These 10 Dog Breeds Handle Separation The Worst, Here’s Why

Some dogs are totally fine when you head out the door. Others? Not so much.

These breeds form deep emotional bonds with their humans and often struggle when left alone.

If you’re thinking of getting one of these pups, be ready to give them lots of love and plenty of your time.

1. Labrador Retriever

Loyal to the core, Labs are people-oriented and thrive on companionship. When left alone, their boredom can turn into destructive behavior or nonstop barking.

These social butterflies were bred to work alongside humans, making solitude particularly challenging for them. Their strong pack mentality means they consider you their family—and who wants to be separated from family?

2. Border Collie

Known as the Einstein of dogs, Border Collies need mental challenges like humans need oxygen. Without stimulation or their person nearby, these brilliant herders become anxiety machines.

Their working heritage means idle time feels unnatural. Watch for telltale signs like obsessive pacing, destructive chewing, or reorganizing your home while you’re gone—their way of keeping that remarkable brain occupied.

3. German Shepherd

Fiercely devoted guardians, German Shepherds don’t just protect your home—they protect your heart too. Their protective instincts kick into overdrive when you’re not present.

Originally bred as working dogs, they feel most fulfilled with a job to do. Without you around to guide them, these intelligent companions often spiral into worry. Their anxiety might manifest as howling, destructive chewing, or even escape attempts.

4. Australian Shepherd

Energy powerhouses with brains to match, Aussies form intense bonds with their humans. These working dogs were bred to collaborate closely with shepherds all day long.

When left to their own devices, their remarkable intelligence becomes their downfall. Boredom quickly transforms into anxiety, leading to destructive behaviors like shredding furniture or excessive barking. Their herding instinct means they feel responsible for keeping the family together.

5. Bichon Frise

Behind those fluffy white clouds lies a heart that beats for human companionship. Bichons were historically circus performers and companion dogs, never meant to fly solo.

Their cheerful demeanor vanishes quickly when left alone. These cotton-ball pups often express their distress through persistent barking or even stress-induced health issues. Small in size but enormous in neediness, Bichons require constant attention.

6. Vizsla

The ultimate shadow dogs, Vizslas take “clingy” to championship levels. These Hungarian pointers were bred to work in close partnership with hunters, creating a hardwired need for human contact.

Their nickname “velcro dogs” isn’t just cute—it’s accurate. Vizslas physically suffer when separated from their owners, often displaying trembling, whining, or destructive behaviors. Their copper coats may be warm, but their hearts grow cold in solitude.

7. Toy Poodle

Those fancy haircuts hide highly sensitive souls. Toy Poodles form intense emotional connections with their owners that border on codependency.

Despite their aristocratic appearance, these miniature geniuses fall apart when left alone. Their high intelligence means they’re acutely aware of abandonment. Expect dramatic reactions including high-pitched crying, nervous pacing, or even refusing food until you return.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Royal by name and needy by nature! These velvet-eared sweethearts were literally bred to warm laps in castles, not spend time alone.

Their genetic programming is simple: be with humans at all costs. When separated from their beloved owners, Cavaliers often display heartbreaking behaviors like mournful howling or refusing to eat. Their soulful eyes weren’t designed to watch you leave.

9. Cocker Spaniel

With those soulful eyes and silky ears, Cocker Spaniels are emotional sponges who absorb and reflect their owners’ feelings. Their sensitive nature makes separation particularly traumatic.

Originally hunting companions, they evolved into family dogs that crave constant connection. When left alone, their gentle temperament gives way to anxiety behaviors like excessive licking, destructive chewing, or mournful howling that can break neighbors’ hearts.

10. Italian Greyhound

Delicate in both body and spirit, Italian Greyhounds are the quintessential lap dogs. These ancient companions were never intended to function independently from their humans.

Their thin skin isn’t just physical—emotionally, they’re just as vulnerable. When separated from their owners, these elegant pups often shiver uncontrollably, refuse food, or hide under blankets. Their attachment runs so deep that many owners report their IGs developing actual depression during separations.