Some dogs are fine spending time on their own, but others, not so much.
Certain breeds are needy, emotionally attached, and absolutely hate being left behind. If they could send you text messages while you’re out, they would — and if they don’t get enough company, they can turn into howling, destructive little heartbreakers. These dogs don’t just prefer companionship; they need it to feel secure and happy. If you have a busy lifestyle or are away from home a lot, these breeds might not be the best fit.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are known for their friendly, affectionate nature, and that love extends fully to their humans. These dogs thrive on companionship and can get seriously anxious when left alone for long periods. They are highly social by nature, and without enough interaction, they can develop clingy behaviours that make separation even harder. If a Labrador isn’t given enough attention, they might start chewing up furniture, digging up the garden, or crying at the door all day. Their intelligence and energy mean they need constant mental stimulation, and when they’re left alone too often, they can quickly turn destructive. They love people too much to be left to their own devices, making them best suited for households where someone is usually around.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are highly intelligent working dogs that need constant mental and physical stimulation. They’re not just clingy; they get bored easily, which makes alone time especially hard for them. Originally bred for herding sheep, these dogs thrive when they have a task, and sitting alone in an empty house feels completely unnatural to them. A bored Border Collie is a destructive Border Collie. If they don’t have a job to do (or a human to follow around), they’ll find their own entertainment, often by tearing through whatever they can get their paws on. Long hours alone can lead to extreme anxiety, obsessive behaviours, and even self-harm, like excessive licking or tail chasing. They need an active lifestyle and plenty of company to stay happy.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers were literally bred to be lapdogs, so being left alone is really not in their DNA. These little dogs want to be with their humans at all times, and they can suffer from serious separation anxiety. They thrive on attention and affection, making them one of the most people-oriented breeds out there. If they’re left alone too often, they can become sad, withdrawn, and even develop stress-related behaviours like excessive barking or chewing. They don’t just enjoy being around people; they need human contact to feel secure. If you have a Cavalier, expect them to follow you from room to room and give you heartbroken puppy eyes every time you pick up your keys.
4. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are super smart, active, and deeply attached to their people. They’re bred for herding and working closely with humans, so being left alone goes against everything in their nature. These dogs crave stimulation, and without it, they can become anxious and restless. If they don’t get enough company, they might start pacing, whining, or trying to herd random objects around the house just to stay occupied. Some even try to “herd” their owners when they return, as if reminding them that leaving was not acceptable. Aussies do best in homes where they’re actively engaged and have constant interaction.
5. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds may look elegant and independent, but these dogs are total velcro dogs. They hate being alone and will follow you everywhere, including the bathroom. They form intense bonds with their owners and don’t cope well with being left behind. They’re sensitive little souls, and if left alone for too long, they can become stressed and anxious. They bond deeply with their owners, so being apart from them feels completely unnatural. These dogs do best in homes where they have near-constant companionship, whether from humans or another dog.
6. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and protective. They thrive when they have a job to do, whether it’s guarding their home or working alongside their owner. When left alone? They can become restless fast, and often show signs of separation anxiety. These dogs need stimulation and purpose, and without it, they can develop separation anxiety, destructive habits, or excessive barking. Many German Shepherds will pace and whine by the door for hours waiting for their owner to return. They need to feel connected to their people, and long periods alone don’t sit well with them.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a charming, affectionate breed that lives for human interaction. They adore their owners and hate nothing more than being left behind while their favourite people go about their day. They are known for their happy, playful nature, but that joy quickly fades when they’re left alone. If they’re left alone for too long, they can become very anxious, leading to non-stop barking, chewing, or even depression. They thrive in homes where someone is around most of the time, and they love being involved in everyday activities. A lonely Bichon isn’t just sad — they’re heartbroken.
8. Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans might look tough, but beneath that sleek, intimidating exterior, they’re deeply loyal and attached to their humans. They bond hard, and being left alone for long stretches can cause serious anxiety, sometimes leading to destructive behaviour. These dogs are protective by nature, and if their person isn’t around, they can become restless, worried, or destructive. Many Dobermans suffer from “Velcro Dog Syndrome,” meaning they always want to be right next to you. They do best in homes where they’re included in daily life as much as possible.
9. Pomeranian
Pomeranians may be tiny, but their attachment to their humans is huge. These fluffy little dogs want to be with you all the time — and if they’re left alone, they can turn into tiny, yappy drama queens who protest your absence loudly. They’re prone to separation anxiety and will let the whole neighbourhood know if they’re feeling lonely. These dogs thrive on companionship and need a home where they can always have company, whether from people or another pet.
10. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, people-oriented dogs who love being part of a family. They don’t just enjoy human company, they need it to feel secure and happy. They bond closely with their owners and struggle with long hours of solitude. If left alone too often, they can develop clingy behaviour, anxiety, and even destructive tendencies. They’re happiest when they’re involved in family activities, getting plenty of cuddles and attention, and being included in everyday life.
11. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russells are bundles of energy packed into small bodies, and they hate sitting around with nothing to do. They’re incredibly intelligent and need constant stimulation, so when left alone, they tend to get creative — and not in a way you’ll appreciate. These little dogs are prone to destructive behaviour if they don’t get enough exercise and engagement. If they’re bored, they’ll chew, dig, or find their own entertainment, which often involves shredding pillows, knocking over bins, or barking non-stop. If you have a Jack Russell, be prepared to either take them everywhere with you or leave them with plenty of mental stimulation to keep them busy.
12. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs may be small, but their personalities are huge. They love their humans, and being left alone for too long can make them anxious, sad, and even depressed. Frenchies form deep bonds with their owners and want to be included in everything you do. They’re known for their clingy nature, and if they feel abandoned, they can develop excessive barking, chewing, or pacing. Unlike some other breeds, French Bulldogs aren’t highly active, but they still hate being alone. If you leave a Frenchie alone for too long, expect them to let you know about it — with plenty of sulking and dramatic sighs.
How to help a dog that hates being alone
If you have one of these extra-clingy breeds, there are ways to make alone time easier for them. It’s not about making them love being alone, but about reducing their anxiety so they feel safe when you’re not there. Start with short absences instead of leaving them for long hours at once, gradually increasing the time apart so they learn you always come back. Giving them something to do — like puzzle toys, interactive feeders, or long-lasting chews — can also distract them and stop them from focusing on your absence. Creating a cosy, familiar space with their bed, favourite toys, and soft background noise, like a TV or radio, can help them feel more secure while you’re gone.
