Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety when their owners are away. But there are also dogs that can stay alone very well. They usually share the following characteristics:
- Independent character
- Sleep a lot
- Are used to it from the past
- Need little attention
- Do not develop a close relationship
- Very adaptable
It is generally recommended to leave adult dogs alone for a maximum of 8 hours and puppies for a maximum of 2 hours. You should avoid anything longer than that.
The exact period also depends on age, health, training, feeding times and routine. Individual differences are therefore normal.
If longer periods are unavoidable, then I recommend a dog camera like this for the house. This means you can always talk to your dog via the app and even throw him treats.
Below you will learn which 33 dog breeds can stay alone longer and why this is the case.
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#1 Greyhound
The Greyhound is a noble, calm four-legged friend from England. He doesn't bark much and is a breed of dog that can stay alone for longer periods of time. [1]
This is because the four-legged friend develops a less close connection to the family. The independent dog barks little and is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.
The four-legged friend also holds the world record in the high jump – with a whopping 191 cm! Although they are large animals, they take up little space and are also suitable for the apartment.
Fun fact: The Greyhound is also colloquially known as the “70 km/h couch potato”. The large greyhound runs very fast, but also likes to sleep all day.
#2 Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu from Japan is a fearless, confident four-legged friend. It was bred as a hunting dog for wild boars, birds and bears. Today he is popular as a house dog.
Its fox-like appearance is striking. The dog can stay alone very well and tends to need less attention than other dogs. [2]
Shiba Inus are considered very clean animals. They are easy to care for and often clean themselves like cats. At around 9 kg, they are the smallest and oldest Japanese breed.
Fun fact: If you translate the name into German, the breed would be called “Buschwald Hund”.
#3 Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a self-confident, stubborn four-legged friend from China. In terms of personality, he is comparable to a stubborn toddler. Nevertheless, it is suitable for beginners. [3]
Especially if you are looking for a dog that you can leave alone for long periods of time, this one is ideal. Since he was previously kept by monks, he is used to solitude.
The Lhasa Apso gets along with strangers and gets along well with children. On the other hand, however, he seems selfish and needs consistent, strict upbringing.
Fun fact: While other dog breeds become extremely sad after 5 minutes of loneliness, many Lhasa Apso don't even notice that their owners were out and about.
#4 Styrian Wirehaired Hound
The Styrian rough-haired hound comes from Austria. The hunting dog breed was bred as a tracking dog and is therefore very independent. This dog can stay alone well.
The four-legged friend is loyal and curious. He needs a lot of exercise and often takes up a lot of space. The dominant animal is not so well suited as a pure domestic dog. [4]
However, this Hound is very suitable as a guard dog or working dog. With training and consistent upbringing, she can serve a hunter very well.
Fun fact: Although these dogs are very playful, they do not make good play partners for children. They like to fight and don't shy away from tricks.
#5 Standard Poodle
The standard poodle from Germany is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. The four-legged friends are considered particularly clean and hypoallergenic. That's why allergy sufferers like to keep them.
In addition, the dog breed can easily stay alone for longer periods of time. Their intelligence is so high that they know exactly when their owners are coming home. [5]
The obedient, alert animals are suitable for apartment life and are ideal for first-time owners. They are easy to train and don't bark much. Children like them very much.
Fun fact: The poodle's coat never stops growing. This also explains why they often appear online with the most bizarre haircuts.
#6 Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is an English four-legged friend and hunting sniffer dog. His nature is good-natured and patient. If you are looking for a dog that can stay alone well, here it is.
The four-legged friends are more like couch potatoes, so they like to sleep through your absence. Outside, however, they are tracking dogs in a class of their own. [6]
With their noses above the ground, they can sniff out almost any scent. Your nose is many times better than ours. Bassets are great, easy-going first dogs for first-time owners.
Fun fact: If this breed has one downside, it's their gastrointestinal tract. Because four-legged friends naturally often struggle with flatulence.
#7 Basenji
The Basenji is a breed of dog from Central Africa. The energetic animals are also known as the “African Barkless Dog”. They are considered very clean and easy to care for. [7]
However, these dogs have a very strong hunting instinct. They need a lot of exercise and can run up to 56 km/h. They usually only attach themselves to a single person.
