There is a possibility that when you decide to get a pet dog, you may end up having a weird one!
It may want to be your neighbour’s best friend, but saying it out loud would make him feel shy. When someone says a simple hello to it, they’ll feel awkward and may hide behind your leg.
Yes, they are the Gen Alpha of the dog world and really don’t know how to start a conversation, despite being extremely desperate to make new friends.
Certain breeds truly have no idea how to behave around people, even though they love them to the core. They are highly sociable, but extremely shy.
In this article, we shall talk about nine sociable (but shy) dog breeds who prefer other dogs over people, as when humans are around, they would rather peek around the corner rather than jump on them with excitement.
Sociable (But Shy!) Dog Breeds
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you have a Cavalier, you may have often noticed that this dog is enjoying the moment with you and playing around, but the moment there is a doorbell and the face of a guest appears, the dog freezes!
It prefers running back to its comfy bed rather than continuing the game.
This British toy dog loves to cuddle people from its family. But, as soon as it sees a new person in the house, it would rather run and hide under the table. This Reddit Thread says they are super timid with strangers.
These dogs score big when it comes to sociability. However, when it comes to boldness, they score low. They love human contact but avoid new people and stimulating environments.
The mixed breed of Cavapoo (Cavalier + Poodle) also showcases this behavior.
These sensitive dogs were bred as companion dogs. Hence, they showcase a high attachment to familiar humans. But, they don’t really give a good reaction when the environment is new or stimulating.
2. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu, a genetically distinct dog breed, is an independent problem-solver and one of the most brilliant dogs out there.
But the moment there is a new guest in the house, these pups will run back and hide under the blanket.
AKC mentions that these dogs are indeed playful but extremely shy.
As per some studies, these dogs are hyper-aware of sounds. However, they react differently from other dogs. Their reaction is to withdraw rather than engage.
But, don’t take them as fearful dogs. They are not cowards at all. Rather, they prefer selective social interaction and don’t easily become friends with everyone.
Inside the house, they’ll follow their humans everywhere. As soon as they exit the home, they appear disinterested or aloof toward strangers.
3. Basenji
Basenji is an old dog that is not really eager to please strangers and is more reserved in new environments.
At home, this is a friendly dog breed.
These dogs are alert at all times. They know what is happening around them. They are super-observant but extremely cautious around unknown individuals or stimuli. Just like most dogs of similar nature, they showcase avoidant behavior.
With the folks in the house, they are super close and friendly. However, when there are some guests, it takes them time to warm up.
As per PetMD, the Basenji is known to be incredibly intelligent and curious. At times, they even amaze their dog owners by showcasing exemplary behaviors in unexpected situations.
Also, let me tell you one thing: these dogs are more emotionally sensitive than your toddler. Scolding during training sessions or harsh surroundings can make them more withdrawn.
4. Greyhound
Greyhounds are sociable with folks they know, but are mostly reserved, nervous, and even unfriendly in unfamiliar social situations.
These are super cautious dogs. They are known to bond closely to the people they love and are familiar with. But, they tend to be careful or shy in new circumstances or with unknown people.
These canine companions were originally bred to be exceptional in their speed and responsiveness. This is why there is no doubt about their alertness. They are highly sensitive and cautious when compared to other pets. But when there is a change in the situation, they easily get startled or anxious.
Greyhounds are also incredibly affectionate with their owners. In fact, they’ll follow them everywhere!
As pet parents to this dog, you need to give these powerful dogs some time and space to adapt to noisy or chaotic social environments.
5. Papillon
This toy dog with its famous feathered ears is known to be shy in the outer environment, but is incredibly social with its folks.
They are known for their intelligence, which showcases itself in increased sensory awareness. They are always alert to their surroundings, but wouldn’t really spring into action whenever something different happens.
Rather, they may recoil and showcase a certain kind of hesitation in a chaotic environment.
Papillons are also prone to neophobia, the fear of novelty. This mostly occurs when the dog is not properly socialized early. Proper socialization will really make a huge difference in their behavior.
Fun Fact: Did you know Papillons are so intelligent, they are often considered for therapy work as they can easily analyze the personal situation of an individual and comfort them?
6. Vizsla
Vizsla, the Pointer from Hungary, is known for its loyal and affectionate personality. Though it’s duper joyful and energetic around its people, it often showcases a recluse when strangers are around.
This is a case of hyper-attachment to their owners. These pack dogs are socially confident and display a secure behavior when their “safe person” is around. However, as soon as that person moves, they turn into timid creatures and act insecure when they are away from their emotional anchor.
WebMD describes them as loyal and affectionate dogs.
Often used as a rescue dog owing to its strong tracking instinct, this dog showcases a good response to its handlers.
At home, the Vizsla is an excellent family dog. They have some needs that pet parents need to fulfil. For instance, give them lots of attention, ensure their proper training, and provide them plenty of daily, vigorous exercise.
As your dog’s needs remain fulfilled, it will showcase great behavior whether indoors or outdoors.
7. Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Spaniel is an introvert. It is shy and doesn’t really like making new friends. It will always prefer spending time with you and avoid new people with a passion.
These Spaniels form strong, secure attachments to their main caregivers. They’ll love playing with them and enjoying moments in their presence. But, whenever there is a stranger around, they ar aloofness in unfamiliar company.
Just like Gen Alpha, which loves drama as long as it’s about enjoying it from afar rather than jumping into it and becoming a part of it, the Tibetan Spaniels also prefer observing from a distance over leaping into a social mess.
When exposed to unfamiliar people and situations, they are most likely to showcase recluse behaviors.
But, thanks to their observational intelligence, they will know exactly when you are sad and will give you long hugs to take you out of the emotional distress.
8. Norfolk Terrier
This toy dog is super tiny but extremely sensitive. It would read your sentiments expertly, but it would prefer staying away from strangers as much as possible.
If you have a Norfolk Terrier at home, you’ll notice they exhibit hesitant behaviors and withdraw whenever you throw a house party and invite friends over.
Though they are great family dogs, they’ll stick to you when you take them to the dog park. They showcase fear or caution toward unknown things and mostly avoid new situations when compared to other breeds.
The best way to deal with this behavioral characteristic of these dogs is to bring them home while they are still small. It is necessary to socialize them between 3 and 14 weeks so they learn how to act around people.
9. Skye Terrier
Yet another terrier that showcases aloofness towards strangers but turns extremely lovey-dovey around its known people is the Skye Terrier.
Skyes, belonging to the Isle of Skye, are deeply affectionate with their humans.
This dignified dog has a calm nature and showcases playfulness around the people it trusts. However, around strangers, it is reserved and cautious.
They avoid humans and dogs alike!
Compared to other puppies, Skye Terriers are joyous to make new friends, and they bond deeply with their family, but show social wariness in unknown environments. If you expect them to be highly adaptable to the situation, think again!
Positive social interactions early in life are necessary for this breed to behave well in social settings.
Conclusion
Some dogs truly change colors and showcase a different personality when they head out of their homes and enter unknown situations. They act shy and reclusive, not interested in making new friends.
Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Jack Russell terriers, Basset hounds, Beagles, Bichon frises, German shepherds, and Australian shepherds are also some different breeds that showcase a friendly nature with their folks but turn aloof with strangers.
