Leaving your dog alone at home can be a challenge, but understanding which breeds handle solitude best can make a significant difference. According to the AKC, research indicates that approximately 14% of dogs experience separation anxiety, displaying behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or house soiling when left alone.
Interestingly, certain breeds are more independent and can tolerate being alone for longer periods. They are known for their self-sufficiency and are less likely to develop separation anxiety compared to more social breeds.
It’s important to note that while some dogs are more adaptable to being alone, all dogs require mental stimulation and regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Providing toys, puzzle feeders, and ensuring your dog gets adequate physical activity can help alleviate stress during alone time.
Best Dog Breeds When It Comes To Being Left Alone
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their laid-back nature, making them one of the best dog breeds when it comes to being left alone.
They enjoy naps and can happily spend hours in their home without getting anxious. Still, they benefit from a short walk or play session before being left to their own devices to stay healthy and happy.
History and Origins
The Basset Hound’s name comes from the French word bas, meaning “low,” reflecting their short legs and low-slung frame. Originally bred in France for hunting small game, their exceptional sense of smell and tracking abilities made them invaluable companions for hunters.
Over time, they transitioned into family life while retaining their strong instincts and affectionate temperament.
This breed is adapted to cooler climates, and its dense coat helps it manage lower temperatures. Bassets are now popular worldwide as wonderful companions, admired for their calm demeanor and distinctive appearance.
|
Trait |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Massive Bone Structure |
Has the most bone per pound of any other dog breed, giving a sturdy, durable frame. |
|
Long Ears |
Drooping ears sweep the ground and trap scents, enhancing their tracking ability. |
|
Vocal |
Possesses a powerful voice, which can be charming but sometimes a challenge. |
|
Diggers |
Strong hunting instincts and sturdy feet make them enthusiastic diggers. |
2. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are famously independent dogs who can spend several hours alone without stress. They’re not clingy and often prefer their own company, making them an excellent choice for busy households or humans who need to run errands.
Don’t be surprised if they barely notice when you leave the house—they are perfectly content in their solo time.
History and Origins
According to Hills Pet, the Chow Chow is one of the most ancient Chinese dog breeds, with a lineage dating back thousands of years. Historians debate whether the Chow Chow developed from spitz-type dogs or vice versa, but its versatility is undeniable.
Historically, these dogs have served as sled pullers, hunters, livestock guard dogs, and, unfortunately, at times, even as food.
The breed arrived in the Western world in the late 1800s and quickly gained popularity, becoming a top-10 breed in the American Kennel Club. While their numbers suffered during China’s Cultural Revolution, the Chow Chow remains a treasured companion worldwide for its striking appearance and self-sufficient nature.
|
Trait |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Blue-Black Tongue |
One of the few breeds with a non-pink tongue, adding to their unique look. |
|
Lion’s Mane |
Thick ruff around the head and shoulders gives a majestic, lion-like appearance. |
|
Stiff Gait |
Straight hind legs create a distinctive, stiff-legged walk. |
|
Deep-Set Eyes |
Almond-shaped eyes often give a scowling or aloof expression. |
|
Coat Types and Colors |
Dense double coat, either long or short; colors include red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. |
3. Greyhound
Greyhounds may look like professional athletes, but they are often just as happy lounging on the couch. They make a great choice for humans who need to leave a dog alone for a few hours, as not every dog handles solitude so gracefully.
While Greyhounds can spend time by themselves, giving them attention and mental stimulation when you return is important to maintain their happiness.
History and Origins
Greyhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds, with roots stretching back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. According to Britannica, their likeness appears on Egyptian tombs from around 3000 BCE, and they were long associated with aristocracy due to their speed, elegance, and hunting prowess.
This breed’s long, slender, and muscular build made it ideal for hunting by sight rather than smell. Greyhounds have been immortalized in classical literature, mythology, and even historical texts like The Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare’s Henry V.
Over time, they were also brought to the Americas, accompanying explorers such as Christopher Columbus.
|
Trait |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Exceptional Eyesight |
Sighthounds with a 270-degree field of vision, ideal for spotting moving objects. |
|
May find sitting awkward |
Body shape often makes sitting uncomfortable or impossible. |
|
Ancient Breed |
One of the oldest dog breeds, symbolizing speed and nobility. |
|
Streamlined Build |
Narrow head, long neck, deep chest, muscular hindquarters, and slim tail. |
|
Short Coat |
Smooth coat that comes in various colors. |
4. Chinese Shar Pei
Shar Peis are devoted to their human families and can tolerate being alone for a few hours, making them a good dog breed for busy households. With proper training and early guidance, they can handle solo time without stress.
However, like any dog, they should not be left alone consistently for long stretches, as this can lead to anxiety or boredom.
History and Origins
The Chinese Shar Pei originated in Ancient China and was historically used as a guard dog and hunter. Their loose, wrinkled skin and sandy-textured coat gave them a unique appearance and practical advantage for protection and hunting.
Once considered one of the rarest breeds in the world, the Shar Pei was saved from near extinction by Life Magazine campaigns, which brought global awareness to the breed.
