Did you know that there are particular dogs or dog breeds that are more prone to experience separation anxiety? If it’s new knowledge to you that they experience anxiety, then yes they most certainly do! Just like us humans, prolonged stress and anxiety in your pet dogs is never a good thing. Chronic anxiety in dogs has been studied and it has been found out that dogs who lived almost everyday in fear were more susceptible to diseases and had decreased lifespans than their carefree counterparts.
Environment and past experiences of the dog definitely plays a role on how these anxieties were formed but a recent study shows that some dog breeds are just more predisposed to suffering from anxiety. Researchers have said that the dog's genetics plays a big role in whether the dog will become an anxious one. There are some genomic areas that are associated with troublesome behavior, like fear, compulsion, noise sensitivity and separation anxiety. The most common case of anxiety in dogs as noticed was separation anxiety - where the dog suddenly becomes chaotic and misbehaves whenever the owner or any person is not around.
If this disruptive behavior sounds like your dog whenever left alone, find out below if its breed is what is causing it:
Top 5 Common Dogs or Dog Breeds More Prone to Separation Anxiety
This most popular companion dog in families is actually more prone to suffer from separation anxiety. This is because this breed is a very social one that actually dates back to their breed history. A long time ago, Labrador Retrievers were bred before for the purpose of helping fisherfolk in some of the tasks like carrying ropes, dragging nets, and bringing back fishes that had escaped the nets. This bond they have with humans is the reason Labrador Retrievers struggle the most when left alone especially for longer periods of time.
This breed of dog is popular due to them being very useful to humans. Be it in accompanying the handicapped, sniffing for the military for search and rescue missions or sniffing for the police for drug detection, this breed can handle it all. Since they were bred to work, this breed needs lots of physical and mental stimulation. If these are not met, German Shepherds quickly become distressed which can lead to them being prone to developing separation anxiety. Also, this breed is more prone to experience health problems which makes their temperament more prone to separation anxiety.
Ironic from the lavish living stereotype associated with poodles, their history is different from the dog show lifestyle we all know them for. They were actually bred to help humans catch ducks in the water. Due to that attachment and bond they have with humans historically, they need love, time and nourishment from their family. When they don't get it, poodles can suffer from behavioral problems and separation anxiety.
These are remarkable hunting dogs who can skillfully hunt down different types of game and even track deer! They were bred to accompany humans during hunting. This is the reason they quickly become bored and develop separation anxiety whenever there is no one around to do physical activities with.
The breed is made to herd, and they do best when they are active at work or they have something to channel their mental and physical energies on. They suffer from anxiety when they are left at home alone and there is nothing for them to do. They might try herding your household stuff around and that is not a pretty thing to go home to!
Was your dog included in the list? Or was your dog not in the list but nevertheless is suffering from separation anxiety whenever you have to leave the house? If you do not want your dog to suffer and you want them to live happy and longer lives, you might want to check out some of our tips about handling separation anxiety in dogs. If you feel like the solution you need is that someone be there temporarily to be with your pets while you are away, that is what we at FreePetSitters are all about! If you have to leave and you have no one to tend to your beloved pets, just give us a call (762) 233-6687 or send us an email (