If you’re a busy person, these independent dog breeds are perfect for you!
You surely love being around your furry friends, but sometimes life calls you away. I would love to be a stay-at-home pet parent, but not everyone has the luxury of being home 24/7.
Whether you have a busy social life, a demanding family, a side hustle you must invest time in, or just need some time for yourself, some pups can handle alone time much better than others.
While certain breeds will follow you everywhere you go, including the bathroom, others are more independent and love when you don’t always come for cuddles.
If you’re looking for independent dog breeds that won’t panic or go crazy when you step out the door, you’re in the right place. These pups are gorgeous and are popular for having low separation anxiety, so you can leave home without fearing your couch will be torn up in protest.
However, just because they don’t need to be in your lap 24/7 doesn’t mean they don’t need attention, love, cuddles, mental stimulation, and exercise. After all, balance is key—even in the canine world.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect independent dog breeds, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a look:
1. Shiba Inu
Fluffy, lovely, loyal, self-reliant, and beautiful, Shiba Inus can be the perfect companion for someone who is looking for an independent dog breed. Considered the smallest and oldest Japanese pooch, they’re a popular choice for their friendly and bubbly personalities.
As long as they have water, food, and enough exercise in a day, you can leave them alone for a couple of hours, and they won’t even think about you. However, to ensure they’re happy, it’s best to keep them active for at least 45 minutes a day and leave them with a puzzle toy (here’s a fantastic option) to keep them mentally stimulated.
When you come home, treat them with an extra walk, and they’ll shower you with love. But there’s one thing to note: since these pups have powerful hunting instincts, make sure you keep them on a leash outdoors. It’s for their own safety.
2. Newfoundland
These big pooches will surely put a smile on your face, thanks to their sweet puppy eyes and friendly looks. While they’re known for being affectionate and gentle, some people might be surprised they’re part of the independent dog breeds crew.
Originally bred as working pups for hauling loads and water rescues, they’re confident and have a strong sense of duty. Thanks to this, Newfoundlands are calm and nurturing, making them a fabulous choice for families with seniors or children.
Even though they would gladly spend hours around the people they love, they don’t mind being left alone for a couple of hours. These massive pups are smart and have a laid-back temperament, so they can easily find ways to keep themselves entertained, whether it’s by playing with toys, sleeping, or relaxing on the couch.
While their size can be intimidating, these gentle pups will impress you with their calm demeanor. Provide your pup with regular mental stimulation and exercise, and watch them thrive.
3. Pug
The pug is the king or queen of the couch, so no wonder this independent dog breed doesn’t mind being alone for a few hours. While cuddling with you on the couch is among their favorite things to do, they appreciate some time for themselves.
Unlike some velcro pups that might break your favorite vase or chew on your shoes as protest, Pugs can easily adapt and entertain themselves for hours. Thanks to this, they’re perfect choices for retirees or people with busy schedules.
While they need regular exercise to be happy and healthy, they don’t have high energy levels, so they’ll be happy to nap, lounge around waiting for you to come home, or chew on a toy. Give them plenty of love and a nice walk when you return, and they’ll wag their tails with happiness!
4. Greyhound
Greyhounds are popular for their speed, but let’s not forget they’re an independent dog breed. While they’re very athletic and would love to run outside, they’re actually couch potatoes who don’t mind lounging around for hours.
If you have a busy lifestyle, these lovely pouches are perfect for you. As long as they have snacks, water, and a few toys to play with, Greyhounds can easily entertain themselves. Just make sure you take them for a walk before you leave so they get some fresh air and go to the bathroom.
Believe it or not, some experts even say that these pawsome furry friends are champion sleepers, logging an average of 20 hours per day. Last but not least, Greyhounds have a calm and adaptable nature that will make you fall in love with them within seconds.
Don’t forget to take them out, play fetch, and give them love when you return home. They will appreciate it!
…The next independent dog breed you’ll love to have by your side is the Great Pyrenees. Keep reading to learn more about this giant ball of fur!
5. Great Pyrenees
Also known as “Pyrs,” these gorgeous pups have a special sleep schedule that could be perfect for some pet parents. They’re incredibly strong yet delicate giants who love to take long naps during the day and explore the house at night. This might be due to their natural instinct to patrol, a leftover skill from their days of guarding livestock in the stunning Pyrenees mountains.
But when they’re awake at the same time as you, Pyrenees dogs radiate a wonderful sense of calm and patience that makes them such delightful furry friends! If you want to keep your canine companion happy while you’re out and about, take them for a fun, sniff-filled walk before you head out! They’ll really appreciate the outing and will shower you with love and tail wags when you get back.
If you think about owning a loveable furball like this, you’ll be happy to hear that they need moderate exercise. While they enjoy roaming, they don’t have high energy levels and would rather settle for a relaxed lifestyle. So, don’t worry; daily walks and playtime are all they need to be content.
6. Chinese shar-pei
Are you a busy pet parent? Then you don’t need to worry, because we have the perfect independent dog breed for you: the Chinese shar-pei. This gorgeous pup doesn’t have a care in the world regarding separation anxiety and would gladly spend some time by themselves.
They’re known for their wrinkles, and when you think about it, those little features only make them even more charming, don’t they? If you want to know a pawsome Chinese shar-pei, keep in mind that they won’t snuggle up with everyone, so they need early socialization to help them be more playful and sociable.
Last but not least, these pups have moderate energy levels, so daily playtime sessions and walks will keep them happy.
…We’ve talked about independent dog breeds that don’t mind being left alone for a couple of hours, but do you know how to train your pooch to have less separation anxiety? Keep reading to discover the best tips from the experts!
Train your dog for time alone
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, separation anxiety is a major problem in the canine world, affecting 20% to 40% of pups in North America. Animal behaviorists suggest that separation training should start early, so your dog can learn to be comfortable without needing your presence 24/7.
For example, you can even leave your dog in another room and adapt the duration each time, so they don’t associate longer durations with you leaving. Routine is important for your furry friends because it gives them the sense of control they need.
Another important thing to consider is that you should tire your dog before leaving them alone, so you can be sure they’re more likely to sleep or stay busy with their toys, rather than being upset or angry about your departure. Every dog is different, so be patient and gentle, because it can take time to adjust.
What are your thoughts on these independent dog breeds? Would you consider getting any of these pups? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! Until next time, here’s another post from Pet Compilation you won’t want to miss: 11 Naughty Dog Signs Your Pooch Is Up to Something
