Not every household can have someone home 24/7—and that’s okay. While many dogs crave constant attention, some breeds are more independent and perfectly content spending time alone.
For busy owners, frequent travelers, or those with long work hours, finding a dog that doesn’t mind solitude can make life easier while still filling the home with love. These breeds don’t see alone time as a punishment. Instead, they relax, nap, or entertain themselves without stress.
Of course, they still enjoy affection and family time, but they’re less prone to separation anxiety than more dependent breeds. For people balancing careers and companionship, they strike the perfect harmony between independence and loyalty.
Let’s uncover the best dog breeds for people who can’t always be at home. From calm couch-potatoes to dignified dogs who enjoy their own company, these breeds prove that love doesn’t always mean constant togetherness.
If you’re looking for a dog that thrives both with you and without you, these independent companions are the perfect fit.
Best Dog Breeds That Don’t Mind Staying Alone
1. Lhasa Apso
Meet the Lhasa Apso: small, sturdy, and perfectly content doing their own thing while you handle errands or work. The Lhasa Apso is among the most ancient dog breeds, hailing from Tibet.
Initially bred to serve as both watchdogs and companions in Tibetan monasteries, they were often given as treasured gifts. This tiny breed is now an excellent choice for families, typically reaching 10–11 inches in height and weighing between 12 and 18 pounds.
✅ They form strong bonds with their family and will happily shower you with attention when you return, but they don’t demand constant supervision.
✅ With their flowing coat and alert expression, they can look serious, but these little furballs have a playful, mischievous streak that comes out in short bursts.
✅ Give them a cozy spot, a toy, or even just a sunny window, and they’ll happily amuse themselves until you’re back.
These little dogs are loyal, alert, and surprisingly independent—making them ideal for owners who need a pet that can handle some “me time.” Lhasa Apsos are confident being alone for short periods. They’re calm, collected, and don’t stress when you step out.
Fun Fact: Lhasa Apsos were originally bred as palace watchdogs in Tibet. That independent, confident streak is built into their DNA—they’ve been managing alone time for centuries!
2. Greyhound
Meet the Greyhound: built for speed, yet surprisingly happy to embrace life in the slow lane when left alone. These dogs are proof that athleticism and chill vibes can coexist beautifully.
Greyhounds are a large dog breed, typically standing 27–30 inches tall and weighing around 60–70 pounds. Their sleek, streamlined bodies extend from their narrow heads to their tails.
Although originally bred for high-energy pursuits, Greyhounds are generally calm at home and rarely get overly excited by new people or surroundings. With sufficient exercise, they enjoy some alone time and usually avoid destructive behaviors like digging or chewing, PetMD noted.
✅ Greyhounds love lounging around the house and can happily snooze for hours while you’re out. Don’t be surprised if they spend more time napping than moving.
✅ They’re loyal and gentle with their families, but they won’t panic when left alone. Their love is steady, not clingy.
✅ Despite their sleek, race-ready physique, Greyhounds often turn into couch-loving goofballs at home. Zoomies are optional—sleep is preferred.
Greyhounds are smart and self-sufficient, content to entertain themselves quietly with a cozy bed, a chew toy, or just watching the world from a sunny window. While their independent nature can make them seem somewhat aloof or cat-like, they are usually friendly toward anyone offering a treat.
Fun Fact: Greyhounds are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world—but at home, they’re essentially professional nappers. Speed on the track, chill on the couch!
3. Basset Hound
Meet the Basset Hound: droopy-eared, low-slung, and a master of relaxation. These pups are the ultimate couch potatoes, perfectly happy taking life slow while you’re out.
Basset Hounds are delightful, medium-sized dogs belonging to the hound group. They are calm, easygoing pets that rarely get overly excited. Distinctive features include their large, dome-shaped skulls and expressive, wrinkled brows.
WebMD says Basset Hounds possess the second-best noses in the dog world, surpassed only by Bloodhounds, and were bred for exceptional scenting and tracking abilities, allowing them to follow prey for extended periods.
✅ Basset Hounds are calm, mellow, and content to snooze for hours while you’re gone. They’re not fans of chaos, so your living room will remain intact.
