Top Dog Breeds With the Worst Separation Anxiety

Dogs can feel separation anxiety when they have a very strong and dependent relationship with their human companions. This is why they begin to feel extremely distressed, nervous, and anxious when separated from their companion. This anxiety will lead them to have behavioral issues, such as the following:

• Urinating or defecating
• Barking or howling
• Chewing, digging, or destroying objects
• Escaping
• Pacing
• Coprophagia

Although all dogs can develop separation anxiety, some dog breeds are more prone to it due to various factors, such as their genetic makeup and historical roles. In this article, we're going to review the top 10 dog breeds with the worst separation anxiety. Nevertheless, it should be said that if you do have a dog with separation anxiety, their condition can improve with some training. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement can be effective in managing their anxiety. Learn more in our article about separation anxiety in dogs.

We also invite you to watch our AnimalWised YouTube video about separation anxiety in dogs.

The Labrador Retriever is a popular companion dog. They're known for being active, kind, and affectionate with their family. They were also once used as hunting dogs to retrieve the animals humans hunted. Therefore, it's no surprise that they are used to being with their companion all day long. However, nowadays, many of us have to go to work or school and cannot always be with them.

Through consistent training and plenty of exercise, you can help your Labrador Retriever cope with being without you for a couple of hours. Engaging them in interactive games and providing them with puzzle toys can help alleviate their anxiety.

The German Shepherd is also a very popular breed worldwide. Its extraordinary qualities are well known, especially in the field of assistance or police work. They are large dogs that can exceed 40 kg in weight. They have adapted to life both inside apartments and outside homes. Of course, they have a high level of energy, so they must be able to exercise. Additionally, they require mental stimulation as they are excellent learners.

If we include them among the most nervous dog breeds, it is due to indiscriminate breeding, which has taken its toll and resulted in behavioral and health problems. Thus, nervousness, fear, excessive shyness, or aggressiveness can appear. Providing them with a stable environment and proper training can mitigate these issues.

The Australian Shephard is a beautiful working dog. Throughout its history, it has been an active herding dog, working closely with its human companion. This is why, to this day, they require a lot of exercise and time with their companion. However, this also makes this breed prone to developing separation anxiety and behavioral issues when not cared for enough. It's essential to provide them with structured activities and socialization to keep them happy.

There are different terrier breeds that can be included among the most nervous dog breeds prone to separation anxiety. In general, they are tenacious dogs that bark and have a lot of energy. From these breeds, we can highlight the following:

• Fox terrier: can develop nervousness before other dogs and suffer when being separated from their companions.
• Yorkshire terrier: very popular and mistakenly treated as lap dogs. These dogs require plenty of exercise activity and attention. Due to breeding issues, some specimens are naturally nervous and bark excessively.
• Airedale terrier: this terrier is another one that can get nervous in the presence of other dogs. They have a tendency to trigger fights and can also develop other behavioral issues when away from their companion.
• West highland white terrier: also known as Westy, these are another popular breed of terriers. The problem, in addition to their propensity to suffer skin problems, is a nervous temperament. Therefore, they will need a lot of attention and exercise.

To manage their anxiety effectively, consistent routines and positive reinforcement are crucial.

Bichon Frise dogs are alert and curious. They make great little watchdogs; however, they're not aggressive at all. In fact, they get along well with children and other animals. Throughout history, these dogs belonged to royal families. They were constantly pampered and used as lap dogs. Later on, they were also used in showbiz. Meaning that these dogs were used to being accompanied all day long.

Nowadays, these dogs make a great companion for any single person or family. They're very energetic, loving, and loyal. However, they can also be very dependent. This is why we must be careful when adopting this dog, as they are prone to separation anxiety. Keeping them engaged with toys and games can help manage their anxiety levels.

The Border Collie is a highly regarded dog. They're a pastoral dog that nowadays also participates in different mental and physical ability games. They are very intelligent, so they have an easy time learning. But they are also very active dogs. An apartment will not be their ideal home. These dogs need a lot of attention and space to play.

This breed is also prone to separation anxiety due to their high energy and loyal relationship with their human companion. When separated for a long time, they may begin to show the symptoms of separation anxiety we've previously listed. Regular exercise and mental challenges can keep them content and secure.

Toy Poodles are one of the most popular types of poodles in the world. These dogs are energetic, loving, and dependent. They enjoy spending time with their human companion and their family. They're known for being playful, smart, positive, and extremely loyal.

With that being said, they are prone to separation anxiety as they are very dependent and loyal to their companion. They need love and attention, so when they don't get it, they can begin to show signs of separation anxiety. Providing them with interactive toys and engaging activities can minimize their stress.

Spaniels form a group of hunting dogs. In our list, we're mentioning the Cocker and Springer. These breeds were born as hunting and retriever dogs, although now they make a great companion dog. Some caretakers noticed these breeds for their aesthetics but they forgot that these dogs are not lap dogs. This contributed to some behavioral issues.

These dogs need a high level of stimulation, both mentally and physically. Without it, they become nervous and experience anxiety. As they are used to working alongside their companion, they may also experience separation anxiety and begin to have behavioral problems. Regular play sessions and mental exercises can help keep them calm and balanced.

Viszla dogs are originally hunting dogs. They are very active dogs that love being in water. They need an active and dynamic human companion to care for them and provide them with their needs to be a healthy and happy dog. As they were bred to hunt with their human companion, they don't get on well without their human and nothing to do.

These dogs need lots of activity and company. When they're left alone with no entertainment, they may begin to develop certain separation anxiety symptoms. Engaging them in regular outdoor activities and providing puzzle toys can help manage their anxiety effectively.

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of all greyhounds and one of the oldest companion dogs. The origin of this breed dates back to ancient Egypt and is thought to be one of the first companion dogs. However, the development of this breed took place in Italy during the Renaissance, hence their name.

These dogs connect so well with their human companions that when left alone for many hours, they begin to experience separation anxiety and distress. Building a safe and comfortable environment with sufficient toys and activities can help alleviate their separation worries.

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