Most dog lovers have to do it. Close the door behind them, only to hear heartbreaking cries of that precious pet. Ah, the guilt. Those tiny whimpers, the whining. Maybe even full-blown howling. It is like your dog is saying, “Don’t leave me, please”.
Dogs are social animals at their core. They are wired to be close to their humans, and not sit alone in a house for long hours. When left alone, some breeds can cope, but some feel anxious, stressed, and resort to crying or destructive behavior. These are the dog breeds that cry when their owners leave for work.
Separation anxiety is real. It does not always mean your dog is spoiled. Sometimes, it is just in their nature. Certain breeds were bred to work alongside people, guard families, or provide companionship. Being alone for long periods can feel unnatural. Almost like a traumatic event to them.
We have compiled ten such dog breeds that are prone to separation anxiety, and they show it in loud, dramatic, and heartbreaking ways.
Dog Breeds That Cry When Owners Leave for Work
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is often known as a “Velcro dog”. This breed loves sticking close to their owners and thrives on companionship. Fluffy white coats and cheerful personalities are their HALLMARK!! They may look like little clown, but leave them alone and the crying begins.
They are prone to feeling anxious when isolated, and that can lead to whining, barking, and pacing around the room. Without proper training, they may develop full-blown separation anxiety, and that will make long absences tough for both the parent and the pet.
Things you should know about your dog
Prone to whining and crying when left alone
Highly affectionate and social breed
Needs mental stimulation and exercise daily
Bonds deeply with family members
If you work more than four hours away from home most days, a Bichon Frise may struggle.
2. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound may be slim and elegant. But they are also famously sensitive. Their individual temperament makes them extremely attached to their humans… almost to the point of being shadow. AKC noted that they are a highly affectionate companion.
When you leave, their quiet house suddenly feels overwhelming. Crying, whining, and even pacing are common responses. Some may resort to chewing furniture or trying to escape in distress.
Things you should know about your dog
Sensitive breed, prone to stress and anxiety
Cries or whines during long absences
Needs gentle training and reassurance
Loves companionship with other dogs or humans
Leaving the Greyhound alone for long hours without proper mental stimulation is a recipe for anxious behavior.
3. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small-sized dog. But they also have big personalities and even bigger emotions when left alone. Crying, barking, and even howling can all become part of their response when their favorite person heads out the door.
Because they are prone to separation anxiety, they may develop destructive behavior. PetMD mentions the reason as being carried around and going to different places.
Things you should know about your dog
Small dog, but very vocal and expressive
Strong attachment to the owner’s presence
Crying, whining, and barking are common signs
If you live in an apartment, be ready: a Chihuahua’s crying and whining can easily be heard by neighbors and may disturb them.
4. Pomeranian
Another fluffy coat dog with a big personality. Pomeranians love being in the spotlight. But when their owners leave for work, cue the whining.
Purina mentions they were bred to be companions, so they will feel anxiety when their family is not nearby. Pomeranians may be tiny in size, but their behavior is anything but small.
These fluffy little companions are bold, lively, and full of personality, often acting like they’re much bigger than they really are. They’re alert and curious, quick to bark at anything unusual,
Things you should know about your dog
Prone to barking and whining when left alone
Highly energetic and needs mental stimulation
Protective of family
Suffer from stress if isolated for too long
They are bright, playful, and affectionate dogs. But they demand attention. If not given enough play or exercise, they resort to crying or destructive behavior to cope.
5. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a favorite, one of the most popular dog breeds, in the U.S. But this breed is not a fan of owners gone for long periods. They love being in your company and may cry or whine the minute you leave.
French Bulldogs can develop separation anxiety if left alone often, and this may lead to destructive behavior like chewing or pacing. French Bulldogs are the ultimate little charmers with big personalities packed into compact, sturdy bodies.
Things you should know about your dog
Prone to stress and separation anxiety
Sensitive to being left alone
Whines or cries loudly when the owner leaves
They are wonderful pets in smaller spaces, but leaving them without humans or other animals to keep them company can make them anxious.
6. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is famous for being America’s favorite family dog. These dogs are loyal, eager to please, and playful. They are also incredibly people-oriented.
When their owners leave the house, these loyal dogs can feel anxious and distressed. Crying, whining, and barking. Without enough exercise or companionship, they may also resort to chewing and other destructive behaviors.
Things you should know about your dog
Family-oriented and highly social dogs.
Struggles with long absences
Needs physical and mental stimulation daily
These dogs crave interaction, whether with humans or other breeds. Period.
7. Border Collie
The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there. But with that intelligence comes sensitivity. They read humans like books. And when they are left alone, they feel anxious fast.
A Border Collie is a signal for whining, pacing, and even destructive behavior. They need both physical and mental stimulation daily to feel balanced.
Things you should know about your dog
Extremely smart but prone to boredom.
Crying, whining, and pacing when alone
Needs lots of exercise and training
Without stimulation, they can develop stress behaviors quickly. They are not the type of breed that does well being left alone for more than a few hours.
8. Australian Shepherd
“Aussies” are energetic herding dogs who bond deeply with their humans. When you leave them alone to go to work, they not only miss you, but they also cry, whine, and may bark excessively.
Australian Shepherds thrive when given a job. If you don’t provide them with physical and mental stimulation, they will feel anxious and may show destructive behavior.
Things you should know about your dog
Herding breed with boundless energy
Cries or barks during long periods of alone time
Prone to separation anxiety
An Aussie will not sit quietly when left alone. They love having their family around, and they struggle without constant companionship.
9. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are strong, loyal, and protective. But beneath that tough exterior, they are deeply sensitive to family absence.
When left alone, they may cry, bark, or even pace the house. Separation anxiety in German Shepherds often leads to destructive behavior if not properly managed without training and exercise.
Things you should know about your dog
Protective and loyal family dogs
Crying, barking, and pacing when anxious
Strong bonds with owners
These dogs thrive on companionship and purpose. Long absences without activity can lead to stress and anxiety quickly.
10. Vizsla
Nicknamed the “Velcro dog”, the Vizsla is possibly one of the most affectionate breeds you will ever meet. These dogs love their owners and need them.
When left alone, this dog’s behavior can be heartbreaking. Crying, whining, howling, or pacing until their person returns home.
Things you should know about your dog
Extremely people-oriented and affectionate
Cries or howls when left alone
Struggles with long absences from humans
They don’t do well in households when the owner is gone for more than four hours regularly. If you are away often, this breed may suffer emotionally without proper coping strategies.
Conclusion
Dogs are family. More than being pets. And some dog breeds feel that bond so closely. Being left alone for long hours feels like distress. These dogs may whine, bark, or resort to destructive behaviour, but know that… it is NEVER out of spite.
It is because they love so deeply, they don’t know how to cope with separation anxiety. Spending some quality time with your dog before leaving them alone may work and help this little creature cope with the separation anxiety.
Right training, exercise, and mental stimulation can help even anxious puppies learn to feel secure during long owner absences. Having other dogs, a trusted friend to visit, or crate training can also help.
Not all dogs will feel the same way. But if your dog does cry when you leave, know this: it is their way of saying you are their whole world. And honestly… what better compliment could there be?
