18 Super-Emotional Dog Breeds That Hate Being Alone

Dogs may be known as man’s best friend, but some breeds take that loyalty to an entirely new emotional level. While all dogs enjoy human company, certain breeds need it constantly. These deeply sensitive pups form intense bonds with their humans and can experience genuine emotional distress when left alone, even for short periods.

For these breeds, solitude isn’t just boring—it’s heartbreaking. Separation anxiety can manifest in troubling ways: howling, pacing, refusing to eat, or turning your furniture into chew toys. Some may even show signs of depression or physical illness if left alone for too long. This isn’t bad behavior—it’s their way of expressing emotional pain.

If you work long hours, travel frequently, or live a go-go-go lifestyle, bringing one of these clingy companions into your home might lead to frustration for both of you. But if you work from home, are retired, or simply love being shadowed by a loyal four-legged sidekick, these affectionate dogs will reward you with unmatched love and devotion.

In this article, we’ll explore 18 emotionally sensitive dog breeds that crave constant companionship and genuinely struggle with being left alone. From gentle lap dogs to surprisingly needy working breeds, these pups prove that emotional attachment doesn’t depend on size or status—it’s in their DNA.

Whether you’re considering adding a dog to your family or already have one that’s showing signs of separation anxiety, this list will help you understand which breeds need a little extra emotional TLC. Prepare to meet the “velcro dogs” of the canine world—breeds that will follow you everywhere, love you endlessly, and absolutely hate being left behind.

1. Vizslas

Known as “velcro dogs” for good reason, Vizslas physically attach themselves to their owners whenever possible. These Hungarian hunting dogs develop such intense bonds that separation can trigger genuine anxiety attacks.

Vizslas communicate their distress through destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or excessive barking. Their need for companionship stems from centuries of working closely alongside humans in the field.

Without proper training from puppyhood, these sensitive redheads may never fully adjust to alone time. Consider a Vizsla only if someone can be home most of the day or if you can bring your dog to work.

2. Bichon Frises

Behind that fluffy white exterior beats the heart of an extremely attached companion. Bichon Frises were bred specifically for human companionship, making solitude particularly challenging for these cotton-ball pups.

Their history as pampered lap dogs for European nobility explains their expectation of constant attention. When left alone, a Bichon might howl pitifully, pace nervously, or engage in destructive chewing as an outlet for their emotional distress.

Many Bichon owners report their dogs literally crying real tears when feeling abandoned. This breed thrives in households where someone works from home or for retirees who can provide the constant attention they crave.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Royal by name and needy by nature, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were developed solely to be companions to nobility. Their genetic programming makes them physically uncomfortable when separated from their human family members.

These gentle spaniels follow their owners from room to room, preferring to be touching at all times. When forced to be alone, they often express their distress through excessive barking, whining, or destroying household items.

Their soulful eyes seem to plead for constant connection. Many Cavalier owners find these dogs experience true panic when left alone, making them poor choices for households where everyone works long hours away from home.

4. Havanese

Cuba’s national dog brings tropical warmth and intense attachment to their families. Havanese dogs physically suffer when separated from their people, often refusing food and becoming visibly depressed when left alone.

These little shadows will follow you everywhere—even to the bathroom! Their nickname “velcro dogs” is well-earned, as they prefer constant physical contact with their humans.

Havanese express their loneliness through sorrowful howling that can disturb neighbors. Their separation anxiety often manifests as destructive behaviors like shredding pillows or scratching doors. Consider a Havanese only if your lifestyle allows for near-constant companionship.

5. German Shepherds

Surprisingly, these confident-looking working dogs hide extremely sensitive souls. German Shepherds form such profound bonds with their families that separation feels like genuine grief to them.

Their intelligence makes alone time even harder—they understand when you’re leaving and can anticipate your absence. This awareness often triggers anxiety before you’ve even grabbed your keys.

German Shepherds express their distress through destructive behaviors that match their size and strength. Chewed furniture, dug-up yards, and even broken windows aren’t uncommon when these dogs panic about being alone. Their loyalty makes them wonderful companions but challenging for people who can’t include them in daily activities.

