Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone The Longest

You don't bring a dog into your home hoping to leave them alone for long stretches of time, but between jobs, family, and social obligations, it can happen. When it comes to pups, separation anxiety can be a very real and very trying hurdle to overcome. Depending on your lifestyle, you may need to consider adopting a dog who remains fairly laid back if they have to spend some time alone. 

If you're rarely home, a dog might not be for you. Some adult dogs can adapt to being left alone for around four to six hours at a time, but for puppies, that time span is much shorter, and dogs should never be left alone overnight. Pups need to be taken outside to do their business every few hours, and they by and large thrive on human interaction and affection.

If you do need to leave during the day, and you're looking for a canine companion, it's a good idea to consider a breed that tends to do pretty well on their own. As always, dogs have their own distinct quirks and personalities. Not every member of these breeds will do well with extended periods of alone time. In general, the basenji, basset hound, Lhasa Apso, Chinese shar-pei, and greyhound are easygoing pets who don't generally experience high levels of separation anxiety.

The basenji is a small African breed most famous for being the only dog breed in the world that doesn't bark — though they can still yodel and make noise. Perhaps the most cat-like dog, in their behavior, basenjis have been described as intelligent, aloof, and independent, which makes them well-suited to spending time by themselves. However, there are a few caveats. Basenjis are quite energetic and require daily exercise to prevent boredom, as boredom in these dogs is a shortcut to destructive behavior.

The good thing about basenjis is that unlike most cats, they're very trainable, specifically with short sessions (around 10 minutes long) that focus on positive reinforcement. These are very smart, self-sufficient pups who usually have no problem hanging out by themselves as long as they're properly trained and stimulated enough with exercise and games before they are left alone. Consider leaving them with a puzzle toy like Petsta's Dog Puzzle Toy to keep them busy while you're away.

The floppy, long-eared basset hound looks very much like a dog who just likes to lay around, and by and large, that is the case with these cuties. Friendly and outgoing, the basset hound likes just about everybody. They're generally always happy to cuddle, lick faces, and run around with other dogs, and they're loyal, hard-working pups who were originally bred for hunting.

Like the other dogs on this list, the basset hound also has an independent streak. Their easygoing nature makes bassets fairly comfortable hanging out and napping while their owners aren't home. Since they're so content on their own, they can be a challenge to train. If you're able to start early, when they're a puppy, that's your best shot at teaching them how to behave well on a consistent basis. It may take a lot of persistence (and treats), but it is doable.

Unlike the basenji, the basset hound doesn't require a ton of exercise: A daily walk is usually enough. There are actually four types of basset hounds, and while their appearances vary, the traditional basset, with all their droopy folds and stumpy legs, are feistier than they look, but they're mild-mannered in a home setting and funny, personable companions for dog owners.

For a little pup, the Lhasa apso has a lot of confidence. Their long, silky coat complements the breed's history as a fixture in Himalayan palaces and monasteries. Lhasa apsos are very intelligent, resourceful, and happy to take care of themselves. Lhasas do require daily exercise, but they will happily zoom about your home to burn off some energy. They also do well with a couple of walks a day. At 12 to 18 pounds and only 10 or 11 inches high, you don't have to go too far to tire them out.

Lhasa apsos are fun and goofy with their family, but they're generally apathetic about strangers, so they won't feel left out if you leave them alone for a while when company is over. Lhasas have a knack for agility, scent work, and even herding, and they're happy to entertain themselves as long as their owners provide them with some mental stimulation before they leave.

The Chinese shar-pei is a distinctive dog for lots of reasons. Their wrinkly faces, small ears, and black mouths and blue-black tongues are instantly recognizable. The shar-pei is also known as a fairly challenging pet. Shar-peis love their families, but they can be aloof with strangers. They are consummate guard dogs and fiercely independent, wary of people and animals they don't know.

If you're a busy pet parent, a shar-pei may be a good breed to consider. As long as they are socialized when they are young, shar-peis can be good-natured pets. Some may need more exercise or mental stimulation than others, but in general, shar-peis can adapt easily to the lifestyle of their owner, enjoying long walks and lots of physical activity or just a few short trips outside each day. Shar-peis are ornery and difficult dogs in some ways — especially when it comes to convincing them to follow a training plan. However, they are also very laid back, doing well with long couch cuddling sessions once you're home. If having an independent dog who really shouldn't have trouble staying home alone for long periods is a top priority for you, check out this unique breed.

Despite being known as racing dogs, greyhounds are giant couch potatoes, especially those who've retired from running races. They are mild-mannered, sensitive pups who are generally happy to nap on the couch while their owners go about their days. Greyhounds sleep for up to 20 hours a day, which is a lot, even for dogs!

For this reason, they make great apartment dogs. Whatever running they may need to do will generally be in short spurts. Like many other breeds, greyhounds are very loyal, gentle, laid-back companions, but they have that "independent spirit" that contributes to their easygoing nature when it comes to spending some time alone. While this is not a breed many people with more inactive lifestyles consider due to their reputation as racing animals, don't sleep on greyhounds — although, they may very well sleep on you. No matter what, these five breeds are sure to be okay in the times between cuddles and walks when you're busy with life, too.