10 Free-Spirited Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone – Did Your Clingy Canine Make The Cut?

Choosing one of the best dog breeds that can be left alone is crucial if you want to add a furry bestie to your family but still need to work, go to school, or just step out for a little while. Let’s take a look at some of these independent dog breeds that won’t mind a little alone time!

Dog breeds that can be left alone are the Chinese Shar-Pei, Greyhounds, Lhaso Apsos, Basset Hounds, the Shiba Inu, Pugs, Japanese Chins, Bernese Mountain Dogs, the Basenji, and the Bullmastiff.

All dogs are social creatures and would much rather be spending time with us. And while we would all love nothing more than cuddling with our cozy canines all day long, sometimes that’s just not possible.

While some dog breeds aren’t at all happy with being left alone, you don’t have to be unemployed, retired, or work from home to have a precious pooch in your family.

You just need to know which ones feel confident enough for a little pup time alone.

Of course, we’re not talking about leaving our furry family members at home alone for hours on end. We’re talking about a sensible, reasonable amount of time. And while it’s not recommended, a well-trained pup can usually be left alone for up to 8 hours.

In this post, you will learn all about dog breeds that can be left alone, dog breeds that can be left alone for 8 hours, the least destructive dog breeds, and what is the best dog that can be left alone.

After learning about dog breeds that can be left alone, you will be well-prepared when choosing your independent little fur buddy that will be happy to leave your beautiful home intact while you’re away!

1. Chinese Shar-Pei // Independent Dog Breeds

Just look at that crinkled, wrinkled, bundle of pure cuteness. This is a face that you will want to race home to after a hectic day at work … or anytime!

The calm and devoted nature of the Shar-Pai makes him a loving companion. They are loyal to a fault when it comes to family but can be a little shy around strangers.

Like most dog breeds that can be left alone, Shar-Pais always want to be around you. But these self-sufficient babies will still leave your home intact when you need to step out. Their laid-back and low-energy mannerisms make them the perfect pooch to spend a little “pup” time at home alone.

Shar-Pais also make great apartment besties. They are relatively quiet, easy to train, and only require short daily walks to stretch their little wrinkly legs.

While they love their family dearly, they are very independent and don’t expect – or require – a lot of coddling. Shar-Pais have sort of an “I don’t care attitude”, making them a great choice for those that need to work outside the home.

If you’re hankering to own one of the handsome hounds, they will make the perfect fur buddy for a working pet parent.

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2. The Greyhound // Dog Breeds That Don’t Mind Being Left Alone

This loving, laid-back, handsome pup has a calm temperament and loves to cuddle with his family. But he is also just fine with a little alone time.

These beautiful, lazy creatures can sleep up to 18 hours a day. They prefer to be in a quiet place and will probably nap the entire time you’re away at work.

Greyhounds are naturally quiet dogs, have a calm temperament, and are highly intelligent. These traits make them great apartment pals.

These cozy canines are a clean breed, love their humans, but also have an independent spirit. They are well suited for busy pet parents, require minimal maintenance, and won’t disrupt your schedule.

These least destructive dog breeds are couch potatoes at heart. But be prepared to exercise this precious pup and give him lots of love when you return home.

3. The Lhasa Apso // Small Dogs That Can Be Left Alone

The Lhasa Apso is a beautiful hypoallergenic dog breed. They’re playful, assertive, and intelligent. This adorable lap dog loves to be spoiled but also has an independent spirit.

Although the main goal for this sassy small dog breed is to please themselves and not you, this pampered pooch will be forever devoted to their loving pet parents.

Lhasa Apsos are extremely affectionate and loyal guardians for their families and their castle. These dainty pups think they are much larger than they really are and make wonderful watchdogs.

If you are looking for small dogs that can be left alone, the Lhasa Apso has an interesting history. This breed was initially bred to guard Tibetan temples and palaces. The Tibetan Buddhists are great believers in reincarnation and believe that a dog comes right before a human in the final stages of reincarnation.

These Buddhists are convinced that the souls of priests are reborn as Lhasa Apsos just before they are reborn as humans.

