Dog breeds that tolerate being left alone
More independent breeds, for people who are out of the house during the day.
Separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons dogs are given up, and it often starts with a poor match: highly dependent breeds in homes where nobody is around from nine to six.
Even with the right breed, no dog should routinely spend full working days alone. These breeds handle it better than others, not well. If you are regularly away more than six or seven hours, consider a dog walker, daycare, or waiting for a different stage of life.
Top 24 breeds
- 1. Chow Chow 80%
- 2. Otterhound 73%
- 3. Basenji 67%
- 4. Goldador 67%
- 5. Azawakh 60%
- 6. Bossie 60%
- 7. Labradoodle 60%
- 8. Spanish Mastiff 60%
- 9. Swedish Vallhund 60%
- 10. Akbash 53%
- 11. Basset Fauve de Bretagne 53%
- 12. Basset Retriever 53%
- 13. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound 53%
- 14. Borador 53%
- 15. Bordoodle 53%
- 16. Bull-Pei 53%
- 17. Bullmatian 53%
- 18. Catahoula Bulldog 53%
- 19. Caucasian Shepherd Dog 53%
- 20. Chug 53%
- 21. Estrela Mountain Dog 53%
- 22. Hokkaido 53%
- 23. Icelandic Sheepdog 53%
- 24. Irish Wolfhound 53%
The percentage shows how well each breed matches the criteria of this guide, not how "good" the breed is.
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- Best dog breeds for apartment living Breeds that cope well with a flat: moderate size, moderate energy and little barking.
- Best dog breeds for families with children Breeds that are affectionate with the family, tolerant with children and sociable with other dogs.
- Best dog breeds for first-time owners Breeds suited to people who have never had a dog: easy to train and forgiving of mistakes.
- Dog breeds that shed very little Breeds with minimal shedding and little drooling, for people who don't want hair everywhere.
- Calm, quiet dog breeds Low-energy breeds that bark little, ideal where neighbours are close.
- Best dog breeds for older people Manageable size, low energy and a docile temperament for easy day-to-day living.
- Best dog breeds for runners and active people Breeds with the energy and stamina for running, hiking or dog sports.
- Easiest dog breeds to train Breeds that learn quickly and respond well to training.
- Dog breeds that handle hot weather well Breeds adapted to hard summers.
- Best guard dog breeds Territorial, protective breeds suited to guarding with an experienced owner.
- Dog breeds that get on well with other dogs Sociable breeds, for homes that already have a dog or for regular dog-park visitors.