Dogs may seem fearless when they’re chasing balls or guarding the yard, but just like humans, some breeds are more sensitive to stress than others.
In fact, certain pups are naturally prone to anxiety and even panic attacks, especially in unfamiliar situations, loud environments, or when left alone too long. If you’ve ever seen a dog trembling during a thunderstorm or hiding at the sound of fireworks, you’ve witnessed just how real canine anxiety can be.
Some breeds are wired to be extra alert, which makes them fantastic watchdogs—but it also makes them more vulnerable to fear and stress. Others are so emotionally bonded to their humans that even a short separation can feel overwhelming.
We’ll explore anxious dog breeds that are most prone to panic attacks, why they react the way they do, and how loving owners can help them cope.
With patience and understanding, these sensitive pups can thrive, proving that vulnerability doesn’t make them weak—it makes them deeply, beautifully human-like. Because sometimes, the dogs that worry the most are the ones who love the deepest.
Most Prone To Panic Attacks Dog Breeds
1. Vizsla
The Vizsla is like a Hungarian velcro-coated rocket — sleek, affectionate, and totally devoted to their humans. The celebrated Vizslas—whose name comes from the Hungarian word for “pointer”—feature a sleek, red-golden coat, weigh between 55 and 60 pounds, and stand 22 to 24 inches tall.
Hungarian Vizslas are regarded as one of the oldest hunting dog breeds. These medium-to-large dogs are highly intelligent.
These pups are so bonded to their family that leaving them alone can feel like a personal tragedy.
✅ Velcro-level attachment – separation is their ultimate nemesis.
✅ High-energy hearts – boredom or lack of activity can trigger stress.
✅ Family-first mindset – they adore children, adults, and basically anyone in their pack.
They thrive in busy households and love being part of every activity, which makes long periods of solitude a recipe for anxiety.
PetMD noted owners should be ready to give them at least an hour of daily exercise. While they can adapt to smaller living spaces if properly exercised, these elegant, athletic dogs are best suited for larger homes.
If you’re active, social, and ready to share your life (and couch) with a sensitive, affectionate companion, a Vizsla is your perfect partner — just don’t expect alone time to be peaceful!
2. Lagotto Romagnolo
Imagine a fluffy, curly cloud with the heart of a detective — that’s the Lagotto Romagnolo. Originally bred to hunt truffles, these pups have sharp noses and sharp minds… which can make them a little jumpy in unfamiliar situations.
These high anxiety dog breed is sensitive, affectionate, and thrive on routine and companionship, so sudden changes or long stretches of solitude can trigger anxiety. Think of them as lovable little Sherlocks: curious, alert, and sometimes prone to panicking over the tiniest mysteries.
✅ Sensitive noses, sensitive souls – they notice everything, from a dropped crumb to a passing car.
✅ Highly intelligent – their minds are always thinking, sometimes worrying too much.
✅ Affection seekers – deeply attached to their humans and thrive on attention.
With a Lagotto in your life, you get a devoted, clever companion — just be ready to share plenty of cuddles and keep surprises to a minimum.
3. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or “Sheltie,” might look like a tiny, fluffy royalty-in-waiting, but don’t let the sweet exterior fool you — these pups are high-strung worriers at heart.
Bred to herd sheep, Shelties are alert, sensitive, and deeply loyal, which makes them prone to separation anxiety or panic in new or loud environments, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Shetland Sheepdogs, closely resemble their larger relative, the Collie. These small, energetic, and nimble herding dogs typically stand 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder.
✅ Hyper-aware – every noise, shadow, or stray leaf is a potential emergency.
✅ Sensitive intellect – smart, careful, and sometimes overthinking everything.
✅ Devoted companions – they bond tightly with their humans and dislike being left out.
Leave them alone too long, and you may come home to a pacing, anxious fluffball who has rehearsed the entire family reunion in your absence.
Shelties make affectionate, clever, and playful companions — just remember they thrive on routine, reassurance, and a loving presence nearby to keep those panic attacks at bay.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, sturdy dog known for its distinctive beard and eyebrows. Originally bred in Germany as a farm dog, it excels at ratting and guarding.
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, alert, and friendly, making them excellent companions and watchdogs. They typically weigh 11–20 pounds and stand 12–14 inches tall.
Alert, smart, and endlessly curious, these pups notice everything — a doorbell, a shadow, or even a suspicious leaf blowing across the yard can trigger a full-on panic response.
✅ Excellent watchdogs – hyper-alert to the tiniest changes in their environment.
✅ Brains on high alert – smart, curious, and prone to overthinking.
✅ Loyal companions – they adore their humans and may fret when separated.
Add their strong attachment to their humans, and you’ve got a recipe for little bursts of anxiety when they’re left alone.
Miniature Schnauzers are perfect for someone who appreciates a feisty, clever, and loving pup — just don’t leave them to guard the house solo for too long unless you want an anxious, pacing fluffball on your hands.
5. Border Collie
The Border Collie is basically a four-legged brainiac wrapped in fur. The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog, originally bred on the border of England and Scotland to herd sheep.
Bred to herd sheep, these dogs live to work and think — and when they’re not challenged mentally or physically, anxiety can sneak in like a shadow in the corner
Known for its agility, stamina, and keen working instincts, it excels in dog sports, obedience, and herding competitions. Border Collies typically stand 18–22 inches tall and weigh 30–45 pounds.