✅ They’re overly affectionate dogs and loyal to their families, but don’t demand constant attention. They save their love for when you’re home to enjoy it.
✅ These hounds are content to self-entertain with a toy, a comfy bed, or just their own thoughts. Independence is their superpower.
Fun Fact: Basset Hounds were bred for hunting in packs and can track scents all day—but at home, their favorite hobby is lounging. Brave on the trail, chill at home!
4. French Bulldog
French Bulldog: compact, charming, and the master of relaxation. These little dogs prove that you don’t need to be high-energy to be happy, loyal, and perfectly fine with some “me time.”
French Bulldogs, often called “Frenchies,” are cheerful, affectionate small dogs that make wonderful companions. Their friendly nature, lively personality, and compact build have contributed to their popularity in the U.S.
✅ French Bulldogs are happy to nap, lounge, or chill on the couch while you’re out. They’re low-maintenance and content with just a comfy spot and a favorite toy.
✅ They love their families, but don’t demand constant attention. When you return home, expect warm greetings—but no guilt trips if you’ve been gone a few hours.
✅ Give them a chew toy or a cozy spot, and they’ll happily occupy themselves without causing trouble. They’re experts at solo relaxation.
Although they may be wary of unfamiliar situations, proper socialization generally prevents this from becoming a problem, as French Bulldogs are naturally calm and easygoing.
Fun Fact: French Bulldogs were bred to be companion dogs, which means they’re perfectly happy chilling solo—but they’ll always be ready to shower you with love when you return.
5. Basenji
Meet the Basenji: small, sleek, and full of personality, yet perfectly content enjoying some solo time. These dogs are experts at entertaining themselves—no human supervision required.
Basenjis are a small breed, typically standing 16–17 inches tall at the shoulder. They are elegant and agile, capable of impressive vertical jumps, and feature a short, smooth coat with a tightly curled tail.
✅ While affectionate with their families, Basenjis don’t demand constant attention. They show their loyalty subtly, on their own schedule.
✅ Known as the “barkless dog,” Basenjis might silently judge the neighbors, chase imaginary intruders, or practice their ninja-like agility—entertaining themselves in style.
✅ With a clever mind and independent streak, they’ll find their own ways to stay busy—whether it’s puzzling over a toy or scouting the yard from their window perch.
PetMD noted that, lacking sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, Basenjis can become destructive, so keeping them engaged and active helps prevent behaviors like pillow-shredding.
Fun Fact: Basenjis are often called “barkless dogs,” but they can make all sorts of other funny sounds—so even when alone, they’re quietly plotting their next playful adventure.
6. Chow Chow
Meet the Chow Chow: fluffy, dignified, and perfectly fine doing their own thing while you handle life. These dogs are the royalty of independence—teddy bear looks optional, self-sufficient attitude mandatory.
According to Britannica, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed, known as an excellent watchdog and a reasonably good protection dog; it is not prone to excessive barking.
✅ Chow Chows are happy to hang out solo for a few hours. They might barely notice you’ve left, which is great if you don’t want a needy shadow following you around.
✅ They’re loyal to their family, but don’t expect constant cuddles. Chow Chows show love on their own terms—like a furry monarch granting an audience.
✅ While they may look serious (and sometimes grumpy), these fluffballs can have moments of goofy charm, often on their own schedule.
For families seeking a calm, self-assured companion, the Chow Chow can be a great fit, provided they are comfortable with its independent and occasionally aloof personality. Give them a cozy spot and a few toys, and they’ll keep themselves busy without complaint. They’re masters of solo relaxation.
Fun Fact: Chow Chows’ independent streak comes from their history as guard dogs in China. They were bred to be alert, courageous, and perfectly content doing their own thing—basically, the original introverts of the dog world.
7. Bullmastiff
Meet the Bullmastiff: massive in size, mellow in personality, and surprisingly chill when left to their own devices. These gentle giants prove that being big doesn’t mean being high-maintenance.
