Dog Breeds That Can’t Stand Being Left Alone
Anant Singh | Sep 12, 2025, 08:51 IST
Sad Golden Retriever lying on couch
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Highlight of the story: Every dog breed has unique personality traits. Most breeds enjoy human companionship which makes them struggle when they are left alone. They have a tendency to have separation anxiety and misbehaving. While bringing a pet home, always keep in mind that their needs need to be fulfilled and they need to be taken care of. If you are planning to bring home a companion, here are 8 breeds that require enough human affection in their daily routine
Labrador
Labrador Retriever chewing stick in grassy field
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This is one of the most popular breeds all around the world. They are family dogs, friendly, affectionate and loving. Because of their social nature, they struggle with anxiety when left alone for a long period of time.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever puppy resting indoors
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Golden Retrievers are lifelong loving companions. They do not like being isolated, but they crave interaction. If Golden Retrievers are left along they develop destructive habits and can even go into depression.
Beagle
Beagle sitting on grass outdoors
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Beagles are bred to hunt in groups, they are pack dogs. They do not like being left alone and they express these feelings with loud howls and barks. Beagles have a high pitched bark which can cause troubles if they are left alone in apartment buildings.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu relaxing on green grass outdoors
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Shih Tzus crave human closeness. They are a popular choice when it comes to bringing a pet home. They do not like being left alone because they are bred to be lap dogs. Whining, scratching doors and misbehaving are signs they show when their anxiety kicks in.
Boxer
Boxer dog looking up
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Boxers are an energetic breed, they need both mental and physical activity. Boxers develop strong bonds with their family. A boxer left alone can develop destructive habits like chewing furniture, and barking for attention and human affection.
Cocker Spaniel
Golden Cocker Spaniel curled up resting indoors
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Cocker Spaniels are people-oriented breeds. They are gentle and affectionate dogs. They get stressed when their owner is not around in the house. Long hours of being left alone can cause anxiety with results in excessive barking.
Pug
Happy Pug indoors
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Pugs are the favourite dog breed for all pet owners because of their affectionate and funny personality traits. They thrive on human companionship and do not like left being alone in the house. A bored pug can become mischievous and anxious.
Dachshund
Dachshund dog standing in a field
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Dachshunds have a huge personality, they are full of character and make deep bonds with the family members of their household. They are prone to anxiety and depression which causes destructive behaviour if left alone for long periods of time.
Women bonding with fluffy dogs outdoors
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If you are bringing home any of these above breeds, make sure you have enough time on your hands to spend with them, they need it more than anything else. Such breeds in busy households can complete their human affection requirement with alternatives like dog sitters, dog daycares and the best option, bringing home another dog for their companionship.
Dogs do not see themselves as pets, to them they are a family and should not be left behind at any given point in time.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which dog breeds hate being left alone the most?
Breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Pugs are especially prone to separation anxiety.How long can these dogs be left alone?
Ideally, no more than 4–6 hours. Longer periods can cause stress and destructive behaviour.How can I help my dog cope with being alone?
Provide toys, puzzles, background music, or consider doggy daycare and pet sitters.Do small breeds like Shih Tzus and Pugs also get separation anxiety?
Yes, small companion breeds often struggle just as much, sometimes even more than larger dogs.