6. Poodles

Those elegant curls hide a highly sensitive nature that craves human connection. Poodles—regardless of size—rank among the most emotionally dependent dog breeds, forming intense attachments to their families.

Their exceptional intelligence means they experience complex emotions, including genuine anxiety when separated from their people. Standard Poodles may become destructive when distressed, while Miniature and Toy varieties often express their panic through excessive barking or nervous behaviors.

Poodles have served as companion animals for centuries, which explains their difficulty with solitude. Their emotional needs often surprise owners who chose them for their hypoallergenic coats without understanding their psychological requirements.

7. Dachshunds

Those stubborn little sausage dogs develop fierce attachments to their humans. Dachshunds were bred to work closely with hunters, making solitary confinement particularly stressful for these low-riders.

Their separation anxiety often manifests as excessive barking that can drive neighbors crazy. Some Dachshunds become so distressed they refuse food when left alone, while others channel their anxiety into destructive digging—a behavior linked to their hunting heritage.

Many Dachshund owners report their dogs trembling with excitement upon reunion, even after brief separations. This breed benefits greatly from gradual alone-time training starting in puppyhood, though some individuals never fully adjust to being left behind.

8. Melancholy Maltese

Bred specifically to be lap dogs for ancient Mediterranean nobility, Maltese dogs simply don’t understand why they should ever be alone. These silky white companions experience genuine depression when separated from their people.

Their tiny size and delicate build make their emotional distress even more concerning. Many Maltese refuse food when anxious, which can quickly become dangerous for such small dogs.

The breed’s long history as constant companions explains their expectation of 24/7 attention. Maltese express their loneliness through pitiful crying that sounds heartbreakingly human. These sensitive souls do best in households where someone works from home or with retirees who can provide the constant connection they crave.

9. Labrador Retrievers

America’s favorite family dog hides a surprisingly sensitive soul behind that wagging tail. Labs form such deep bonds with their families that separation can trigger genuine emotional distress, despite their otherwise happy-go-lucky nature.

Their strong jaws make anxiety-driven destruction particularly problematic. Furniture, shoes, and even walls aren’t safe from a distressed Labrador left alone too long.

Bred to work alongside humans retrieving game, Labs expect constant companionship. Their social nature makes isolation feel unnatural and frightening. Young Labs especially struggle with alone time, though proper training can help these emotional retrievers gradually learn to handle separation with less distress.

10. Border Collies

The world’s smartest dog breed uses those impressive brains to work themselves into a genuine panic when left alone. Border Collies were designed to work all day alongside shepherds, making solitude completely unnatural for these working dogs.

Their anxiety often manifests as repetitive behaviors like circling or tail-chasing. Some Border Collies become so distressed that they harm themselves through excessive licking or chewing at their own skin.

Without proper mental stimulation and companionship, these brilliant herders can develop severe psychological issues. Their need for interaction makes them poor choices for people who work long hours away from home, despite their incredible intelligence and trainability.

11. Miniature Schnauzers

Those distinguished beards hide extremely sensitive souls that crave constant human connection. Miniature Schnauzers form such intense bonds with their families that separation feels genuinely traumatic to these loyal companions.

Their terrier heritage gives them both the intelligence to understand when you’re leaving and the determination to protest loudly. Neighbors often complain about Schnauzer barking when these dogs are left alone.

Originally bred as ratters who worked alongside farmers, Schnauzers expect to be included in all family activities. Their anxiety can manifest as destructive digging or chewing, particularly targeting items that smell like their absent owners. These devoted dogs thrive in households where someone works from home.

12. Shih Tzus

These ancient Chinese companions were literally bred to warm the laps of emperors, making solitude completely foreign to their genetic programming. Shih Tzus experience genuine confusion and distress when separated from their people.

Their history as palace dogs explains their expectation of constant attention and companionship. When left alone, Shih Tzus often express their anxiety through pitiful crying or stress-induced house soiling, even in perfectly trained adults.

