10 Dog Breeds That Stay Calmer When Left Alone at Home

Leaving a dog alone is never ideal. Dogs are social animals shaped by thousands of years of living in groups, whether wolf packs or human families. Still, real life does not always allow constant companionship. Work, errands, and responsibilities sometimes mean your dog must stay home for several hours.

The key question is not whether a dog likes being alone, but whether it can tolerate solitude without stress or destructive behavior. Some breeds cope better than others due to their temperament, independence, and emotional regulation.

Here are ten dog breeds that generally handle being alone better than most, when properly trained and cared for.

1. Basset Hound

Basset Hound sitting calmly outdoors, a dog breed known for tolerating alone time better than others — A calm Basset Hound resting outdoors, a breed often known for coping better with solitude when properly enriched. Photo by Gundula Vogel via Pexels

Calm and unhurried, the Basset Hound has a naturally low-energy personality. These dogs enjoy comfort, routine, and long naps. When left alone, they often sleep rather than panic, provided their physical and emotional needs are met beforehand.

2. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu sitting calmly outdoors, an independent dog breed known for handling alone time better — A Shiba Inu outdoors, a breed often valued for its independence and ability to cope with alone time when properly enriched. Photo by Jaycee Xie via Unsplash

The Shiba Inu is one of the most independent dog breeds. Originally bred for hunting alone, this dog values personal space and does not demand constant attention. That independence helps it cope with solitude, although early socialization remains essential.

3. Greyhound

Greyhound resting calmly indoors, a relaxed dog breed that often tolerates alone time well — A Greyhound relaxing indoors, a breed known for its calm temperament and ability to rest peacefully when left alone after proper exercise. Photo by Juan Gomez via Unsplash

Despite their athletic reputation, Greyhounds are famously relaxed indoors. Often called “45-mph couch potatoes,” they enjoy calm environments and long resting periods. Many Greyhounds adapt well to quiet alone time after exercise.

4. Chow Chow

Chow Chow sitting calmly outdoors, a reserved dog breed known for coping better with alone time — A Chow Chow outdoors, a breed known for its reserved nature and ability to tolerate solitude when routines and enrichment are respected. Photo by Marius-Kristensen via Pixabay

The Chow Chow forms strong bonds but expresses affection discreetly. This reserved nature allows it to tolerate separation better than highly clingy breeds. Its calm temperament makes solitude manageable, especially in a stable routine.

5. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso resting calmly indoors, a small dog breed known for tolerating alone time better than others — A relaxed Lhasa Apso resting indoors, a breed often appreciated for its calm temperament and ability to cope with quiet alone time. Photo by “Lisa from Pexels” via Pexels

Historically used as monastery watchdogs, Lhasa Apsos learned to observe quietly for long periods. They are alert but emotionally stable, which helps them remain calm when left alone in a familiar environment.

6. Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is loyal yet self-contained. Unlike dogs that seek constant reassurance, this breed is comfortable occupying itself. With proper mental stimulation, it often handles short to moderate absences without anxiety.

7. Whippet

Whippet sitting calmly indoors, a gentle dog breed known for coping well with alone time — A Whippet resting calmly, a breed appreciated for its gentle nature and ability to relax during quiet alone time after exercise. Photo by Greg70 via Pixabay

Closely related to the Greyhound, the Whippet shares the same relaxed indoor behavior. It enjoys human company but does not panic when left alone, especially after physical activity that releases pent-up energy.

8. Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff standing calmly outdoors, a steady dog breed known for tolerating alone time well — A Bullmastiff outdoors, a calm and steady breed that often remains relaxed during alone time when daily routines are respected. Photo by Saeed Khokhar via Pixabay

Large and composed, the Bullmastiff prefers calm companionship over constant interaction. These dogs are emotionally steady and often remain relaxed during alone time, provided they receive daily engagement.

9. Akita

Akita resting calmly indoors, a loyal and independent dog breed known for tolerating alone time — An Akita resting calmly with its owner, a breed known for loyalty, independence, and emotional self-control. Photo by Zen Chung via Pexels

The Akita’s strong sense of independence comes from its working heritage. While deeply loyal, it does not require constant attention. This balance helps the breed manage solitude better than many companion-focused dogs.

10. Basenji

Basenji standing calmly outdoors, an independent and quiet dog breed known for tolerating alone time — A Basenji outdoors, a breed often described as independent and quiet, with a strong ability to cope with solitude when enriched properly. Photo by Marius Cern via Unsplach

Often described as “cat-like,” the Basenji values autonomy and quiet. It was bred to hunt independently, which explains its ability to tolerate alone time better than highly social breeds.

Important Reality Check: Breed Is Not Everything

Even dogs known for handling solitude can develop separation anxiety if their needs are ignored. A dog’s ability to stay alone depends on:

Proper daily exercise
Mental stimulation
Gradual training for alone time
A predictable routine
Emotional security with the owner

Conversely, dogs from “independent” breeds can still struggle if left suddenly, too long, or without preparation.

How to Help Any Dog Cope with Being Alone

Regardless of breed, you can improve your dog’s tolerance for solitude by:

Leaving interactive toys or food puzzles
Creating a calm departure routine
Avoiding emotional goodbyes
Ensuring sufficient physical activity before leaving
Gradually increasing alone time instead of abrupt absences

Solitude should feel neutral, not stressful.

A Pawlore Perspective

Dogs do not measure time the way humans do. What matters is not how long you are gone, but how safe, stimulated, and secure your dog feels while you are away. Understanding breed tendencies helps, but daily care and emotional awareness matter far more.

A dog that feels fulfilled before solitude will often rest peacefully until you return.

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