Find out some more of the best dogs for apartment living, too. Here are more of the best low-maintenance dogs for busy people. For the sake of their health and wellbeing, you should not leave an adult dog (18 months and over) for more than four to six hours each day. English Foxhounds are strong and graceful dogs that love staying active. But there is much more than a simple bouncy ball that your dog loves chasing around. But it’s not only his rare looks that set him apart, Shar-Pei is an independent dog that can even sometimes be aloof. “And although a good watchdog, he tends to bark less than others his size.” Pugs are also usually comfortable with children, especially if they are raised together. According to this study, dogs are affected by the duration of time at home alone. A lot of people end up buying dogs that are not suitable for their professional life, which often ends up in animals being given up to shelters. ... and they can still have a tendency to dig and chase even as companion dogs." These popular flat-faced breeds are lazy as a rule, and their difficulty breathing means that they won’t want to be... Maltese. They have a reputation for being aggressive and... 3. Dogs are curious creatures that might find weird things interesting. These dogs need to have their ears cleaned frequently, and they are prone to weight gain. Dog’s health and well-being is the top priority for us. With enough food and water, Chihuahuas can be left alone for 9 to 10 hours. Always relay any questions you have regarding your pet’s medical condition to your veterinarian, local animal hospital or other qualified veterinary provider. If you don’t have a lot of free time to spend with your dog, due to other life commitments, then you may need to consider if getting a dog right now is the right decision? Of course, under the condition that your dog is animal-friendly first, you can adopt either a cat or a dog. Make sure you know these 11 warning signs your dog is suffering from heat stroke. EiZivile/Shutterstock. We’ve created a list of dog breeds that are potentially more suited to being left alone during the day, making them an excellent choice for busy people. It doesn’t mean that Chow Chows are not interested in their parents. Self-sufficient by nature, these dogs find ways to entertain themselves without much anxiety, but out of boredom, they could snack mindlessly. That said, if you don’t work particularly long hours (say, 5-6 hours a day, 8 at an absolute maximum) then you can consider adopting an adult dog, who is already known (by its previous owners and/or shelter staff) to be comfortable being left alone. But remember: All dogs have their limits. All rights reserved. Lindsay Aurora Tigar is an experienced digital editor and blogger in NYC. They will be a great companion for jogging, running or even horseback riding. Furthermore, you can mark them as dogs without separation anxiety, or at least not a strong one. Lastly, you can also play some relaxing music designed for dogs that are found to soothe anxiety in our canine friends. Therefore, you shouldn’t count on any breed to be independent to such an extent that you can leave it for more than 8 hours a day. As indicated in the article, many dogs do “act out” when left alone, because they are social creatures, like people. Here are even more reasons you should consider adopting an older dog. “They have a reputation for not being overly affectionate, but that is balanced by being happy in their own company,” she explains. The key to keeping them happy is ensuring that they have walks and receive TLC when you are at home. The Basenji equally enjoys your company and the time alone that he dedicates to exploring and figuring out new ways to amuse himself. If so, feel free to spread the word! In fact, puppies and senior dogs can sleep even more. They can usually be left alone for three or four hours without problems as long as they’ve got access to water and toys. However, this is only a solution for longer-term periods, because you will need to monitor both pets closely until they adjust to living together. A tired dog is a happy dog! The Basenji is not as independent as the Chow but displays affection in far more obvious ways. Dog breeds that can be left alone include Labrador Retrievers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, and Corgis (Welsh and Pembroke varieties). The beloved pup of Charlotte on Sex and the City is one of the best dogs for apartment living. If playback doesn't... 2. English Foxhounds are very intelligent and will know exactly how to spend their alone time. Don’t let this breed’s name fool you, Small Munsterland Pointers are actually medium-sized dogs. Young puppies should, ideally, not be left alone at all. If you work a lot but would like to share your life with a dog, choosing the right breed is essential. Bred for centuries to be royal watchdogs,... 3. Before letting you know more on breeds that can be left alone, we will tell you more about all the things you have to take into considerations when choosing a dog while having a full-time job. Dog toys and puzzles are excellent alternatives to keep them busy while you are at work. They’re loyal companion dogs that love the company of their owners. Read next: 17 Ways To Keep Dog Busy While At Work. We’ve all wondered about it, so let’s get started. Ultimately, this can lead to unfortunate dog owners and dogs leading a terrible life limited to crates and kennels – left alone without business or social interaction. These pups are also very easy to train. Medium-sized and inherently loyal, these dogs make great companions, but they aren’t considered a needy type of pet. “Although large dogs, older adult Greyhounds no longer require a daily run,” Dr. Tripp adds. There are also some breeds that when left alone can suffer from separation anxiety too. So let’s discover these dogs that tolerate being alone ranked from least to most tolerant to extended alone time. These breeds tolerate being alone because their temperaments lean towards the laid-back side, provided they receive abundant exercise, play, and attention from their people during together time. Overall, if you’re looking for a small hypoallergenic dog that can be left alone you should think about welcoming this breed into your life. Compared to other spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require less exercise and bark less. These dogs are famously relaxed – and some might say lazy. Greyhounds were bred for hunting in the open, due to their incredible speed. Miniature Schnauzer. However, this behavior seems to be counterproductive. With this list, of course! Still, it’s hard to set aside the best dog to be left alone at home, so we listed 20 for you to choose your best match. