It’s a rare dog that doesn’t enjoy spending time with people, but there are some breeds that need a little more attention than others. This isn’t to say that there are dogs that don’t need attention or that need less love and affection, it just means that some dogs do better with their alone time than others. There is going to come a time in all of our lives where our dog has to stay home alone and some breeds are better at handling this than others. If you work long hours, travel frequently or enjoy many nights out on the town, you might want to consider against the breeds listed here.
#1 – Australian Shepherd
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed as a ranch dog in the Western United States. This breed is a very active farm dog today, although many enjoy lives as companions competing in sports like agility and obedience. They are very intelligent dogs that need a job to do and make a great choice for an active owner that is willing to spend a lot of time with their dogs. Because they get bored easily and were bred to work alongside humans, Australian Shepherds do not fare well when left alone for long periods. They are very social dogs that are ready and willing to go anywhere with their people.
#2 – Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has remained one of the most popular dog breeds in the world for quite some time because of their social, affectionate temperaments. These dogs were originally used as retrievers for both upland and waterfowl and therefore have a desire to be at the side of their humans all day. They are active dogs, outgoing with friends and strangers alike and make an excellent choice for families with children.
#3 – Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise originated as a lap dog, therefore the desire of this breed is to be with its people. They are very playful, cheerful and friendly dogs that enjoy spending time with both their families and strangers alike. Bichons are known for getting along well with children and other animals because of their heritage as a social companion. These dogs do not do well when left alone for long periods as they thrive on human affection.
#4 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was also developed solely as a companion dog. Because of this, they do best when offered ample amounts of affection and prefer to be by their owners’ sides at all times. Cavaliers are very playful and warmhearted dogs and can adapt to just about any lifestyle in which they are able to be near their people regularly. Because of their gentle dispositions, they make excellent therapy dogs.
#5 – German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a very active, intelligent working dog. Originally bred for hunting, this breed has a history of working alongside their humans and are still adamant about human attention today. The breed was developed to be an avid worker but also affectionate companion for his human family at home, making him an all-purpose family member. GSPs require a lot of exercise and do best in very active homes where they are able to be with their owners frequently.
#6 – Vizsla
Vizslas are a Hungarian hunting dog, also being used as both a hardworking hunter and a friendly family member. They are very active and intelligent dogs that require a lot of exercise and attention. Being bred to work side by side with humans has created a very affectionate dog breed that needs constant human attention. Because of this, they do not do well when left alone for long periods and thoroughly enjoy taking the lap dog position regardless of their size.
