10 breeds · updated Oct 2026

Best dog breeds that cope with time alone

If you work outside the home, a self-reliant dog can make life easier, but no dog is happy being alone all day. Independent breeds are the ones that tend to cope better with reasonable stretches on their own, without panicking, wrecking the house or barking for hours.

This list includes breeds rated 3 or higher for tolerating time alone, and ranks them by that rating plus how low their energy is. A calmer dog is more likely to nap through your absence than to pace and fret. Independence can have a flip side: some of these breeds are more aloof, less eager to please and more headstrong in training.

Individual dogs matter more here than breeds. Separation anxiety varies from dog to dog, and a puppy or newly adopted dog needs to be taught gradually to feel comfortable alone. Use this list as a guide to temperament, not as permission to leave a dog alone for long days.

  1. 1

    Bulldog

    Non-Sporting · Medium · 40–50 lb (18–23 kg)

    The Bulldog, or English Bulldog, is a stocky, wrinkled companion that typically weighs 40 to 50 lb (18 to 23 kg). Gentle and dependable, it is low on energy and well suited to calm homes, but its flat face, he…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level
  2. 2

    Chow Chow

    Non-Sporting · Medium · 45–70 lb (20–32 kg)

    The Chow Chow is a dignified, lion-maned dog from China with a blue-black tongue, typically 17 to 20 in (43 to 51 cm) tall and 45 to 70 lb (20 to 32 kg). It is loyal and aloof, sheds heavily and struggles in h…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level
  3. 3

    Great Pyrenees

    Working · Giant · 85–120 lb (39–54 kg)

    The Great Pyrenees is a calm, white livestock guardian standing at least 25 in (64 cm) and weighing roughly 85–120 lb (39–54 kg), bred to protect flocks in the mountains. It is gentle with its family and very…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level
  4. 4

    Pekingese

    Toy · Toy · 7–14 lb (3–6 kg)

    The Pekingese is a small, lion-maned companion from the Chinese imperial court that weighs up to 14 lb (6.4 kg). Pekes are loyal, dignified and independent, and they suit calm homes, but the flat face makes th…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level
  5. 5

    Anatolian Shepherd Dog

    Working · Giant · 80–150 lb (36–68 kg)

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a massive Turkish livestock guardian that stands 27 to 29 in (69 to 74 cm) and weighs 80 to 150 lb (36 to 68 kg). It is loyal and calm with its family but wary of strangers and in…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level
  6. 6

    Chihuahua

    Toy · Toy · 3–6 lb (1–3 kg)

    The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, with an AKC standard of no more than 6 lb (2.7 kg), and a long lifespan that PetMD puts at 14–16 years. It is bold, loyal and portable, but it can be wary of st…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level
  7. 7

    Chinese Shar-Pei

    Non-Sporting · Medium · 45–60 lb (20–27 kg)

    The Chinese Shar-Pei is a compact, wrinkled, scowling guardian that stands 18 to 20 in (46 to 51 cm) tall and weighs 45 to 60 lb (20 to 27 kg). It is loyal to its family and wary of everyone else, so it suits…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level
  8. 8

    Greyhound

    Hound · Large · 60–70 lb (27–32 kg)

    The Greyhound is a tall, lean sighthound famous for speed, yet most retired racers are quiet, gentle couch dogs at 60–70 lb (27–32 kg). They need short bursts of exercise rather than long ones, a securely fenc…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level
  9. 9

    Cairn Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 13–14 lb (6–6 kg)

    The Cairn Terrier is a small, scruffy, bold earthdog from the Scottish Highlands, standing about 10 in (25 cm) tall and weighing 13 to 14 lb (5.9 to 6.4 kg). Cairns are cheerful, curious and long-lived, but th…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level
  10. 10

    Shiba Inu

    Non-Sporting · Small · 17–23 lb (8–10 kg)

    The Shiba Inu is Japan's smallest native spitz breed, a fox-like 17–23 lb (8–10.5 kg) dog that is bold, clean and famously independent. It is a rewarding companion for patient owners, but it sheds heavily, has…

    Tolerates being alone
    Energy level

How we ranked them

Breeds qualify with a rating of 3 or higher for tolerating time alone. We score each by doubling that rating and adding points for lower energy, so independent, relaxed dogs come first. Ratings come from our breed profiles and describe the typical dog of each breed. Every dog is an individual, and no rating means a dog can safely be left for a full day without breaks, company or care.

See how we research and rate breeds.

Before you choose

Teach alone time gradually. VCA recommends a predictable routine, a calm resting place and enrichment, followed by short, low-key practice departures that you lengthen slowly. Skip the dramatic goodbyes and greetings.

Exercise before you leave. A walk and a play session can help your dog settle, and our guide to how much exercise a dog needs helps you plan. Leave safe chews or a food puzzle too.

Plan for breaks. A dog left through a long workday needs a chance to go out and some company, so line up a dog walker, a neighbor or a family member. If your dog destroys things, howls, toilets indoors or drools heavily when alone, talk to your vet before assuming bad behavior, and never punish it; anxiety or a medical problem may be the cause. Our calm dogs list is another useful starting point.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I leave a dog alone?

There is no single safe number, because it depends on age, health, training and the individual dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with medical needs need far more frequent breaks. Build up slowly and arrange midday help if your absences are long.

Is separation anxiety a breed trait?

It varies from dog to dog. Dogs with separation anxiety are overly attached and distressed when left alone, and may howl, chew, pace or toilet indoors. Other causes, including medical problems, can look similar, so check with your vet.

Are independent dogs less affectionate?

Not necessarily, but some independent breeds are more reserved. Check the affection rating on each profile.

What can my dog do while I'm out?

Safe chews and food puzzles give a dog something to do. Try any new item while you are home to make sure your dog uses it safely.

Sources

  1. VCA Animal Hospitals: Separation Anxiety in Dogs
  2. AVSAB: What are reward-based training methods?

More breed lists

All lists