Bullmastiffs, first developed in the 19th century, were bred as guard dogs to help gamekeepers protect estates. A cross between the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog, they were eventually recognized as a pure breed by the Kennel Club and share many traits with other Molosser-type dogs.
✅ Bullmastiffs are calm, docile, and not prone to chaos when you step out. Leave them with a few toys, and they’ll happily nap through your absence like the majestic couch potato they are.
✅ Despite their intimidating size, these dogs aren’t prone to fuss or anxiety. They’re content to watch over the household quietly while you’re gone.
✅ They don’t demand marathon walks to be happy, which makes them perfect for busy households that still want a big, loyal companion.
As per WebMD, they require plenty of mental stimulation, they don’t do well with excessive exercise. For those seeking an energetic, fast-paced companion, the Bullmastiff may not be the ideal match—but they do make excellent walking partners.
Fun Fact: Bullmastiffs were originally bred as gamekeepers’ dogs to quietly guard estates. So, their chill “I’ve got this” attitude when home alone is basically in their DNA.
8. Shiba Inu
Meet the Shiba Inu: sleek, clever, and perfectly content doing their own thing while you handle life. These dogs are basically the ninjas of independence—quiet, self-sufficient, and loyal, but not needy.
The Shiba Inu, a Japanese breed, has a pointed muzzle and upright ears that give it a foxlike appearance. Small and compact, they generally weigh between 17 and 23 pounds.
✅ They’re loyal and loving with their family, but they have a reputation for being a little “choosey” about when and how they give affection.
✅ A good walk or some playtime before you leave ensures they’ll chill while you’re gone instead of finding their own mischief.
✅ These clever dogs love mental stimulation. Leaving them with puzzle toys or safe chewables keeps them entertained and happy solo.
While Shibas can be friendly, they are also known for their independence and strong-willed personalities, often expressing themselves vocally—most famously through the “Shiba scream” when stressed or anxious.
Shibas are happy to hang out on their own. They don’t require constant attention and are comfortable entertaining themselves while you’re away. Shibas have a hilarious “I got this” attitude. They might look out the window, judging the neighbors, but they’ll do it stylishly and quietly.
Fun Fact: Shiba Inus are sometimes called the “cat of dogs” because of their independent, confident, and low-maintenance personality. Basically, they’re perfect for anyone who wants a dog that’s loyal—but not clingy.
9. Chihuahua
Meet the Chihuahua: pint-sized, feisty, and surprisingly self-sufficient. Don’t let their small stature fool you—these dogs have a personality that could fill a room, and they’re perfectly capable of handling some “me time” without drama.
Chihuahuas are spirited and lively members of the toy group, known for their strong devotion to their families and their love of being lap dogs.
As one of the world’s smallest breeds, they pack big personality traits into a tiny frame—showing affection, curiosity, courage, and alertness, often paired with a touch of clinginess. This makes them wonderful companions, but they don’t do well when left alone for extended periods.
✅ Chihuahuas can entertain themselves with toys, cozy blankets, or just their own clever antics while you’re away. They don’t need constant supervision to keep busy.
✅ They may be solo-friendly, but they’re still loyal and loving with their humans. Expect cuddles, tail wags, and the occasional “tiny boss” stare when you return.
✅ These little dogs have big personalities and can be hilarious even when alone—practicing zoomies, chasing imaginary intruders, or just looking cute enough to make your neighbors jealous.
Chihuahuas are clever problem-solvers. Give them a toy or treat puzzle, and they’ll happily figure it out while you’re gone.
Fun Fact: Despite being one of the smallest dog breeds, Chihuahuas have huge confidence. They’re basically the CEOs of “staying home alone” and handle it with style.
Conclusion
When considering the best dog breeds that don’t mind staying alone, some laid-back dogs are well-suited to home alone time for reasonable periods. Other breeds like the Boston Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer can handle being left alone for a few hours or even several hours if they get enough mental stimulation and proper training.
While large breeds and working dogs often require regular exercise, calmer dogs thrive when their human families run errands or are briefly away. A perfect match for busy households, these dogs can be foster family companions, enjoy dog park visits, or meet other dogs, while still craving attention and bonding with family members when home.
