Time alone
Dog breeds that hate being left alone
Some dogs simply want to be where you are. These breeds score lowest for coping alone in our data — not because anything is wrong with them, but because they were bred for close companionship. With someone home most of the day, they're among the most loving dogs there are.
- Every breed here scores 1 out of 5 for coping alone — the lowest in our data.
- We sorted by that score, then by how affectionate they are.
Devoted breeds that want company
Bichon Frise
A small white cloud with a cheerful streak. Sociable, bright and happiest with people around.
- Tolerance of being alone
- Very low
- Affection
- Very high
- Sociability
- Very high
- Size
- Very low
- Typical yearly cost
- €1,200–€2,000
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A small, soft-natured companion that wants to be wherever you are. Calm company rather than a project.
- Tolerance of being alone
- Very low
- Affection
- Very high
- Sociability
- Very high
- Size
- Very low
- Typical yearly cost
- €1,200–€2,000
Cavapoo
Small, affectionate and easy to carry into everyday life. Most Cavapoos want far more human company than solitude.
- Tolerance of being alone
- Very low
- Affection
- Very high
- Sociability
- Very high
- Size
- Very low
- Typical yearly cost
- €1,300–€2,300
Havanese
Sociable, funny and adaptable, provided company is part of the deal. The long coat is a choice between daily work and regular clipping.
- Tolerance of being alone
- Very low
- Affection
- Very high
- Sociability
- Very high
- Size
- Very low
- Typical yearly cost
- €1,200–€2,100
Italian Greyhound
Tender, elegant and deeply attached. House-training, cold weather and fragile legs are the less photogenic parts of life together.
- Tolerance of being alone
- Very low
- Affection
- Very high
- Sociability
- High
- Size
- Very low
- Typical yearly cost
- €1,100–€2,000
Maltese
Tiny, lively and devoted. A Maltese fits small spaces easily, but the coat, teeth and need for company require steady care.
- Tolerance of being alone
- Very low
- Affection
- Very high
- Sociability
- High
- Size
- Very low
- Typical yearly cost
- €1,100–€2,000
Maltipoo
A tiny, sociable companion that likes learning and being included. Fragility, barking and coat care are the practical realities.
- Tolerance of being alone
- Very low
- Affection
- Very high
- Sociability
- Very high
- Size
- Very low
- Typical yearly cost
- €1,200–€2,100
Vizsla
The velcro dog. Athletic, sensitive and never more than a metre away from you.
- Tolerance of being alone
- Very low
- Affection
- Very high
- Sociability
- High
- Size
- High
- Typical yearly cost
- €1,300–€2,100
Wonderful for the right home
These dogs shine with people who work from home, are retired, or share care across a busy household. They're prone to distress when left, which can show as barking, chewing or accidents; building up alone-time slowly from puppyhood helps, and real separation anxiety deserves a qualified behaviourist.
Most are small companion breeds that cost roughly €1,100–2,300 a year in our data. The Vizsla is the active exception: a sporty hunting dog that needs lots of exercise and hates being left just as much.
Please don't choose from this list if…
- You're out more than four hours on most days with nobody else at home.
- You can't spend weeks building up alone-time slowly and patiently.
- Your building won't tolerate a dog that cries or barks when left.
Questions people ask us
Which dog breeds are most prone to separation anxiety?
In our data the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cavapoo, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Maltese, Maltipoo and Vizsla find time alone hardest. Individual dogs vary, and early training makes a real difference.
Is separation anxiety caused by the breed?
Partly. Breed tendencies matter, but so do early experiences and routine. Many dogs from 'clingy' breeds cope well when alone-time is taught gently and early.
What helps a dog that hates being alone?
Short, gradual absences, calm departures, a chew or puzzle, and a walk before you leave. If your dog is truly panicking, speak to a vet and a qualified behaviourist.
Your week is the other half of the match
A list can only get you so far. The Find My Dog quiz sets your home, your hours and your limits against every breed, and shows you the reasoning behind each score so you can judge it for yourself. It takes two minutes and it's free.
For when your dog comes home
DoggMatch+ helps with the practical side of the first year: training week by week, food portions worked out from your dog's weight, a care calendar and a printable Dog Pack. It's entirely optional, and everything on this page stays free.
See what DoggMatch+ includes