most beautiful dogs out there. While they are very affectionate, they can also become clingy. When left alone, these dogs tend to become destructive. Their persistent separation anxiety is a common complaint of many dog owners.

To reduce this anxiety, you must train them to be alone from a young age. This breed is also prone to dominance and aggression, usually as the result of poor breeding. Therefore, we highly recommend taking extra precautions when picking a breeder. Only the best will do with this breed!

That said, if you’re looking for a lively breed and don’t mind frequent brushing and hours of exercise, the English Springer Spaniel can be a good choice.

6. Welsh Springer Spaniels

While English and Welsh Springer Spaniels have many differences, separation anxiety is something they share. Welsh Springer Spaniels bond closely to their humans and may become anxious when separated. These dogs are extremely devoted to their people, and it shows.

Often, these dogs are reserved with strangers. They aren’t likely to accept a dog walker as a replacement for their family members. Therefore, they do best with a family that is home for much of the day.

If you don’t spend a lot of time at home, we recommend a different breed.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are smaller and cuddlier than most other spaniel breeds. They’re considered toy dogs to many, which typically means that they’re bred solely to be companions.

However, this also means that they bond very closely with their people, which can make them prone to separation anxiety. They’re exceptionally dependent on their humans. Other dogs won’t do. They can quickly become stressed and anxious when left alone for more than a couple of hours.

Out of all the breeds on this list, this one has the most problems with separation anxiety. It’s almost considered an “instinct” at this point – not just a problem behavior.

8. English Setter

English Setters tend to be the mildest of all setter breeds, which makes them a better pet for most families. However, they are very social dogs; most won’t like being left alone for much of the day.

Luckily, these dogs are more prone to “isolation anxiety” than separation anxiety. In other words, they tend to get anxious only when completely alone. Most will happily hang out with other family dogs.

That said, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should rush out and purchase two English Setters. Adopting two puppies from the same litter can quickly lead to littermate syndrome.

9. Chinese Cresteds

Chinese Cresteds were bred to be companion animals. They will bond quickly and completely with their owners, constantly following them around the house. They’re often called “Velcro” dogs for this reason.

Of course, when you leave the house, your Chinese Crested can become very anxious. Most will develop separation anxiety if you don’t take steps to prevent it. They’re exceptionally needy dogs, so plan on spending much of your day with them.

If you work most of the day, this breed probably isn’t the best option.

10 Shetland Sheepdogs

Shetland Sheepdogs are very interactive companions. They’re pretty intelligent, which allows them to challenge their owners. They’re also very active, which can be a bit much for the average dog owner. However, if you’re looking for a dog to really run around with you, Shetland Sheepdogs are a great option.

These dogs can also be a bit neurotic, especially when left alone. They have a tendency to develop strange behaviors, such as chasing their tail or roaming around their home on a very particular path. They’re also prone to digging, barking, chewing, and practically any other problem behavior you can think up.

11. Italian Greyhounds

Italian Greyhounds are funny little dogs. They like to burrow into blankets and between pillows. You’ll commonly find them perched on the back of chairs and couches, too, much like a cat.

These dogs tend to be extremely clingy to their owners. They need plenty of attention each day and often cannot stand to be alone for more than a few hours (unless properly crate-trained). We don’t recommend this breed for those that work for much of the day.

12. English Toy Spaniels

If you want a small dog without the neediness of a small dog, the English Toy Spaniel is often suggested. However, these dogs are still prone to separation anxiety, which can be pretty crippling if not properly trained and socialized. They need a pretty constant companion.

This breed is highly recommended for seniors and those who are more “low-key.” They can easily become overwhelmed by children, so we don’t recommend them for younger families.