Which Dog Breeds Have Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety can happen in any dog breed or mix. While genetics play a role, environment, and experiences matter a lot. Puppies who didn’t get enough socialization, dogs who were abandoned or rehomed multiple times, or pets who’ve experienced trauma can also be prone to separation anxiety, no matter their breed.

Although separation anxiety ultimately varies by the individual dog, certain dogs may be more prone to it. Dogs bred to work closely with humans, those with intense attachment and other sensitivities, show a higher likelihood of developing separation anxiety. Here’s a rundown of dogs that are commonly associated with separation anxiety.

Dogs prone to separation anxiety

According to several studies, separation anxiety occurs in up to 20 percent of dogs. Separation anxiety is slightly more common in older dogs and male dogs, and there’s a link between separation anxiety and dogs who are easily startled by loud sounds.

Mixed-breed dogs have been shown to have high rates of separation anxiety, which might reflect a mix of genetic predispositions and life experiences. Wheaten Terriers stand out as the purebreds where separation anxiety is particularly prevalent. However, many breeds typically associated with close human bonds, such as retrievers, shepherds, and spaniels, are also prone to it

• Mixed breed

• Wheaten Terrier

• Border Collie

• German Shepherd

• Australian Shepherd

• Belgian Malinois

• Poodles (that includes doodle mixes)

• Cocker Spaniels

Helping a dog with separation anxiety  

First, it’s important to understand that this condition will not self-correct. In fact, if left untreated, separation anxiety in dogs will likely become worse as time goes on. That’s why it’s important to find effective treatment at the first sign of separation anxiety.

Also note that there is a range of separation anxiety that runs from mild to severe. What works with one dog may not help another, so there is often a bit of trial and error involved. Treatments include:

• Conditioning: Your dog associates you leaving with bad things happening. If you can change that, it may reduce their anxiety. For example, now your leaving is only associated with loneliness and, perhaps, a fear you’ll never come back. Try giving them a very special treat upon leaving and again upon returning home in order to help them associate you leaving with something good. If you can, start with “leaving” for ten seconds and come right back inside, and gradually increase the amount of time you are leaving your dog alone. An animal behaviorist can help with conditioning if you’re not sure of the best way to go about it on your own. 

• Medication: In some cases, you may have to speak to your vet about medicating your dog. If all other methods have failed, the doctor may prescribe medication to keep your dog calm and alleviate the symptoms of separation anxiety. 

Separation anxiety isn’t limited to particular breeds. No matter what type of dog you have, solutions to the problem can be found with a little patience and, in some cases, help from your vet.

How do I know it is really separation anxiety? 

Most dogs don’t like to be left alone, but your pet acting a little down when you leave isn’t a sign of separation anxiety. This condition involves consistent, ongoing distress. It manifests every time you leave, and it involves destructive and/or dangerous behaviors. Dogs with severe separation anxiety sometimes injure themselves in an attempt to escape a crate or get out of the house. Signs of separation anxiety include:

• Excessive barking

• Chewing furniture, clothing, and other items

• Scratching or chewing on windows or doors

• Urinating and/or defecating in the house

• Intense pacing

• Drooling and/or panting 

References

Salonen, Milla, et al. “Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Breed Differences in Canine Anxiety in 13,700 Finnish Pet Dogs.” Scientific Reports, vol. 10, no. 1, 5 Mar. 2020, www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-59837-z, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59837-z.‌

“Is Your Dog Anxious? Genes Common to Its Breed Could Play a Role.” www.science.org, www.science.org/content/article/your-dog-anxious-genes-common-its-breed-could-play-role.‌

Melbourne, Dr Diane van Rooy, University of. “Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Dogs.” Pursuit, 24 Jan. 2020, pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/dealing-with-separation-anxiety-in-dogs.