Just like humans, some dogs are prone to anxiety. Dogs can become anxious due to various factors, including temperament, inadequate physical or mental stimulation, and how they were raised.
Anxiety in dogs can be due to three main reasons:
Fear: Fear-related anxiety may be caused by loud noises, new environments, or particular conditions like travelling in vehicles or the sight of strangers.
Separation: Some dogs thrive on affection and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Aging: Aging-related anxiety affects older dogs and may be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
An anxious dog may become aggressive, urinate or defecate within the residence, drool, bark excessively, or exhibit destructive behaviors.
White dogs are the cutest and most irresistible fellows that will steal your heart. Have a look at these 7 white dog breeds that are prone to anxiety.
White Dog Breeds that are Anxious
1. Maltese
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Shed Level: Low
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Maltese are small white dogs characterized by their silky, long coats, big brown eyes, and charming personalities. Originally bred in Malta, these dogs have now become popular due to their portability, hypoallergenic white coat, and adaptable nature.
It is a sweet-natured and affectionate dog breed that loves spending time with family. These companion dogs are prone to separation anxiety if they don’t get enough love and attention.
Engaging them in one-on-one play sessions, cuddling, and mental stimulation activities can help overcome anxiety.
Maltese are suspicious of strangers—they start barking excessively when they see an unfamiliar person approaching their home. Proper training and early socialization can help control the undesired behavior in these vocal dogs.
2. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Shed Level: High
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Labrador Retrievers are medium-sized dogs that come in a variety of coat colors from black to brown, yellow, cream, and white. White dogs may be very light yellow or cream in color. Pure white Labs inherit two albino genes, one from each parent, and are very rare.
However, albinism causes deafness and light sensitivity in Labs. These companion dogs are adored for their playful, clumsy nature. Labs need loads of love and attention—they cannot tolerate being alone for too long. Just like Maltese, they are also vulnerable to separation anxiety.
Labradors form strong bonds with their family. According to PDSA, these high-energy dogs require over two hours of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Their firm attachments, high energy needs, and sensitivity to changes in life make them one of the most anxious dog breeds.
3. Bichon Frise
Breed Profile
Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Shed Level: Low
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
Bichon Frise is a friendly dog breed with curly white hair. These hypoallergenic dogs look their best with daily brushing. With black button eyes and a permanently smiling face, the Bichon Frise is the dog that has a teddy bear-like appearance.
They like playing with toys, snuggling in your lap, and having fun with kids. Bichon Frise thrive on human companionship—they can suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors when left alone for too long.
A depressed, anxious, and aggressive Bichon Frise barks excessively, needs to be bathed often, and is difficult to housebreak. So, you need to take out some time and make him feel secure and loved. Their white coat is prone to matting, so make sure to schedule grooming and brushing sessions.
4. Havanese
Breed Profile
Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Shed Level: Low
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Havanese is a tiny dog with a long, shiny, and soft double coat, which can be straight or wavy. They are often called “silk dogs” because their coat looks like silk. They come in various color combinations, including all white.
Their long coat has extensive grooming needs, but you can also trim the coat into a short cut to make grooming a bit easier. The American Kennel Club describes them as intelligent, funny, and outgoing dogs. However, Havanese can experience certain behavioral issues in life, including separation anxiety.
Havanese can start barking excessively out of anxiety, boredom, or a need for attention. They can also become aggressive.
Aggression in Havanese dogs can stem from fear, lack of socialization, and territorial behavior. Proper training and early socialization can help overcome such behavioral problems.
5. Poodle
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
Shed Level: Low
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Poodles come in three varieties: Standard Poodle (40 to 70 pounds), Miniature Poodle (10 to 15 pounds), and Toy Poodle (4 to 6 pounds). They come in a wide range of colors, including all white. Poodles are happy until they get adequate physical and mental stimulation.
Poodles are eager to please dogs that enjoy praise and love being the center of attention. They form strong bonds with their owners. These highly intelligent dogs are well aware of the changes in their environment and the absence of their owners.
The heightened awareness of surroundings can lead to separation anxiety. Poodles are also very active and thrive on social interaction.
Inadequate physical and mental stimulation, genetic predisposition, and early life experiences, such as separation from their mother, can cause anxiety issues among Poodles.
6. Pomeranian
Breed Profile
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Shed Level: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Having a fluffball-like appearance, white Pomeranians are quite popular. These pint-sized pooches are loyal and affectionate to their owners. They also have a bright and playful side to their personality that will keep you entertained.
Frequent brushing is required to manage shedding and keep the white fur in top-notch condition. Poms can experience some level of separation anxiety when left alone for prolonged periods.
Common signs of anxiety include clinginess, trembling, excessive barking, destructive chewing, urination, and defecation. When you reach home, an anxious Pom will feel excited, emotionally exhausted, and have trouble remaining calm.
To avoid separation anxiety, consider creating a safe and comfortable space for your pup, establishing their routine, and showing affection to your Pom 20 to 30 minutes before leaving.
7. West Highland White Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 11 inches
Weight: 15 to 20 pounds
Shed Level: Low
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
West Highland White Terriers are small, sturdy, adorable fellows that were initially bred to hunt small prey. They excel at agility, obedience, and tracking, but can be a bit difficult to train. They have a pure white medium-length double coat.
Just like other dogs on our list, Westies are also vulnerable to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. They crave attention and affection, and if they do not get it, they can become bored and exhibit destructive behaviors.
Therefore, start training your Westie at a young age. Start by leaving them alone for a few minutes and gradually increase the duration. If you must leave your dog alone for a few hours, provide them with food, water, toys, and a comfortable place to rest.
PetPlan recommends not leaving your West Highland White Terrier alone for more than a few hours.
Conclusion
White dog breeds can turn heads with their cuteness and beautiful, long fur. They are preferred by many dog lovers due to their distinctive appearance. However, many dogs are vulnerable to separation anxiety, fearfulness, and aggression. If you are planning to adopt a white dog, make sure to train them properly and do not leave them alone for extended periods!