The big advantage of this dog breed is that it can stay alone very well. As a bred hunting dog, the Basenji is used to independence.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends are the only dogs that cannot bark naturally. Their verbal sounds sound more like yodeling. Maybe an alternative for difficult neighbors?
#8 Pug
The Pug is a cute lap dog from China. His many wrinkles and the depressed snout are noticeable. The small dog is ideal for apartments and makes a great first dog. [8]
If you are looking for a dog breed that can stay alone well, then the Pug is the one! With a set routine, it's easy to get him used to being alone.
In general, the Pug is an adaptable dog with a loving nature. He gets along very well with children and dogs and is also friendly towards strangers.
Fun fact: The only drawback of this four-legged friend is his extremely loud snoring. The volume of a snoring pug can sometimes be as loud as a circular saw and get on your last nerve.
#9 Sealyham Terriers
The Sealyham Terrier is an alert, calm four-legged friend from Wales. The dog is very suitable for apartment life and first-time owners. He is considered a great family dog. [9]
With his sociable, trusting nature, he gets along well with children and is usually open to strangers' dogs. However, he is skeptical when it comes to strangers.
This makes him a good watchdog. This terrier breed can therefore stay alone well. She doesn't even notice the owners' absence while she's awake.
Fun fact: The Sealyham Terrier is a popular model in the dog fashion scene. With his indifferent and calm demeanor, he is perfect for presenting dog fashion.
#10 Japan Chin
The Japanese Chin was bred primarily as a lap and companion dog. The little four-legged friend is a born entertainer. He likes to entertain his people and easily entertains himself.
The four-legged friend therefore copes surprisingly well with boredom and loneliness. So if you are looking for a dog that can stay alone well, then this is the one. [10]
Japanese Chins live up to 15 years and are ideal for first-time owners and apartment keeping. They are trusting towards strangers. They shed moderately and are considered clean.
Fun fact: In many aspects, the nature of this four-legged friend is similar to that of cats. Licking paws, climbing, balancing and high places to look down on things from above are all part of his repertoire.
#11 Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a very independent dog breed. The four-legged friends only develop a loose relationship with their owners. This makes them dogs that can stay well alone.
The large, lion-like dogs have a very thick double coat and were previously used as working or sled dogs. They are often stubborn in training. [11]
Without proper training, four-legged friends often become protective and aggressive. Especially towards dogs of the same gender. They are not beginner dogs.
Fun fact: Did you know that Chow Chows have a black and blue tongue? Apparently the color is due to a genetic defect.
#12 Boston Terriers
The Boston Terrier is a short-haired dog with an independent nature. This makes him a dog that can stay alone for longer periods of time. It was bred in the USA. [12]
The black and white four-legged friend is very playful, sheds little and is easy to train. He loves attention and likes to play the entertainer. Still, he has a mind of his own.
The animals get along well with children, dogs and strangers. They are therefore also suitable for beginners. They have a weak hunting instinct and need a lot of exercise.
Fun fact: Did you know that dogs can be made real sergeants? During World War I, an American Boston Terrier received this honorary title for his good service as a war dog.
#13 Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a four-legged friend from England. By nature, the large dog is alert and reliable. He barks little, has a medium hunting instinct and is moderately easy to train.
It is a breed of dog that can easily stay alone. Bullmastiffs are good at dividing up and “saving” their owners’ attention. [13]
Their protective instinct makes them wonderful watchdogs. The strong four-legged friends are not so suitable for beginners. You need a consistent, experienced hand.
Fun fact: Compared to other dog breeds, these dogs often have physiologically caused bloating. If you have a sensitive nose, this might not be the best breed for you…
#14 Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is an obedient, highly trainable dog from Germany. It was bred by farmers to get rid of rats. Today he is a popular house dog.
Due to its independent nature, this dog can also stay alone for longer periods of time. He usually passes the time by gnawing on toys or barking at strangers. [14]
Overall, the Miniature Schnauzer is very alert and protective. It is also one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. The four-legged friend gets along great with children.
Fun fact: Most Miniature Schnauzers naturally have a white or very light beard. But it doesn't stay that way for long: after eating, your hair usually turns dark.