Having a furry friend at home means lots of fun, but it is a full-time commitment. Dogs require constant attention from their humans. Some of them thrive on continuous companionship and can become anxious when left alone.
Fortunately, some dog breeds value the peace of home. They are comfortable and confident without constant interaction from their humans and do well as single pets. Such canines are usually referred to as independent dog breeds.
They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and fit. However, once you have fulfilled their energy needs, they can spend the rest of the time alone. Remember, it is not advised to leave adult dogs on their own for more than a few hours a day.
Have a look at these 9 dog breeds that are happy to go it alone.
Dog Breeds That Are Happy To Go It Alone
1. Basenji
The Basenji is a highly independent dog breed having a mind of its own. These adventurous canines love to roam freely and explore their surroundings. Basenjis are notoriously quiet, barkless dogs with a cat-like, fastidious nature.
They are inquisitive and active dogs with high energy levels. They need lots of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation, explains the American Kennel Club. But once they have exercised, they are usually content doing their own thing. Due to these traits, Basenjis also make good apartment dogs.
Basenjis are highly intelligent and curious dogs, so make sure to keep them on a leash or in a fenced yard when outside. They are loving to their people and form strong bonds with them, but do not like strangers. Basenjis respond well to positive reinforcement training.
2. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog breed that was bred centuries ago for hunting. This independent dog breed has a strong-willed personality and is highly intelligent. Shiba Inus are high-energy dogs who love their own space.
These Spitz dogs are adaptable to different living environments as long as their energy needs are being fulfilled. Shiba Inus love their alone time but need plenty of exercise every day for physical and mental enrichment.
According to Orvis, you can leave your Shiba Inu on its own for around eight hours at a time. However, crate training is important as they can end up chewing dangerous items when bored. They may be challenging to train due to their independent streak and need consistent training.
3. Chow Chow
Another cat-like breed, the Chow Chow, is instantly recognizable due to their adorable teddy bear looks. They are eternally loyal to their people but tend to be aloof towards strangers. Chow Chows form strong bonds with their owners and are sometimes prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
However, they have independent personalities and can be quite strong-willed and stubborn. This, combined with their physical strength make them unsuitable for novice pet parents, explains PetPlan. Once exercised properly, Chow Chows happily spend their time alone.
Chow Chows make good family pets, but are not known for their playfulness or patience. They have a strong guarding instinct, so proper training and socialization are required to turn them into well-mannered pups. They are one of the best dog breeds for people looking for a large dog that is happy to be alone.
4. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds were originally bred to hunt in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. This independent dog breed has a reserved personality. Afghan Hounds are highly affectionate to their owners, but aloof towards strangers.
They need proper training and early socialization to turn into well-behaved pets. Having a majestic look, this self-reliant dog loves spending some alone time. Afghan Hounds are loving dogs who need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
As sight hounds, Afghan Hounds have a strong prey drive, and they love to chase smaller animals like squirrels and rabbits. That is why they are not well-suited for homes with multiple pets. These athletic dogs need at least an hour of exercise every day.
5. Chinese Shar-Pei
Chinese Shar-Pei is a strong, regal, and independent dog breed known for its high intelligence and immense loyalty. They love their owners but tend to be wary of strangers and other dogs. Shar-Peis are serene dogs, but meet perceived threats with tenacity.
They make excellent guard dogs and need proper training and socialization to behave well. They are one of the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers who spend a lot of time out of the home at work. Shar Peis are aloof dogs who need minimal cuddling.
Shar Pei is an adaptable dog breed, so exercise needs may vary in individual dogs. They do well with active owners as well as in an apartment with a few short walks. Shar Pei excel at canine sports like obedience, tracking, agility, and rally.
6. Akita
If you are looking for an incredibly loyal guard dog, the Akita may be the right breed for you. Akitas are loving dogs who form inseparable bonds with their owners. They have a territorial nature and tend to be wary of strangers.
Despite its unparalleled loyalty, the Akita is an independent dog breed. It can be left alone at least for a few hours if exercised adequately. They have relatively high energy levels and need at least an hour of daily physical activity and mental challenges for stimulation.
Akitas require consistent training starting from an early age to behave well. Another Spitz-type dog, the Akita, has a strong prey drive, stemming from its history as a hunting dog. These smart dogs pick up new tricks easily, but need a firm handler due to their strong-willed personality.
7. Lhasa Apso
Adored for their long, silky coats, Lhasa Apsos are little dogs that were initially bred as watchdogs. They are well-suited for apartment life due to their small size, but don’t let their petite stature fool you. These tiny pooches have big personalities and can be very protective of their families.
Due to their historical background, Lhasa Apsos are aloof towards strangers and have an independent nature. They can happily spend some time alone and are well-suited for owners who spend most of their day at work away from home.
However, Lhasa Apsos bark frequently, due to which they need proper training and socialization. These intelligent and alert dogs make playful companions and can become destructive in the absence of adequate stimulation.
8. Korean Jindo
Jindo is an enthusiastic hunter hailing from Korea, known for its high intelligence. Smart but reserved, Korean Jindos do well with experienced owners who can dedicate themselves to training and socializing their dog to new situations.
Jindos are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. They have been known to travel long distances and return to their original owner. This trait is reflective of their independent personality.
Jindos have a fastidious nature, and they keep their coats extremely clean. They are highly devoted to their owners and may be a bit challenging to train. However, they respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
9. Bullmastiff
One of the largest dog breeds, Bullmastiffs are independent dogs. Despite their large size, they are not overly energetic and require moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Bullmastiffs are naturally protective of their owners and suspicious of strangers.
Bullmastiffs have a territorial nature and make excellent guard dogs. These laid-back dogs love to sleep and do very well when left alone for some time. But make sure to leave behind some chew toys to play with. Bullmastiffs are affectionate to their humans and children.
Bullmastiffs have excellent trainability, but need an experienced handler due to their size and strength. They make playful companions and thrive on mental stimulation. Bullmastiffs enjoy brisk walks and outdoor games, but tend to stay calm once exercised properly.
Conclusion
While some dog breeds thrive on companionship, others do well alone. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. However, they have an independent streak and can happily spend and enjoy their alone time. Such dogs make ideal pets for busy owners.
Independent dog breeds need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit. Once they are provided adequate stimulation, these canines are content and calm. Like all other dogs, they need proper training and socialization to behave well.