✅ Genius-level minds – boredom is their ultimate nemesis.
✅ Energy overload – they need constant mental and physical outlets.
✅ Strong bonds – deeply attached to their families and sensitive to separation.
Left alone or understimulated, they can become restless, nervous, and prone to minor panic attacks — usually expressed as pacing, whining, or plotting some elaborate way to herd the neighbor’s cat.
If you want a dog who’s intelligent, energetic, and occasionally dramatic, the Border Collie will keep you on your toes — and maybe provide some unexpected panic-induced entertainment along the way.
6. Cocker Spaniel
Sweet, gentle, and endlessly affectionate, the Cocker Spaniel is basically a cuddle magnet — but don’t let that soft exterior fool you.
These sensitive souls are notorious for separation anxiety, and leaving them alone can turn your cheerful pup into a stressed, whiny mess faster than you can say “walkies.”
Cocker Spaniels are ideal for people who want a sweet, affectionate pup that’s part family member, part therapist — just be ready for a few panic-induced sighs (and maybe a chewed slipper or two) if you ever leave them alone.
✅ Sensitive little hearts – they feel everything, from your mood to the creak of the floorboards.
✅ Separation anxiety pros – even a few hours alone can feel like an eternity.
✅ Loyal companions – they adore their humans and want to be where you are, always.
They thrive on company, attention, and a steady dose of belly rubs, making them perfect for families or anyone who’s home a lot… but not so great for solo days at the office.
PDSA noted Cocker Spaniels are known for suffering with separation anxiety, so it’s best to have someone with them during the day. It’s important that your Cocker is never left alone for more than four hours, but even this may be too much for your dog to handle.
7. German Shepherd
Don’t let the strong, stoic appearance fool you — German Shepherds are secretly sensitive souls. These dogs thrive on purpose, action, and constant mental stimulation.
Originally bred for herding sheep, this dog has since taken on a variety of roles, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police work, and military service. It is also commonly kept as a companion.
✅ Super-focused – their brains are always working, even when your cat is napping.
✅ High energy + high intelligence – boredom quickly turns into worry or mischief.
✅ Loyal to a fault – they form deep bonds with their humans and hate being left out of the action.
German Shepherds make amazing protectors and family companions, but they need regular exercise, mental challenges, and plenty of human affection to keep those panic spikes at bay.
But when left alone for long stretches, their intense loyalty can turn into anxiety faster than you can say, “Who’s guarding the house now?!” Basically, they’re happiest when they’re busy, loved, and part of every family adventure — or at least every snack session.
8. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd isn’t just a dog — it’s a four-legged whirlwind of energy, smarts, and sometimes, worry.
Bred to herd livestock, these dogs are natural problem-solvers and extremely alert, which is fantastic for keeping your home safe… but not so great when it comes to alone time.
Australian Shepherds typically stand 18–24 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds when fully grown, with males generally larger than females.
✅ Brain on overdrive – their minds never stop, even when you’d like them to.
✅ Energy meets anxiety – a bored Aussie is a nervous Aussie.
✅ Velcro pups – deeply bonded to their humans, they don’t do “out of sight, out of mind.”
Leave an Aussie alone for too long, and you might come back to a dog pacing, barking, or planning an elaborate “escape and rescue the humans” mission.
If you want a dog who’s smart, loyal, and occasionally dramatic about every little change in the household, the Australian Shepherd is your adrenaline-loving, affectionate companion — just make sure someone’s home most of the day to keep those panic attacks in check.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
Don’t let the tiny size fool you — the Jack Russell Terrier is a pint-sized whirlwind of energy, curiosity, and occasional panic. The Jack Russell Terrier is a terrier breed developed in 19th-century England for hunting foxes both above and below ground.
The breed is generally affectionate and friendly toward strangers, but its strong hunting instincts mean it may pose a threat to unfamiliar dogs or small pets and should never be left alone with them.
These little dynamos live life at full speed, and their brains work just as fast as their paws. A sudden noise, an unfamiliar visitor, or even a harmless leaf blowing in the wind can trigger full-on panic mode.
✅ Overthinking pros – their brains never sleep, and neither do their worries.
✅ Energy overload – when excitement and anxiety collide, chaos ensues.
✅ Hyper-alert – always watching, always calculating, occasionally freaking out.
Britannica describes that this dog excels in dog sports like agility, lure coursing, dock diving, Frisbee, obedience, and nose work. At home, it requires a securely fenced yard, as it is an adept jumper, climber, and digger.
If you’re ready for a tiny dog with a huge personality — one that keeps life exciting, dramatic, and sometimes just a little stressful — the Jack Russell Terrier is your adrenaline-packed, affectionate companion.
Conclusion
Certain dog breeds prone to panic attacks dog breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, German Shorthaired Pointers, Toy Poodles, Basset Hounds, and French Bulldogs. These canine breeds often show anxious behavior, severe separation anxiety, excessive barking, destructive chewing, or other physical symptoms in response to anxiety triggers like loud noises, fear-based anxiety, or changes in human family members and other dogs.
To prevent anxiety-driven behaviors, dog owners should provide physical and mental stimulation, physical exercise, human interaction, adequate socialization, and early socialization. Using dog music, working with a veterinary behaviorist, and understanding the breed’s acute sensitivity, intelligent dogs, and affectionate nature can help these furry companions maintain good mental health and remain well-adjusted furry friends.