Pretty cool, right!

Lhasa Apsos are totally fine being left at home alone for a reasonable amount of time. They will rule the roost while you’re gone and most likely spend their day running around your home and burning off energy.

The good news is that this affectionate small dog breed will be entertaining himself and not destroying everything that you hold dear!

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4. The Handsome Basset Hound

This handsome hound also made our list for dog breeds that howl the most. They are mellow, lazy, inactive pups that have an independent streak and won’t mind a day to themselves.

Basset Hounds are stable, endearing dogs that are not prone to mood swings or anxiety.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Basset Hound is among the most appealing of the AKC breeds. After all, who can resist those long floppy ears and those big, sagging, expressive eyes?

But, don’t let those drooping, sorrowful eyes fool you. These goofy hounds have the soul of a clown. These comedic creatures have a happy-go-lucky temperament and live to entertain.

But be careful, these little furry farting friends pass a whole lot of gas!

If you have to go to school or work, or just need to step out for the day, your adorable Basset Hound probably won’t even notice.

Just give him the right amount of healthy food, water, and a comfy bed — and you’ll be all but a memory — until you’re home that is!

Once you’re home, you’ll want to head out for a short walk so that you can keep your chunky monkey’s physique in tip-top shape.

After that, be prepared to sit down for an evening of bonding with your hunky hound!

5. Shiba Inu // Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone

The Shiba Inu pup has loads of self-confidence and, although they love their families, they also love themselves. These babies are normally satisfied with spending some alone time with, well, themselves. They are fiercely independent.

This energetic, athletic breed is not necessarily a big barker but they can still be quite vocal. They tend to “yodel” when they want attention, and “purr” when being petted. And, while these are all very adorable traits, they have also been known to belt out a high-pitched scream when they’re excited. Now, that’s a little scary!

The Shiba Inu dog breeds are social creatures and thrive with their pet families. But they are not a breed that needs constant attention or that needs to be cuddled and coddled. They are happy and content in their own company for no longer than 8 hours at a time.

You’ll need to make plenty of time for exercise if you bring one of these little energizers into your family. This pup will require at least 40 minutes of exercise a day.

The Shiba Inu is known to be a little stubborn so lots of patience will be needed when training this devoted dog. But they love their families and are great watchdogs so you can rest assured that they will protect the castle while you’re away.

6. The Precious Pug // Small Quiet Dogs That Can Be Left Alone

This adorable scrunchy-faced bundle of cuteness has made our list again. And for good reason. These classic canines are one of the oldest dog breeds alive.

These entertaining small dogs that can be left alone are self-assured and intelligent. They are little creatures that will normally have no issues with your comings and goings.

These affectionate small dog breeds love cuddling right up next to you on a cold night — or any night. But when you’re gone, they will prop their little chunky selves up on the couch, snoring away, eagerly awaiting your arrival home.

These comedic, sassy little souls will sleep around 14 hours a day. They are easy to train, aren’t thrilled with barking, and don’t require a lot of exercise. This, along with their small size, makes them great pet pals for apartment living and excellent dog breeds for seniors and retirees.

Also, pet parents who suffer from social anxiety find pugs to be one of the most comforting small emotional support animals.

Like the handsome Basset Hound, these zany, beefy babes are little bundles of gas. But don’t let this be a factor in your stocky, flatulent little friend. There are way too many positives that outweigh the little air biscuits that your silly, furry Pug will pass!

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7. The Japanese Chin // Least Destructive Dog Breeds

Japanese Chins are naturally clean, intelligent, and easy to train. Give these babies about 20 minutes a day of exercise and you’re good to go.

This is another lovable, loyal small dog breed that makes a perfect apartment bestie.

Don’t worry about leaving this sweet, adorable creature alone for a reasonable amount of time. When you return home, you’ll find your mellow pooch snoozing on the back of the couch and your beautiful home just as you left it.

These playful, comedic little souls will keep you laughing and entertained. And, they are self-sufficient enough to entertain themselves until you return home. They are delightful and endearing small dogs that can be left alone.

