Just because some dogs can endure being home alone doesn’t mean they should be left on their own for a long stretch of time. As a general rule, dogs should not be left alone without a toilet break for more than four hours.
If you’re someone who works away from home all day, you’d want a dog that’s independent, mellow, low-maintenance, and don’t mind being left alone for a short time. These dog breeds enjoy a few hours of alone time and can tolerate being left alone a lot better than other breeds.
Read: How Long Can I Leave My Puppy Home Alone?
Akita Inu
Thanks to the 2009 film, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, this breed has become more famous in the years that followed. Famed for its loyalty, the Akita is a capable guardian and a dependable member of the household.
Native to Japan, this dog has been bred to guard royalty and to hunt game. This explains its fearlessness and heroic loyalty.
The Akita tends to be quiet and reserved with people it does not know. Although the Akita is affectionate to its family, it can also be independent and stubborn at times. This independent nature allows the Akita to enjoy its own company for a certain period of time.
Chow Chow
Fluffy and cuddly, this pooch looks like the perfect arm warmer and canine companion. But that’s just appearances—the Chow Chow is actually a dog with a cat-like personality.
It is a rather independent dog breed that has a different way of showing and receiving affection.
Although easy to house-train (like cats), this breed can be stubborn and challenging to train. The Chow Chow likes being alone and thus can thrive spending time indoors all by himself. This makes the Chow Chow is one of the dog breeds less likely to have separation anxiety.
Although the Chow Chow is a highly independent dog, he still likes human companionship. Despite being reserved, a Chow Chow is a loyal pet to his owner and is known to be a capable guard dog. The Chow Chow is suitable for owners that are confident and strong-willed to override the dog’s stubborn streak.
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Shar Pei
An ancient dog breed originating from China, the Shar Pei has a distinctive wrinkly skin covered with short hair. This lends them a unique yet stuffed toy-like appearance.
Like the Chow Chow, this dog is quiet, reserved, stubborn, and seemingly aloof. This is what makes it one of the best dog breeds to be left home alone for a reasonable length of time.
Shar Pei is known to be very loyal to his family and likes being given something to do. He is also a good watchdog and guardian of the home. The Shar Pei breed is best suited to experienced owners who are able to assert their leadership over this independent pooch.
French Bulldog
Vivacious and entertaining, the Frenchie is a fun canine companion. Not being a high energy breed, the French Bulldog does not require much exercise to keep his energy balanced. Rather, he loves to lounge about and take naps. As such, Frenchies can tolerate being left on their own during the day.
Although the French bulldog does not vocalise much, he is prone to breathing issues due to his smushed-in muzzle. As such, it is important to keep indoor temperatures moderate as humidity and heat make breathing difficult.
Greyhound &Whippet
The large greyhound and the medium- to small-sized whippet are closely related and thus share similar temperaments. Both are speedy on the race track but absolute couch potatoes at home.
They are happy to spend much of their downtime sleeping. As such, they are the best dog breeds for full-time workers.
Further, both breeds are well suited to living in small spaces despite their reputation as the fastest domestic canines. They are also quiet and gentle.
The whippet, in particular, is timid and more sensitive, which means it does not do well as a guard dog. However, it is affectionate and good with children.
Basset Hound
This is a dog with a stumpy frame that belies its large size. The basset hound is an amiable and curious companion that has low energy levels and lots of love to give.
Its laid-back and easy-going nature makes it a wonderful pet. Its relaxed ways make it one of the dog breeds that doesn’t mind being left alone for a few hours.
This hound may tolerate solitude but is known to be restless when left on its own for extended periods.
It may even give in to howling. As such, it is best to take this pooch for a long walk before making your exit.
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Chihuahua
Small, sassy, and confident, the chihuahua may be the smallest canine breed but it is not lacking in spunk. This dog is a great choice for those living in flats and who are away most of the time.
This little powerhouse can amuse itself when left home alone. It also is an alert watchdog, ready to let you know when there’s someone at the door.
Final Tips
Although the dog breeds mentioned will be happy to be on their own for a few hours, they are not immune to the mental distress and physical discomfort from the isolation. To make your dog comfortable and happy whilst you’re away, consider hiring a dog sitter.
It is also best to exercise your dog before leaving for work or engage him in mentally-stimulating activities to prevent undesirable behaviours from occurring.
Have you decided which one is the most suitable breed for you? Let our dog breed comparison tool help you to make your mind up!
To learn more tips on caring for your dog, take a look at our posts on pet behaviour!