Shar Peis’ name literally means “sand-skin,” referencing their coarse, bristly coat. They also possess the distinctive blue-black tongue, a trait shared with few other breeds.
Today, Shar Peis are celebrated for their loyalty, intelligence, and distinctive appearance, making them the perfect match for experienced dog owners who can provide confident leadership.
|
Trait |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Wrinkled Skin |
Abundant loose skin and deep folds, especially on the head and shoulders. |
|
Sandy Coat |
Short, bristly coat with a harsh, gritty texture. |
|
Blue-Black Tongue |
Rare tongue color shared by very few breeds. |
|
Owner Experience |
Best suited for experienced owners due to its strong-willed and intelligent nature. |
|
Rare Heritage |
Once nearly extinct, saved by global awareness campaigns. |
5. Basenji
Basenjis are remarkably self-sufficient and can happily spend time home alone without getting anxious. Their super independent nature means they often find their own ways to entertain themselves, making them one of the best dog breeds when it comes to tolerating alone time.
Despite being barkless dogs, they communicate through yodels and other unique sounds, keeping their humans informed in their own quiet way.
History and Origins
Basenjis are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with roots tracing back to ancient Egypt. They were highly prized and often presented to pharaohs. Their likeness appears on artifacts, and some historians suggest their form may have inspired the jackal-headed god Anubis.
In Africa, Basenjis were used as hunting dogs. Their agility, keen sight, and ability to track scents made them exceptional hunters. Over centuries, they developed into a breed admired for independence, intelligence, and cleanliness, much like a cat in their grooming habits.
|
Trait |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Barkless |
Communicates with yodels, howls, and unique vocalizations instead of typical barking. |
|
Independent |
Thrives on solo time and can entertain itself without supervision. |
|
Ancient Origins |
One of the oldest dog breeds, tracing back to ancient Egypt. |
|
Hunting Skills |
Agile and excellent at tracking with both sight and scent. |
|
Cat-Like Grooming |
Fastidious self-cleaners, keeping themselves tidy like a cat. |
6. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are loyal yet independent dogs who are content spending several hours on their own once properly exercised and mentally stimulated. They don’t require constant attention and adjust well to households with or without children.
Leaving them home for a few hours is usually fine, especially if you provide some safe toys or puzzle games to keep them busy.
History and Origins
The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed, dating back over 2,000 years. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they helped flush out and catch small game like birds and rabbits in Japan’s mountainous regions. They are the smallest and oldest of Japan’s official native breeds and are considered a national treasure.
After World War II, the breed nearly faced extinction due to disease and food shortages. Dedicated conservation efforts saved the Shiba Inu, ensuring that future generations of family members could enjoy their unique charm, expressive personalities, and hunting heritage.
|
Trait |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Vocalizations |
Known for the “Shiba scream” or yodel, a high-pitched wail when excited or upset. |
|
Drama Queens |
Expressive and independent personality, often called “drama kings and queens.” |
|
Shiba Smile |
Facial structure creates a distinctive smiling expression. |
|
Ancient Breed |
One of Japan’s oldest native breeds, over 2,000 years of history. |
|
Hunting Origins |
Originally bred to hunt small game in the mountainous regions of Japan. |
7. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are small but confident dogs that can handle being left to their own devices for short periods. They are a perfect match for humans who need to run errands or spend a long day away from home.
While they enjoy sleep and quiet downtime, giving them mental stimulation and brief exercise before leaving helps prevent boredom or destructive behaviors.
History and Origins
The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet around 800 BCE and was historically bred by monks as “Lion Dogs” to guard monasteries and palaces. These dogs were highly prized and often given as gifts, serving both as watchdogs and companions. Their long, thick coats protected them from freezing Himalayan temperatures.
This ancient breed’s loyalty and intelligence have made it an enduring family favorite. Though small, Lhasa Apsos are alert and prone to barking, reflecting their watchdog heritage.
With proper training and early socialization, these puppies grow into confident, affectionate adults who can safely enjoy solo time without stress.
|
Trait |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Floor-Length Coat |
Thick double coat that requires regular grooming; can be trimmed for easier maintenance. |
|
Lion Dog Heritage |
Originally bred to guard monasteries and palaces in Tibet. |
|
Small but Confident |
Despite their size, they act as if they’re much larger. |
|
Prone to Barking |
Alert and vocal, reflecting their watchdog ancestry. |
|
Adaptable Solo Time |
Comfortable being home alone for short periods, especially with mental stimulation and toys. |
Conclusion
Finding a dog that can handle being left home alone doesn’t mean compromising on companionship or loyalty. While some breeds are naturally independent, proper care from an early age ensures that every pup grows into a well-adjusted family member.
Providing mental stimulation, regular exercise, and attention before leaving them helps prevent destructive behaviors and keeps them from gaining weight.
Whether adopted from a foster family or brought home as a new best friend, dogs capable of tolerating solo time can fit seamlessly into busy households.
Even working dogs can benefit from structured alone time, learning to enjoy their own company while humans run errands or spend the day away. With thoughtful preparation, these breeds prove that independence and affection can coexist beautifully.
