Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision; these furry companions need love, attention, and consistent care, much like children. While most dogs thrive on companionship, there are times you simply can’t bring them along, whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or enjoying a night out.
That’s where independent dogs come in. Unlike “velcro dogs” that struggle with separation anxiety, these calm, solitude-loving breeds are perfectly content spending short periods alone. They’re ideal for pet parents with busy schedules, offering companionship without constant clinginess—no “Home Alone” chaos included.
Dog Breeds That Can Stay Home Alone for Long Periods
Most dogs don’t like being left alone; they can become anxious, clingy, and even destructive, much like toddlers craving constant attention. But not all pups are this needy. Some breeds are naturally independent, calm, and perfectly content enjoying a bit of peace and quiet on their own.
These mellow, solitude-loving canines are like wise old souls who appreciate downtime and make ideal companions for busy people needing a low-maintenance, stay-at-home buddy.
1. Basenji
The basenji is a unique barkless dog breed that hails from Africa. This independent pup loves to stare at the window for hours on end and contemplate life and all things related to its existence. These pups have a mischievous tinge and philosophical gaze.
A basenji won’t mind if you leave them alone for a while because they are an intelligent and self-contained dog who can find a variety of non-destructive things to do in the time you are away, due to their curious nature and temperament.
According to VCA Hospitals, these exotic hunting dogs are renowned for their cleanliness and cat-like grooming habits, and their barkless feature. However, basenjis aren’t voiceless and make sounds like yodels or chortles, along with blood-curdling screams, whines, and growls.
These fairly energetic dogs behave like understanding grown-ups who will give you space and time for handling your messes and then ask you for some high-energy play time when you are back. Hence, make sure to take your basenji to a hiking trail, a play date in the dog park, or a vigorous exercise or gym session to satisfy his physical and mental stimulation needs.
2. Boston Terrier
According to WebMD, this cool American gentleman, looking dapper in a black and white tuxedo, is a true gentleman of the canine world who is not only charismatic and charming but also chivalrous, caring, and kind. They love to play with their favorite dog toys and are known for their obedience.
Hence, if you tell them to behave while you are running errands or conquering the online market with cool pitches, they’ll not only listen but also stay put. These dogs, who are incredibly perceptive and independent, will also hold the fort and eagerly wait for your return.
The AKC says Boston terriers are ideal for apartment dwellers and elderly people who can’t handle extremely demanding or overactive dog breeds. These dogs have made a huge comeback in the canine scene after putting behind their dark and dismal fighting days.
These Boston terriers are an exceptionally cute small breed that is a highly trainable and loving social animal. They make wonderful companions for families and kids.
3. Bullmastiff
These big-headed dogs with dark, soulful eyes and a deep muzzle are the ultimate professional loners, where some Bullmastiffs are more sedentary than other dogs in the mastiff family. They are good guardians and watchdogs that can be left alone for quite some time, because they can handle all the troubles that come their way on their own.
PDSA states that the Bullmastiff is a mighty dog breed with an imposing size and weight of 130 pounds. But when trained and cared for appropriately, they turn out as a docile dog breed that loves their owners and will showcase patience and loyalty to another level.
If you leave your Bullmastiff alone for a few hours, they will not make a big fuss about it or turn destructive. Just make sure to leave them with a few doggie chew toys to bite and play with.
Moreover, make sure to provide your Bullmastiff with enough exercise and brisk walks to meet their daily mental and physical stimulation requirements after coming back from your adventure outside.
4. Chow Chow
Are you looking for some respite from your daily routine and need some seclusion and alone time? The chow chow is here for your rescue, because they can understand the need for healing by taking breaks and spending time alone. The chow chow is clean, assertive, aloof, refined, serious, dignified, and independent in nature; their fluffy looks that make them seem like cuddly teddy bears are deceiving.
These dogs are less likely to get glued to their owners and aren’t big fans of cuddling and snuggling. These chow chows are not interested in being a social bug and love to float through life alone, enjoy their own company, and will be just fine if left unsupervised for a few hours. They aren’t fond of strangers or children either.
Hence, make sure to train your chow chows from a young age and focus on socialization to make them good guard dogs. Your chow chow can easily stay home alone without destroying it. These massive furry pooches are unique because of their blue tongues and are ideal for people with hectic routines.
5. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso is another ancient small dog with a big attitude that originates from Tibet. CKCUSA says these adorably small but mature dogs are known to low maintenance and are popular for their regal attitude and independent spirit.
These pups love to play and often keep themselves entertained by finding new things to enjoy in their alone time. You will often find these furry friends bouncing around and running in the house, climbing on sofas and doing harmless, non-destructive tricks, or simply relaxing, watching a Christmas classic on the sofa.
The Lhasa Apso has definitely got a throne upgrade from being guard dogs of Tibetan monasteries to being cheeky, fun-loving pups who live like there is no tomorrow. These pooches manage well on their own because of their inherent inquisitive and big dog attitude, and can easily be left alone to their own devices for a few hours or short periods of time because they are calm dogs.
However, these pups are intelligent, hence making them obey and follow orders is tough, as they only agree to what you say when it suits their needs.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers do not mind being left alone if they have toys to keep them busy. This scruffy dog breed with inquisitive and perky ears, and a docked tail that stands straight, is a magnificent dog breed for lonely people who have hectic routines.
Britannica explains that these independent dogs have a playful nature and a minimal shedding coat. They are easy to care for and a delight to own. These small dogs fit perfectly in the lives of apartment owners and are always eager to please their owners, which makes them an ideal pet.
Just make sure you leave a few toys out for playing and then walk out the door. These pups will behave and stay fine for a few hours, but can’t be left alone for too long. Hence, make sure to check in on them and shower them with love, appreciation, and attention after you come back home.
7. Basset Hound
Have you seen that Instagram trend where parents leave their babies in front of the screen unattended after telling them to behave, and tell the audience to babysit for a while until they come back? This trend can definitely be applied to a basset hound because these dogs are typically very chill and love to sleep, making them suitable to be left alone.
However, every dog comes with a set of responsibilities. Hence, treat these very independent and lazy puppies with care, as they need constant grooming and ear cleaning for their adorable droopy ears and a good diet to maintain their weight.
But can be left home alone because of their mature attitude. Just take them on a stroll or a run in the morning before going to work, and make sure they stay cool all day because they are prone to overheating.
8. Greyhound
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Greyhounds are often just as happy being couch potatoes as they are when running for championships. These usually athletic dogs are ideal for being left alone because of their independent nature.
These ancient dogs have a rich history that dates back 4,000 years to early cave drawings and are the only dogs that have been mentioned in the bible. This exceptional runner, who can cover the whole racetrack at a record speed and is like a Ferrari of the dog world, stays content in solitary confinement. Hence, if you are looking for a running partner and a good dog that is easily manageable, you can opt for the greyhound.
However, these large dogs require consistent training about the house rules so that they don’t mess up the whole house unintentionally when they move or walk, and also require socialization skills from a young age to make them good family pets.
9. Shiba Inu
These fox-like dogs with an independent, cat-like personality and pointy ears are a rage in American households. Shiba Inu is a popular dog breed known for their loyalty, cleanliness, confidence, bold and adaptable attitude, and charming personality. These ancient muscular hunting dogs originated in Japan and have gained a massive fan following and recognition in the U.S after they were brought to the country 63 years ago.
The Shiba Inu literally translates to “brushwood dog” and is often considered a sibling to the Akita. However, they are a distinct breed with different features and personalities.
If you leave a Shiba Inu alone for several hours, they’ll be just fine and not turn into an anxious mess that ends up barking, chewing, or digging holes through your house. However, training is recommended along with early socialization to keep this generally affectionate dog breed reined in and to avoid destructive behaviours.
Conclusion
All dogs are like separate individuals, and have separate personality traits that can vary even within a breed. Hence, make sure not to leave behind dogs that are prone to separation anxiety and can likely exhibit destructive behaviours. Some breeds like the Chinese Shar Peis are loyal and can be left alone with proper training and socialization, or a Maltese with a docile nature and low energy needs can be left to its own devices if you teach them to behave.
Moreover, providing toys and activities for dogs helps to prevent separation anxiety. Rare dog breeds like quiet time alone and can cope well even without the presence of their owners. Most adult dogs make this list and are less likely to end up in a mess if left home alone. Puppies belonging to the same breeds listed above still require constant care and supervision because of their reckless, energetic, and destructive nature.
Hence, save your shoes from becoming chew toys and your garden from turning into a pile of dust, and perform due diligence and be prepared before adopting or bringing home a pet dog, which is a huge responsibility and commitment of time.
