Is your dog a bit too clingy and gets upset when left alone? While pups who adore you and can’t help but follow you around are very lovable and should be appreciated, they’re not suitable for all pet owners.
Maybe you have a very busy lifestyle or tend to leave your home for work or travel a lot; dogs with an independent nature are valuable partners in these situations.
Wild dogs have survived on their own in the wild territories without much human intervention and care. Even many of their domesticized descendants are pretty good at staying content with their own company for some time.
All pets deserve care and attention, but if you are looking for independent breeds, this review will help you.
Independent Dog Breeds
1. German Shepherd
With an alert and wise look on their faces, muscular build, and thick coats, German Shepherds are literally the picture of strength and willpower. Despite their ferocious appearance, they’re friendly dogs and adore their families.
While German Shepherds do thrive on constant human interaction, they’re independent and smart dogs that you can rely on. If they are properly trained, they can grow to be quite self-reliant and confident dogs.
German Shepherds are popular breeds for police and military work make excellent guard dogs as well. So, they’re at the top of the game when it comes to channeling their strongest traits.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are affectionate dogs that adore their human families but possess an independent streak that helps them enjoy alone time. They were originally bred to retrieve game such as waterfowl; their efficiency at completing tasks they’ve been trained for is spectacular.
Despite their adorable looks, Golden Retrievers can be surprisingly independent. These large dogs enjoy human company, but due to their self-assured personality, they can be left to their own devices at times.
They do need a lot of exercise, so make sure you take time for their daily walks and physical activities. They’re not overly demanding as they have a natural ability to stay active and take care of their own activity needs.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds and make wonderful companions to their owners. Their background as independent hunters tells how they can be amazing on their own if trained well.
Labs are people-oriented dogs and do love to spend time with their humans. They’re incredibly loyal canines and will surely wait for you to get back home while you’re at work.
Still, they’re also perfectly content spending time in their own space if you’ve introduced alone time in their early training.
Labs are energetic and highly intelligent dogs that need exercise and mental stimulation. Depriving them of these can make them destructive and peevish.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are insanely adorable, fluffy dogs with a spunky personality. A joy to be around, these little balls of energy can be trained to be pretty great watchdogs as well. They’re smart pups and learn to do tricks and mental games like puzzles amazingly, as PetMD notes.
Poms have been adored by royalty and are quite regal and distinct in their looks. They’re a low-maintenance breed when it comes to exercise; they can work out and play indoors. Occasionally, taking them to dog parks is also a great idea.
They’re quite alert and confident dogs, but prone to separation anxiety. If you tend to leave your home for extended periods, make sure your Pom has been trained to be left alone. Give them a few toys to play with and they’ll keep themselves busy.
5. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle giants with a large, sturdy build and a calm and overly affectionate nature. They’re not just popular family pets; they also make excellent companions to people who want an independent dog.
Saint Bernards were bred in Switzerland by monks to find lost travelers who might’ve been injured. So, we know this breed is more than capable of working independently and being self-sufficient in challenging situations.
With their easygoing personality, your Saint won’t mind being on its own for a few hours. Despite their size, they need moderate exercise but will appreciate some playtime with you.
6. Great Dane
Great Danes are tall dogs with a sleek build and have been used to hunt big game like boars. Matching with their distinct appearance is their unique personality, which is a mix of gentleness and willfulness.
Danes are known for their independent nature and won’t react well to harsh training. Positive reinforcement and patience are strategies you’re going to need while training them.
Their stubborn streak also points to their ability to enjoy their personal space without needing constant attention.
7. Chow Chow
Chow Chow is a very unique small breed with a very interesting temperament. Chow Chows are territorial but make loving pets; they don’t need constant interaction. They can handle being left on their own for short periods of time.
Chow Chows have an independent and strong-willed personality that can become borderline stubborn. If they’re trained at a young age, they can become quite well-mannered, though they’re likely to be aloof and suspicious towards strangers.
They’re laid-back little dogs and don’t need a lot of exercise. Playing indoors will pretty much burn their energy.
8. Afghan Hound
Easily recognizable due to their really unique appearance, Afghan Hounds are one of the oldest dog breeds with a rich history. These long-coated canines have regal and graceful personalities that help them stand out.
Afghan hounds have a very independent demeanor; they can be quite gentle towards their families but also possess a somewhat reserved nature. This helps them survive and even thrive when left alone for some time. They won’t freak out and call the dog police on you.
Having an independent nature also means it won’t be a cake walk to train them. Teaching them to respond to commands will take a lot of patience and treats (for the dogs). Some activities they can enjoy with you are hiking, running, lure coursing, and barn hunting.
9. Akita
Akitas are quite pretty dogs with smiley faces that can lift off any traces of sadness from their owners’ hearts.
These loving dogs need owners who can spend some time bonding with them and engaging in physical activity with them. They’re also rather independent in nature and can handle some alone time, as per WebMD.
Akitas need their playtime and daily walks; they’re a good fit for owners who like to stay active and spend quality time with their pets.
As an introvert breed, Akitas don’t mind spending some hours indoors on their own, or lying by your sofa.
Conclusion
No matter how independent a dog is, quality time and scheduling grooming sessions according to your routine should always be your priority as a pet parent. Be wary of any signs of separation anxiety in your pup.
Some other breeds with an independent nature are: Boston Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Basset Hound, Shar Pei, Irish Wolfhound, Lhasa Apso, Alaskan Malamute, and French Bulldog.