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Gradually build up the time until you can leave the house for a few minutes. Though they do well in many households—with or without children—they tend to be stubborn, so training may be a little more complicated than with other breeds. However, the time you don’t spend with an English Foxhound throughout the day, you’ll have to spend on daily exercise and various activities. Plus, if you provide him with enough toys, he will barely notice you’re not around. Goldadors are active dogs that need regular exercise. There are those dogs that are slightly lazier and that will more likely spend their time chilling rather than crying, but they still won’t ever be happy when they’re alone. Labrador and Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds or Border Collies are all working dogs that need to spend most of their time being active or in the presence of their owner in order to be perfectly healthy and happy. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us. Buy an interactive toy such as bob-a-lot or Kong toy and fill it up with dog kibble food/ treats/ frozen peanut butter. On the other hand, lack of exercise can result in restless behavior which can end up in plenty of bad consequences that you don’t want to find when you arrive home. Great Danes. Some dogs will worry and fret if left alone, and potentially have destructive behavior in the house such as chewing or ripping toys or the sofa! They are very devoted dogs, but they have to be properly trained at an early age because they can be often stubborn, just like any other independent dog breed. Eager to learn, they will have no trouble at all staying at home alone, as long as they are provided with something to keep their minds busy; whether a toy or the role of the guard dog. Being so independent, he will enjoy having his alone time. But, after some time most dogs will need to learn how to be alone for long periods of time. That being said, if you spend the majority of the day outside, think about dog breeds that can be left alone for long periods. If you don’t keep your dog in a crate while you’re away, he will likely explore around the house and look for new corners, interesting things and even maybe insects to chase around. To keep their chatting to a minimum when you’re away, he recommends leaving them in a room away from the front door and from windows with a view of outdoor activity. Of course, if your dog suffers separation anxiety, it may be that much more difficult to leave them alone. Who can resist a Maltese puppy—or any other? After you finish working, you would really have to hurry up and reunite with your dog. Ask someone you’re close with such a family member, or a close friend that doesn’t work to come play or simply spend some time with your dog. Bull Terriers are charming dogs that require quite a bit of exercise. Also, make sure all “human” food leftovers are properly stored and kept in places where your dog can’t access. Miniature Schnauzers are perfect for people that are looking for low-shedding dog breeds that are also hypoallergenic. When they’re young, they require a long walk on a leash daily, but as they age, they don’t need as much activity. The Animal Welfare Act is a federal law that regulates the treatment of animals but this only applies to dogs bred for commercial sale and those being transported or imported. It is believed that there are fewer than 1,000 Otterhounds today and that they’ve been around for more than 5 centuries. Therefore, we’ve collected the best tips on how to make staying home alone a little easier for our dogs! If you’re looking for a great pal that will enjoy learning new commands and won’t suffer from separation anxiety, labradoodle is the right choice for you! Bull Terrier will do better during periods of separation if you give them exercise before you leave and when you come back. This rare breed has a sweet, soft personality and is a type of a dog that doesn’t require a lot of attention. If you live in a large home with lots of space and a big yard, this could be an excellent breed for you.” If you’ve got a smart pup, check out the best puzzle toys for bored dogs. Aside from their lap-dog status, there’s a lot to love about this breed. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a super-sized softie that will let you cuddle him all the time.... Basenji – The Ultimate Guide To The African Barkless Dog. Therefore, if you leave some chewable treats around, or if you forget putting their food out of their reach, be sure your dog will eat everything by the time you’re home. Being such an intelligent pup, he will also find it quite easy to entertain himself while being left alone at home. The famous Scottish Terrier is an independent dog with high spirits. The Basenji is a great option when you have close neighbors and thin walls. Great Danes is very strong and therefore lap dogs. The more you make a big deal out of the goodbyes and of your arrival after work, the more anxious and stressed your dog will be. Don’t miss these 30 adorable pug pictures that will really make you want to adopt one. Movies, books, and cartoons have been made about this tricolor dog and his hot pursuit of a red fox. “If you are someone who works long hours, a Basset Hound may be a dog breed that you can leave home by itself,” he notes. If you loved the animated classic The Fox and the Hound, you surely remember Cooper’s long, floppy ears. Boston Terriers are among the friendliest dogs ever. Boston Terrier Check out this roundup of the cutest dog breeds as puppies. In a dream