We love having our canine besties follow us around the house, cuddling up and making our worries melt away, but what happens when we actually have to leave them on their own? Not every dog handles alone time well, and some are prone to separation anxiety, which can cause real distress.
Whether you’re just running out for groceries, heading to work for the day, or traveling somewhere your pet can’t come along, it helps to know how well your dog can handle being alone.
All dogs need some company, and if you’re away for several days, a dog sitter or walker is still a good idea, but some breeds are naturally better at enjoying their own space than others.
Proper training, paired with toys and positive reinforcement, can go a long way in helping your pup stay calm while home alone. If you’re hoping your next dog will be comfortable with some solo time, here are 7 breeds worth considering.
Blissful Dog Breeds That Stay Calm When Left Alone
1. Chow Chow
Chow Chows make wonderful city pets thanks to their sturdy yet compact build, but historically, their resume includes a lot more than lounging on the sofa. These dignified, ancient dogs have worked as cart-pullers, guard dogs, and hunting companions, according to PetMD.
While Chows genuinely love their owners, they carry a serious, independent streak. If you’re hoping for a super-cuddly lap dog, this might not be the best match, but that same independence is exactly what helps them stay calm and content when left alone.
That doesn’t mean they don’t crave connection. Chows tend to bond deeply with one favorite person and can be a bit wary around strangers. Being naturally stubborn, they benefit from early socialization and respond far better to gentle training than harsh methods.
These are also smart dogs that need mental stimulation, so puzzle toys and similar activities are great for keeping them occupied during alone time.
2. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are easy to spot with their short legs, long bodies, and those iconic low-slung, floppy ears. As members of the hound group, they’re all about following scents and staying on the lookout for something interesting. When well-trained, they can actually be surprisingly calm and patient enough to handle alone time just fine.
Bassets do have a reputation for stubbornness, and their strong scenting instincts need some training to keep in check, but they’re also naturally independent. They’re loving and loyal to their family, and that same laid-back nature makes it easier for them to be okay on their own for a while.
They can be prone to some separation anxiety and may howl if bored, but overall they’re pretty low-energy and don’t need intense daily exercise.
Training this strong-headed breed can take some patience, but reward-based methods tend to work well over time. According to Orvis, Bassets have low energy levels and aren’t especially suspicious or protective by nature, so don’t expect guard dog duty out of this one.
One thing worth keeping in mind: Bassets are notorious droolers, so you might want to cover the furniture before leaving them home alone with your favorite sofa.
3. Pekingese
The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese dog breed that carries itself with a regal, dignified air. Highly revered in ancient China, this calm dog breed was once kept in palaces to keep the Imperial family company, according to Britannica.
While Pekingese dogs certainly enjoy human company, their calm, blissfully confident nature makes them a solid match for pet parents who are often out of the house for work or errands.
Like any dog, a Pekingese will want some attention, but with the right training, they can also settle nicely into relaxed alone time. Treat-filled toys and other engaging resources can help keep them content while you’re away, and teaching basic commands like “stay” early on goes a long way too.
Pekingese enjoy playing and running around, but they can easily get their exercise indoors. Walks are great for them, though their brachycephalic build actually makes them better suited to indoor life overall. If you’ll be away for several hours, just make sure your pup has a comfortable space that won’t get too warm.
4. Chinese Shar Pei
This wide-muzzled, droopy-faced breed dates back roughly 2,000 years to the Han dynasty. The Chinese Shar-Pei is no stranger to working independently, having originally served as a livestock guardian and herder. They’ve also hunted large game like boar to help put food on the table for their owners.
This loyal breed comes with a fair amount of willfulness, so it’s not usually recommended for first-time dog owners. That said, Shar-Peis are intelligent dogs, and once properly trained, they make wonderful companions for both solo owners and families.
Being fairly laid back, Shar-Peis don’t need much daily exercise. They’re happy to burn off energy just wandering around the house, though a short daily walk helps too and keeps them calm and content indoors.
These dogs tend to be aloof with strangers and aren’t especially interested in other dogs or cats. Their prey drive is worth watching, particularly around smaller animals.
It’s also worth noting that Shar-Peis can get anxious around new people or unfamiliar situations, and may bark when they feel unsafe. Early socialization and alone-time training go a long way in helping them stay relaxed and stress-free.
5. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are gentle giants, originally bred to guard livestock in the mountains of the Pyrenees. These elegant dogs sport a thick white coat that helped them stay comfortable in cold, harsh environments.
Despite their impressive strength, Pyrs tend to have a calm, serene nature that makes them wonderful family dogs. Bred to think and work independently, they still carry a bit of that serious, dignified temperament today. Early obedience training helps them become cooperative companions, but don’t be surprised when that independent streak shows up now and then.
It might come as a surprise, but Great Pyrenees actually have moderate energy levels and don’t require an intense exercise routine. They also tend to enjoy their own company while still thriving on human companionship.
This giant breed enjoys some time in a fenced yard, though they’re not big chasers by nature. A bit of barking is still fairly common, though. True introverts of the dog world, Pyrs will often seek out a quiet corner to enjoy some solo time, even when other dogs share the household.
6. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest AKC breed and a member of the hound group, with roots in hunting big game, according to AKC. Despite its size, this coarse-coated dog is surprisingly calm and laid back, adapting well to a relaxed life with its family members.
This ancient Irish breed belongs to the Greyhound family, as noted by Purina. It’s an alert dog with a gentle, serene personality, and aggression simply isn’t part of the Irish Wolfhound temperament. While the breed does need regular grooming for that harsh coat and plenty of space to stretch its long legs, it generally handles alone time well since it doesn’t require intense exercise.
That said, some daily activity is still important, since obesity can lead to health issues in this breed. Irish Wolfhounds also tend to get along nicely with children, though early socialization while they’re still puppies makes a real difference.
Fun fact: Irish Wolfhounds have kept company with royals, including Anne Boleyn, and their name comes directly from their history of hunting Irish wolves.
If you’ll be leaving this dog alone for extended periods, start alone-time training early and make sure they get some exercise or a short walk beforehand to encourage relaxed, restful time indoors.
7. Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Spaniels are people-oriented, playful little dogs who don’t mind soaking up attention, even from strangers. Originally bred as sentinels and companions to monks in the Himalayan mountains, these dogs carry a cheerful, confident personality.
“Tibbies” are small enough to adapt beautifully to apartment and city living. They’re often described as catlike in their agility, enjoying jumps and climbs around the house.
They also bring a naturally alert presence to a household, staying watchful around new people at first, though they usually warm up before long. They tend to do well with older kids who know how to interact gently with a small dog, and they generally tolerate other pets just fine too.
While closeness with their pet parents matters a lot to Tibetan Spaniels, they’re also one of those breeds that can handle alone time surprisingly well, especially with their favorite toys and treats nearby.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to adopt, make sure to schedule regular vet visits to stay on top of your dog’s health and needs. It’s also worth remembering that every dog has its own personality and quirks, so give yourself time and patience to learn what makes your pup tick.
If your dog seems to be struggling with separation anxiety or picking up destructive habits, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about the best ways to help them through it.
