If you work away from the home, you may be looking for dogs who can be left alone — at least while you’re at the office. First, remember that dogs are social animals. Dog parents who work away from home still need to prioritize time for their dogs’ daily mental and physical exercise and interaction. Secondly, 9 to 5 owners do well to choose breeds that manage solo hours without undue boredom, stress, gloom or destruction. Let’s hear from five self-proclaimed dogs who can be left alone for a reasonable amount of time without serious separation anxiety:
Pekingese
Developed long ago in China, we were favored Imperial companions. At times carried in our owners’ sleeves, we were bred in diverse colors to coordinate with wardrobes. Today, you needn’t carry me often. I’m sturdier than many toy breeds, and I appreciate walks and outings. And while I love family time, I don’t commonly languish when you’re working. I’m naturally inclined to put my paws up, so a relaxing day suits me. If your house and heart can accommodate two Pekes, however, we’ll enjoy the company. And if you have a safe environment for me to move from indoors to outdoors, I’d appreciate a doggie door. We’re a self-determining breed. Of course, we want to come and go as we please!
Greyhound
An ancient breed famous for extraordinary speed, we also excel in relaxing on your couch. We’re affectionate, easy keepers. We do, however, need a chance to run in a fenced area since we instinctively chase moving creatures. Many of us are retired racing Greyhounds who are hopeful for home life. With training and love, we transform from racers to relaxed buddies. Whether bred for racing or companionship, it’s quite remarkable how adaptable and easygoing we are in homes. Did I mention we have thin skin and little fat? We like your soft, cushy furniture better than the floor!
Great Pyrenees
Used for centuries in southwestern Europe’s mountainous areas, I was bred as a sheep guardian dog. I often protected sheep alone, which explains my occasional skepticism about human commands. Though reserved with strangers, I take good care of my family. I also don’t insist on endless sports or activities. In fact, although I’m serious about my watchdog work, I like to simply nap with one eye open. Don’t let my large size fool you — I can jump to attention quickly if needed. I expect daily exercise, but I’m relatively calm indoors. All bets are off, though, if you leave me outside. I may bark at each new happening. And when you get home from work, I’ll want to walk with you, lean on you (yes, we do that!) and hang out with you.
Alaskan Malamute
We’re the biggest Arctic sled dog, bred to haul heavy loads for Inuit tribes. We worked hard for man, often using our own judgment to assess ice conditions and determine safe routes. These days, we welcome time with you but we demonstrate a self-ruling spirit. We’re deemed playful upon invitation — that means we don’t endlessly nag for attention. We do thrive on outdoor exercise. May I suggest an extra outing on weekends, such as sledding or hiking? On workdays, if I have a walk or a romp before you leave, I’ll likely doze until dinner. Caveat: if you’re gone too long (or forget to walk us!), we may howl our disapproval.
Sealyham Terrier
We’re inquisitive and self-confident, but not overly demanding. We were developed in Wales for hunting, following our prey even underground. My forefathers were bred by Captain John Tucker-Edwardes to hunt fox, rats, badgers and rabbits. In time, our companionship was as valued as our work. We shared our lives with Hollywood celebrities such as Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart. Today, we’re a comparatively rare breed, eager to bond with families. We expect walks, attention and chances to explore our worlds, but when we’re indoors we’re relatively calm. Now, for weekends, may I suggest a Barn Hunt?
Thumbnail: Photography by CBCK / Shutterstock.
Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:
- What Are the Longest Living Dog Breeds? These Dogs Often Live Into Their Teens
- The Best Dogs for First-Time Owners
- Dogs That Don’t Shed: Separating Fact from Fiction
15 thoughts on “5 Dogs Who Can Be Left Alone While You’re Away at Work”
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I agree with the comment about greyhounds loving to lie on the couch! My brother’s rescue greyhoud was the BIGGEST couch potato. What a sweet loving dog she was — RIP Chloe.
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golden retriever too are good, not so much as a puppy mine got bored but as she got older she was fine
I think it’s an injustice to Golden Retrievers that they are often listed as great house dogs, great companions for little old home bound ladies. They were breed as hunting dogs. They need outfits and except to be happy and healthy. My mom was the perfect loving dog lady…. when she had miniature POODLE mix dogs. Regardless of all the love and affection and constant companionship, her Golden Retriever was very well behaved but so miserable she chewed on her paws until they bled. ….Until i became my mom’s caretaker and started getting Mitzi plenty of exercise and time unleashed in the woods.
Due to their active nature, I would not suggest promoting Alaskan Malamutes as couch dogs, they need a fair amount of activity to be happy and are not appropriate for condos or apartments due to barking. Also Japanese Chins and Pekingese are prone to eye and breathing issues so is it really humane to promote them? Quiet shelter dogs make great homebodies too!
I have a schnauzer and he does very well at home while I am at work so there is more than 6 breeds that can be home alone
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So fun that y’all mention Japanese Chins! they were on my outline! Thanks for reading!
I agree with the comment on Japanese chin’s as mine is 11 years old and also sits on the back of the couch most of the day and hides his treats behind the pillows of the couch. He has even won the heart of my mother 93, and she raised pencil nosed collies, he can not get enough of her when she comes to visit even can identify her car and the honk of it when she comes over. I am retired now and he is my constant companion. He is super sweet does not bark much at all, and is friendly towards everyone. Love him to death. He was left alone for long periods of time when my husband and I worked, and never destroyed or damaged anything nor did he ever do his duty in the apartment sometimes for as long as 12 hours. He will wait till he is taken outside.
I’d add Japanese Chin to this list. Amazing, almost cat-like in some ways, but still incredibly affectionate! Super smart (I trained mine to use a litterbox as a pup), super curious (puppy proof EVERYTHING) & super sweet. Their description often notes “aloof” or “haughty” , which is the very thing that makes them good on their own for a bit…but still dogs, so also very happy to see you when you’re home. (Mine preferred to sit on the back of the couch almost on top of my head,)
Do can staffies my staffie can be left alone all day his good as gold no body ever says staffies its rude thanks
Good post!
Although its not nice to leave dogs home alone all day, everybody has to make a living to buy their dog’s food and toys. Its nice to see a post that showcases dogs that don’t mind being alone, while their owners go out to work!