Many Shih Tzu owners report their dogs becoming physically ill from separation anxiety, refusing food, or developing stress-related digestive issues. These devoted lap warmers do best in households where someone is home most of the time or where they can accompany their people on daily activities.

13. Doberman Pinschers

Behind that powerful, protective exterior beats the heart of an extremely attached “velcro dog.” Dobermans form such intense bonds with their families that separation can trigger severe anxiety in these otherwise confident guardians.

Bred to stay close to their owners as personal protection dogs, Dobermans simply don’t understand why they should ever be left behind. Their distress often manifests as destructive behaviors that match their considerable strength and size.

These sensitive souls have been known to injure themselves attempting to escape confinement during panic attacks. Despite their tough appearance, Dobermans rank among the most emotionally dependent breeds, requiring gradual training to handle necessary separations without distress.

14. Yorkshire Terriers

Those tiny bodies house enormous emotional needs. Yorkies form extraordinarily strong attachments to their people, making separation genuinely painful for these pocket-sized companions.

Their history as ratters who worked alongside mill workers explains their expectation of constant human companionship. When left alone, Yorkies often bark incessantly or engage in nervous behaviors like excessive licking or chewing.

Many Yorkshire Terrier owners report their dogs becoming physically ill from anxiety when separated from them. Small size makes these emotional reactions particularly concerning, as stress can impact tiny dogs more severely. Yorkies thrive in households where they can be included in daily activities rather than left behind.

15. French Bulldogs

Those bat ears pick up every sound of your departure, triggering genuine panic in these devoted companions. French Bulldogs were specifically bred to be lap dogs and constant companions, making solitude completely unnatural for these flat-faced friends.

Their anxiety often manifests as destructive chewing or stress-induced digestive issues. Many Frenchie owners report their dogs refusing food when left alone.

Their breathing difficulties make anxiety particularly concerning, as stress can worsen respiratory problems in brachycephalic breeds. French Bulldogs thrive in households where someone works from home or where they can accompany their people to dog-friendly workplaces. Their need for companionship makes them poor choices for people who spend long hours away.

16. Australian Shepherds

Working dogs to their core, Aussies experience genuine distress when separated from their human “flock.” These intelligent herders were bred to work alongside ranchers all day, making isolation completely contrary to their genetic programming.

Their anxiety often manifests as destructive behaviors that match their considerable energy and intelligence. An anxious Aussie can dismantle furniture, tear through drywall, or find creative escape routes from secure yards.

Without proper companionship, Australian Shepherds may develop compulsive behaviors like tail-chasing or shadow-stalking. Their need for mental stimulation and social connection makes them poor choices for people who work long hours away from home, despite their trainability and athletic abilities.

17. Pit Bulls

Contrary to their tough reputation, Pit Bulls are actually among the most emotionally dependent dog breeds. These muscular “nanny dogs” form extraordinarily strong bonds with their families and experience genuine grief when separated from them.

Their powerful jaws make anxiety-driven destruction particularly problematic. Furniture, door frames, and even walls aren’t safe from a distressed Pit Bull left alone too long.

Many Pit Bull owners describe their dogs as “emotional sponges” who mirror their people’s feelings. This sensitivity makes separation particularly difficult for them. Despite stereotypes about aggression, most Pit Bulls suffer from too much attachment rather than too little, making them challenging for people who can’t include them in daily activities.

18. Weimaraners

Those ghostly gray eyes hide extremely anxious souls that panic when left alone. Weimaraners were bred to work alongside hunters all day, making isolation completely foreign to their genetic makeup.

Their anxiety often manifests as howling that sounds eerily human or destructive behaviors that match their considerable size and strength. Many Weimaraner owners report coming home to scenes of utter devastation after leaving these “gray ghosts” alone.

Without proper training from puppyhood, Weimaraners may never fully adjust to necessary separations. Their neediness earned them the nickname “velcro dogs” among breed enthusiasts. Consider a Weimaraner only if your lifestyle allows for near-constant companionship or if you can bring your dog to work.