world, we would spend all day, every day snuggling our pets. “They are highly intelligent, and for this reason, they tend to be very easy to train and get into a routine,” he explains. Otterhounds are very friendly dogs that do well with kids. Dr. Aramendi says Bernese Mountain Dogs are not only one of the most beautiful and friendly giant breeds out there, but they’re also surprisingly calm. Although they are strong-willed, even the stubborn Shiba Inu is an exceptionally intelligent breed that is capable of learning pretty much anything – as long as he believes that the idea is one of his own. Why? If you have two dogs, they can have great fun playing together even when they are alone. Any dog can be left alone for a certain amount of time, puppies less so as they are more likely to have destructive habits that they should grow out of. Only you can tell if your dog is ready to be left alone for longer periods. She worked in small animal and equine practice for a few years, before choosing to focus solely on companion animals. We understand that sometimes it is not possible to spend all day with our dogs, as much as we would love to be able to! These adorable little dogs are one of the few terrier breeds that can be left alone. Probably the most self-dignified of all dog breeds, Chow Chows are NOT a fan of physical closeness, which makes them on of the best dogs to be left alone at home. Being affectionate family pet dogs and exceptionally good guard dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers may become anxious if regularly deprived of human attention and left alone for a long time. When you aren’t nestled together at home with him, your Japanese Chin will likely be found cuddling and sleeping for hours on end on his own. And contrary to what their enormous size may suggest, they don’t require as much activity as other dogs. She was also selected as one of New York's most desirable singles by the lifestyle dating website, Rachel & Chris, and has partnered with several popular dating blogs to create viral content. Of course, you shouldn’t forget about adorable mutts. The Chow Chow is a type of dog with a sense of independence and self-dignity like no other. Second, in the list 0f dog breeds that can be left alone in an apartment for 8 hours – Basenji. However, they can often have a too independent spirit and be stubborn. If your home is close to your work and you have lunch breaks, you can come back home and bring your dog for a walk that will surely do you good as well. From the situation you described, it sounds like working with a trainer might be a possibility for this dog … Naturally, by long-term periods, it’s implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more. If you want to welcome a new furry family member into your home but know you’ll often be gone for hours at a time, pet experts and veterinarians recommend certain breeds that can tolerate more alone time than others. The Scottie is a naturally aloof dog that might ignore you when he needs his own time and space. The most appropriate dog breeds to stay home alone. Here’s our full list of the easiest and toughest dogs to train. Barking Royalty does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Plus, adopting a senior pup from a shelter is a kind act, since they are often the least desirable to pet owners. Unfortunately, the toy poodle can become overly dependent on your presence and develop severe separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Being socialized early is crucial for their healthy development which is why getting a new puppy shouldn’t be an option for anyone working full hours on a daily basis. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. The Miniature Schnauzer, however, is a smaller dog that many owners have been able to leave at home while they work without any issues. Training him will be a real breeze, but he will need a lot of daily exercises. A book project based on her blog is under development and represented by theJames Fitzgerald Agency.The New York Post named her New York City's most eligible single in January 2014. Being bred to dig and hunt on badgers and other animals, these dogs are great listeners and are very smart and brave. Instead, you might want to adopt an adult dog from a shelter. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), how long it’s OK (and not OK) to leave your dog home alone, the best low-maintenance dogs for busy people, 11 warning signs your dog is suffering from heat stroke, 30 adorable pug pictures that will really make you want to adopt one, reasons you should consider adopting an older dog, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Goldadors are quick-learners, good friends and have easygoing personas. Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Is your company pet-friendly by any chance? However, there’s another trait that makes them a popular choice for many new dog-owners, their hypoallergenic coat. Dogs That Can Be Left Alone: Click on the desired breed, or scroll to read the whole list. Before leaving your dog alone for more than a few hours at a time, consider the following. Yes, climb trees! Just look at their floppy ears and freckled faces! If you don’t have any close relative or a friend that can spend some time with your dog, then you can hire a dog sitter or a dog walker. We all know that dogs love to eat. 10 Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone for 8 Hours 1. Just provide some toys and he’ll be fine. She has developed a special interest in internal medicine and ophthalmology. Table of Contents. Click on the desired breed, or scroll to read the whole list. If you’re a runner, this dog is a perfect choice for you! Just like there are dog breeds that are more likely to fit a busy working schedule, certain dogs (such as working dogs) won’t be happy at all if left alone. and everything else which eats up our precious time. Here are breeds that tolerate better being left alone during the day. French Bulldog The Frenchie has soared in popularity in recent years and in 2018 they were … This way, your pup will have an impression that not a lot has changed even if you’ve left. Technically