Having a dog will change your life in amazing ways. One of the new responsibilities will be making sure that your pup stays happy and safe while you’re in the house but is also comfortable and contented when you are away.
Can you leave dogs alone?
Although you should not leave your dog alone for long stretches of time, there are occasions when you may need to leave your dog for a short time and many pups will learn to enjoy their own company in these short periods. For a guide on how long you can leave dogs alone, make sure to check out our article.
Some dogs quite like the peace and quiet of being home alone while other pooches will hate every second of being left to their own devices. Keep reading to find out who are the best dogs to be left home alone and which dog breeds can be left alone occasionally for short periods of time.
While this list will give you a good guide, remember that all dogs are individuals, and just because a personality trait is common in a breed, this doesn’t mean that all dogs of that breed will show it. Also, no matter which breed of dog you have, it’s not advised to leave adult dogs on their own for more than four hours at a time.
The best dog breeds that can be left alone
So, what dogs can be left alone? Some of our furry friends are better at being along for longer amounts of time than others. If you’re someone who’s out of the house for a couple of hours at a time, these dog breeds might suit you best:
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is instantly recognisable thanks to their adorable teddy bear looks. However, something that is less visible but equally defining for this dog breed is their independent nature. They are not particularly interested in socialising and you may soon discover that they enjoy their own company a bit too much. This is a dog breed that can be left alone for a few hours. Don’t take it personally if they do not even notice when you’re gone though!
Greyhound
These dogs may look like the athletes of the family, but they are often just as happy being the couch potato. So, if you are looking for the best dog to be left alone for a short time every once in a while, the Greyhound is a great candidate. Just make sure you give them some attention when you get back to make up for the time they spent by themselves. It is important to also teach the greyhound the rules of the house as they are quite a big breed and can easily turn the house upside down even though they don’t mean to.
Lhasa Apso
Another dog breed that often copes well with being left to their own devices for short periods is the Lhasa Apso. If you need to get out of the house without worrying that your best friend will be getting anxious in your absence, this dog breed might be the perfect match.
These dogs are small but they act as if they’re twice their size, so training and early socialising are key to making sure they can be trusted without human supervision.
Shar Pei
Shar Peis are loyal to their human families and will do anything to make sure their humans are happy! This may include being alone for a few hours while their busy owners are away. Shar Peis often have a reserved demeanour and often are dogs that can be left alone with appropriate training. However, like any other dog, Shar Peis will not appreciate being left alone on a consistent basis for more than four hours a day. So keep this in mind when creating your schedule for the day ahead.
Miniature Schnauzer
As long as the Miniature Schnauzer has plenty of toys to keep their active mind busy, this is one of the best dog breeds that can be left alone for a few hours. They are smart, easy to train and eager to please – an ideal combination for owners who need to leave their pooch to their own devices from time to time. However, make sure you do not stay away from home for too long, as just like all dogs, these little fellows need their personal time with their owner too.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers love human company, but often know how to patiently wait for their owner to come home too. Just keep them occupied while you’re away by leaving all their favourite toys out. This intelligent and independent dog breed can be good at finding ways to entertain themselves while eagerly waiting for your return.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff can make a great pet for busy households. Despite their massive size, they can make wonderful companions and tend to need less exercise than their large dimensions might lead you to believe. They are docile, calm and do not make a big fuss about their large presence. Generally, if you leave them alone for a few hours you will not have to worry about them messing up the entire living room. As long as they have got their toys nearby, they will often be happy waiting for you to come back.
Basenji
Independent and self-contained, this dog breed is also full of energy, so make sure you go together on walks or schedule in a high-energy play session when you get back.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a loyal guard dog who is typically very chill and loves to sleep. For this reason, they’re a good dog breed that can be left alone. However, they do require some attention as they’re prone to gaining weight and need frequent ear cleaning. Taking them on a walk before you leave them alone is a good idea. It’s also important to note that they’re acclimatised to colder climates, so make sure they won’t overheat.
Maltese
A Maltese loves to be energetic and run around, but may not need as much exercise as other dogs in this list. Maltese dogs love to keep a look out and will bark if they want to let you know that they’ve spotted something. Because of this, it’s suggested to keep them away from the front door but in a room with a window view.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a loyal pooch, but is definitely happy to be independent. They settle in households with or without children, don’t tend to be overly affectionate and don’t require constant attention. However, they will need a good walk before you’ve left them alone for a few hours. Leaving them home with some safe brain games could be a good idea for this dog breed.
We hope that this article answered the question ‘what dogs can be left alone?’ Remember, although the breeds we have considered in this article tend to be better suited to being left alone, this will vary from dog to dog. You should always get your pup used to being left alone gradually, starting with very short periods of time in the early days.
Next, discover our top tips to help you prepare your dog to be left alone, including stress symptoms to watch out for and how to teach your pup to become more independent so they can enjoy their own company without getting anxious. And finally, remember whatever your dog’s breed, they should not be left for lengthy periods without human attention!
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