What dog breeds are prone to separation anxiety? The Ultimate Guide

10 dog breeds most likely to suffer with separation anxiety

  • Labrador Retriever
  • Border Collie
  • Cavalier King Charles spaniel
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • German Shepherd
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Bichon Frise
  • Vizsla
  • German Shorthaired Pointer
  • Toy Poodle
  • 3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These dogs are companion dogs and have been bred to enjoy spending lots of time with their human parents. When you leave them alone for longer periods they may suffer anxiety. This breed also tends to be slightly more anxious in general and can develop barking and other problematic habits.

    5. German Shepherd. These dogs are working dogs and do best when an environment is physically and mentally stimulating. Left alone and bored, they can be distressed. Like the retriever, this breed has also experienced some health problems in recent years, meaning their temperament makes them more prone to separation anxiety.

    4. Jack Russell Terrier. These bundles of energy quickly become bored and need lots of entertainment as well as lots of physical activity. They can quickly go awry if there isnt a human around to help them out and to keep them engaged. They can also do a surprising amount of damage for a small dog.

    If youre away from home a lot and want to have a dog, you may well have asked yourself: “Which dog breeds suffer from separation anxiety?” Its an important question to ask if youre away from home a lot. The worst dog breeds for separation anxiety are more prone to bad behaviors, anxiety, stress and upset stomach when youre gone.

    2. The Border Collie. Border Collies are extremely intelligent. In fact, they rank top for smarts when it comes to dogs. Because of this, they can become bored if they dont have much mental stimulation, such as when you’re away. Collies are also high-energy dogs, which means they need to be physically stimulated as well. Leaving them alone can lead to boredom, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior.

    Can Separation Anxiety Impact All Dog Breeds?

    Yep. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages can develop separation anxiety, confirms Irith Bloom, a certified professional dog trainer based in Los Angeles, California.

    “Some dogs in their prime of their lives may start having alone-time issues after a move or a death in the family. Others develop it suddenly for no obvious reason,” she says. “Sometimes, there turns out to be a medical cause.”

    For this reason, consult with your veterinarian for help if your dog suddenly begins to show signs of separation anxiety.

    While a great deal of research has been done on separation anxiety in dogs, it’s unclear what exactly causes it. Chances are, separation anxiety pops up due to a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors, so your dog’s breed could play a role.

    High levels of fear, anxiety, and alertness—all of which could contribute to separation anxiety—tend to be more common in certain breeding lines of dogs, explains Dr. Heather Graddy, a relief veterinarian in Englewood, Colorado.

    Top 12 Dog Breeds Prone To Separation Anxiety

    Separation anxiety is common among dogs whose owners frequently leave them alone for extended periods. If you’re hoping to get a dog but you know you’ll be away from home often, it’s important to know which dog breeds suffer from separation anxiety the most.