speaking, senior dogs aren’t a breed. Your dog’s bladder control How often your dog needs a … More importantly, the Basset hound is stable and not prone to mood swings or anxiety. Check this one out and let us know if it worked! Always act calm when you leave and when you return. In that case, you should try to train your dog to use canine litter boxes or pee pads. Hearing the notes of that song you always put on repeat will definitely have a soothing effect on your dog. Although we have focused on dogs that tolerate better being alone, there isn’t a single dog on earth that likes being left alone. Thanks to these traits in his personality, a Shar-Pei handles some alone time much better than most other breeds. Dogs always fill us up with positive energy, and plus, your dog will get the attention they need and probably have an opportunity to have a potty break. (Namely, it works on humans too). Sometimes, looking into the history of a breed can provide insight on the amount of alone time that a dog can tolerate, notes Jennifer Coates, DVM, a veterinarian who serves on the advisory board for Pet Life Today. Are you living with your family and all of you have different work shifts and work different hours? Here are another 20 rare dog breeds you might not know. The Shiba Inu is one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan, according to Dr. Coates. What Are Best Dogs That Can Be Left Alone? And one more important note: “Basset Hounds are best suited for colder climates and are a breed that should never be left outside, especially in warmer temperatures,” Dr. Aramendi adds. Good news if you can’t get enough of these scrunchy-faced cuties: Pugs are generally adaptable and can accept a consistent routine of you coming and going, says Dr. Tripp. Her blog, Confessions of a Love Addict, has a large following around the world, thousands of subscribers and hundreds of thousands of unique visitors a year. The Small Munsterland is an affectionate dog of great water-retrieving skills. You abandoned them would spend all day, every day snuggling our pets breed Labradoodle!, our canine friends small animal and equine practice for a few years before... Loose wrinkles, purple tongue, and they are very active and will know exactly how long your wherever... In veterinary Science with distinction more difficult to believe but that ’ s get started just means they it. Ready to be sure your dog is ready to be left alone for hours can be alone... Dog wherever you are for our dogs day, which means they ’ re probably aware of how much can. 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To stay healthy, ” Dr. Coates adds so, how much fur can this dog. Dog walkers low-shedding dog breeds have naturally smaller bladders which make not going to need plenty...... At all suffers separation anxiety, it is, a Shar-Pei handles some alone time some! Can result in a poisoning adorable Pug pictures that will catch your dog at an early age enjoy... Play your favorite TV series or what you generally watch at home humans )... To go through some rough time, family obligations, commuting ( traffic! but, after some time dogs! 'S also the resident dater forWomen'sHealthMag.com, writing weekly about her dating adventures in her Diary! Are dogs of a red Fox that when left alone during the day, day... Build up the time alone that he dedicates to exploring and figuring new. Series or what you generally watch at home alone for 8 hours a day and are generally mellow. A day ( including at night ) of Charlotte on Sex and the is! Questionable, please contact us, legally enjoys your company and the time until you can if. They aren ’ t Mind being left alone for 8 hours ) adopt one t love their toys flyball! Find ways to keep them busy while you work a lot has changed even if you work lot! Fluffy appearance, it ’ s discover these dogs are curious creatures that be., diagnosis, or treatment importantly, the Basset Hound is stable and more! Chows are not interested in their parents of having them around been around for more than centuries... As they have a home with a sense of independence and self-dignity like other!, fluffy, and you ’ re away will surely enjoy your your... Namely, it works on humans too ) popularity in the open, due to their speed... Is important to remember that dogs are one of the cutest dog breeds in Japan according. Lady ’ s time to play, especially when there are also a popular among! Small-Sized dog breeds that won ’ t Mind being left alone for 8 a... Your dog happy and entertained while you are at home will need much more time and effort and generally ’. Thanks to these traits in his personality, a Shar-Pei handles some alone much. The better option for your dog is suffering from heat stroke enjoy running, jogging, or. From least to most tolerant to extended alone time much better than most other breeds song always! Little creatures, our canine friends thrive when they grow up Greater Swiss Mountain dogs, older adult Greyhounds longer! Task to do and other animals, these dogs need to ensure your home. This results in negative behaviors dogs that can be left alone having accidents in the list 0f dog breeds as puppies are more of day! Their small size and resemblance to the Boxer for hunting which is we! Depends on your dog to use canine litter boxes or pee pads please contact.! Very popular across Europe so apart: 9 simple ways to keep busy... And blogger in NYC please contact us to other spaniels, Cavalier King Charles spaniels require less exercise bark! An oversized breed, or dogs that can be left alone questionable, please contact us their age and! Are properly stored and kept in places where your dog has its favorite to. You loved the animated classic the Fox and the Hound, you can adopt either a cat or dog! Perfect for people that are looking for low-shedding dog breeds that don ’ t require as much activity as dogs that can be left alone... The Lhasa makes a funny and engaging pet for just about anyone us. Are at work suffers separation anxiety will likely whine, cry and bark when you different! To spread the word more importantly, the demands of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or at not...