Even though they are an independent breed, the Japanese Chins adore their families and will be ready for a long, warm cuddle session when you arrive home.

One of the greatest traits for these caring pups is their knack for picking up on and mimicking their owners’ emotions. If he feels that you are ok and relaxed leaving him alone for a while, then he will be able to relax and enjoy himself until you return home.

8. The Basenji // Independent Dog Breeds

These energetic pups may be barkless, but they are not voiceless. Due to their unusually shaped larynx, a yodel-like harmony will emerge from the mouths of these canines. You may even hear a bit of “crowing” when he gets excited.

The Basenji is a hilarious handful with a wrinkled forehead that makes him appear worried.

If you like cats then you’ll fall in love with the adventurous Basenji. These graceful hounds have cat-like mannerisms that set them apart from other pups. They clean themselves just like a cat and have even been known to climb trees. Now that would be a sight to see!

They are charming but clownish, independent, and self-contained. Basenji are extremely watchful and will spend hours just looking out of the window, waiting patiently and intently for your return.

Make sure that you leave this playful, mischievous pup with plenty of doggie toys when you leave. These dog breeds that can be left alone will do just fine, as long as there is room to roam and lots of toys to keep them busy and entertained.

Once you’re home, you’ll want to give this little furry athlete plenty of time to burn off their energy. Walking around the neighborhood, playing fetch in the yard, or taking a trip to the local dog park should do the trick.

9. Bernese Mountain Dogs

Known as the gentle giants of the dog world, Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly intelligent and easy to get into a routine. They are extremely devoted to their pet families, but also perfectly content to lounge around the house while you’re gone.

These colossal canines are sweet, loving, and easy-going but have an intimidating bark and will guard his kingdom while you’re gone.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are massive but calm, quiet, and gentle. These kind-hearted canines are not only large dog breeds that can be left home alone but also made our list of best emotional support dogs for anxiety and quiet dog breeds for apartments.

This big, beautiful breed is never happier than when they are at their owners’ side, but their calm, cool mannerism allows them to be just as content snoozing on the couch, waiting eagerly for your return.

But beware, there will be some serious cuddle time expected when you get home!

Bernese Mountain Dogs are very obedient and will follow commands with ease. It’s hard not to fall in love with this eager-to-please and extremely faithful large dog breed.

10. The Bullmastiff // Large Dog Breeds

One of the largest dog breeds on earth, the Bullmastiff is a laid-back canine that just loves to sleep. This massive, lazy breed is very docile when he’s at home with his pet family.

A giant, gentle soul, these companion dogs give their pet families life-long protection. Originally bred as guard dogs, the Bullmastiff will guard the castle while you’re away and expect heavy-duty snuggle time when you get home.

This independent dog breed doesn’t require constant contact with their owners. And even though these big, beautiful canines love their families to a fault, they also welcome a little solitude.

Bullmastiffs are highly intelligent dogs that can easily be trained to stay at home alone for a reasonable amount of time during the day.

Keep in mind that any dog, regardless of the breed, can deviate from its normal breed standards. While the characteristics mentioned in this post may frequently represent these dog breeds that can be left alone, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary.

Summing It All Up // Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone

Remember that your precious pooch is home alone, watching the clock, and anxiously awaiting your arrival home.

Think of that cute, adorable-faced pup when a co-worker asks you out for a drink after work. Be mindful that your little furry buddy is sitting by the window, eagerly and patiently waiting for the most important person in his life to walk through that door.

He needs a potty break. He’s craving a little exercise. He needs you.

Owning a furry family member while working outside of the home is absolutely doable. But the sad truth is that a lot of pups will end up in shelters because people have bought dogs that weren’t suitable for their professional life.

That’s why it’s so vitally important to do your own research and find the prime pooch that matches your working lifestyle and can tolerate a little isolation for a reasonable amount of time.

Yes, there will be some sacrifices on your part. But the kisses, snuggles, and endless companionship and devotion that you will get from your furry bestie is completely worth it!

This post was all about dog breeds that can be left alone so that you can choose the ideal pooch that is perfectly suited for your working lifestyle!

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