Just because you’re away from your home all day doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of having a dog. There are certain dog breeds that do just fine being home alone, and with these breeds, you won’t have to worry about them barking when you’re gone.
One of the biggest reasons that people decide not to get a dog even if they want one is because their work schedule has them away from home all day.
There are concerns that the dog will feel neglected, and there can be further concerns if a bored or lonely dog whines or barks, disturbing neighbors.
If you’re considering getting a dog even though you work outside of the home, then this blog is for you.
CHOW CHOW
Faithful, loyal, and naturally independent, the Chow Chow purebred dog breed was once used in Imperial China to guard royalty, palaces, and territorial boundary lines. For thousands of years, starting with the Han Dynasty of 200 BC, Chow Chows carried out their important guard dog duties, often alone for long hours. For busy people who are researching dog breeds that won’t mind being the only one guarding the home, a Chow Chow is our top pick.
Not only does the Chow Chow dog breed feel secure and comfortable when it’s all by itself, this dog is known to shower its owner with love and affection as soon as they get home. Chow Chows bond very closely with their owners and are true companion dogs around the home.
This breed is not only smart, but known for being clever, which can bring with it a stubborn streak during puppyhood. When you bring your Chow Chow puppy home, training and socialization should start right away. A well-socialized Chow Chow will quickly learn that strangers in many environments and situations are actually not a threat. This will help form your Chow Chow’s discernment, and give him the confidence to trust that new people, places, and things are opportunities for adventure. Even though Chow Chows are hailed as one of the most protective large dog breeds, they are actually “low energy,” which can be good for people who need to leave their dog at home.
BULLMASTIFF
A mix of the purebred Bulldog and purebred English Mastiff, the Bullmastiff is a loyal, brave, and affectionate. It’s one of our favorite dog breeds for busy people. This breed developed in the mid 19th century as a guard dog, but today the Bullmastiff offers companionship in addition to protection. Known to be “fearless at work” and “docile at home,” the Bullmastiff is the perfect combination of loyalty, faithfulness, and as much dog as you can love! For anyone who wants a large breed who will feel content when home alone, the Bullmastiff is our top choice.
Due to the sheer size of the Bullmastiff and it’s instincts to “guard and protect,” we recommend this breed for people and families that have a backyard or many acres of land. A well-trained Bullmastiff will appreciate access to the outdoors when its owners are away from home. Be sure to offer your Bullmastiff tons of love, attention, and quality time whenever you’re home. This will satisfy your dog and keep him in a calm frame of mind when you’re not around.
BOSTON TERRIER
The Boston Terrier is a small purebred dog breed that originated as a mix between a Bulldog and a White English Terrier in the late 1800s. As the name implies, this dog breed became popular in Boston where the first Boston Terrier was born. The American Kennel Club calls Boston Terriers “friendly, bright, and amusing,” while other purebred dog organizations praise this pint-sized breed for being “playful, fun, and cheerful.”
Boston Terriers have a good amount of energy, yet thanks to their small size, they can bounce around inside the home, playfully burning off extra energy, without causing disruption. Maybe this personality trait is why so many of their owners refer to them as “quirky.” This breed is intelligent, and the only downside is that their intelligence can sometimes cause mild willfulness, i.e. disobedience. Boston Terriers definitely know what their preferences are, and if you insist on your Boston Terrier doing something that they don’t want to do, you’ll probably get a little push back. This can be overcome with consistent dog training. But then again, most people who own Boston Terriers find this personality quirk cute.
BASSET HOUND
Large soulful eyes, a humble spirit, and quiet confidence best describe the Basset Hound dog breed. If you’re looking for a purebred dog that’s calm, low-key, inquisitive, and content when he’s home alone, the Basset Hound is one of the best dog breeds around. Basset Hounds are also great for families with children. Belonging to the “hound” group of dogs, the Basset Hound is patient and mild-mannered at home. But if you’re out on the trail, then watch out! If this breed picks up an interesting scent, it will not be deterred from its investigation!
Having low-key energy, Basset Hounds are known for liking their naps! For busy people who want an easy dog, the Basset Hound is one of the best dog breeds for busy owners. We recommend that you walk your Basset Hound first thing in the morning, providing your pooch with adequate playtime to tire him out. Then when you leave for work, you can be sure that your Basset will probably nap the day away in your absence, yet be ready for round two as soon as you walk in the door after work!
Basset Hounds are moderately playful, and since they have low energy, this breed is perfect for anyone who wants a dog that’s low-maintenance and needs no more than a half-hour of daily outdoor time. That being said, Basset Hounds need a fair amount of mental stimulation every day and this need is lifelong, not just during puppyhood. Providing your hound with “puppy puzzles” and “dog games” will do the trick.
FRENCH BULLDOG
Highly affectionate and great with children, the French Bulldog is a companion, purebred dog breed that busy people will love! The French Bulldog is most easily recognized by its large “bat ears.” Thanks to this dog’s even temperament and small size, the French Bulldog has become one of the most popular purebred dog breeds among apartment dwellers who live in cities.
The French Bulldog is also a great addition to households that already have dogs or other domestic pets. As far as personalities go, Frenchies are bright, cheerful, and affectionate. Some might even say that their Frenchies have a way of charming them! Though alert, inquisitive dogs, this breed will not bark unless it’s absolutely necessary. In this sense, Frenchies are trustworthy when left home alone. French Bulldogs are companion dogs, so though they’ll patiently await your return from work, be advised that your Frenchie will need plenty of love, snuggles, and quality time once you’re home!
LHASA APSO
This beautiful dog breed is as old as the Himalayan Mountains themselves. Lhasa is a town in Tibet, and not surprisingly “Apso” means “long haired dog.” The Lhasa Apso was originally a watchdog for Buddhist monasteries, and would bark to warn the monks if anyone was coming. In this sense, Lhasa Apsos have grown accustomed over the centuries to lead quiet, contemplative lives, waiting patiently outside while their monk owners meditated inside. In the same spirit, your Lhasa Apso will explore the depths of his own soul while he remains patient and hopeful for the moment you walk in the door!
Lhasa Apsos are known for being loyal, affectionate, and independent. They can be willful, and some like to do things their way. This can be a beneficial personality trait for owners who aren’t home all day, because it will give your Lhasa Apso plenty of space to do what he likes, whether it’s nap, stare out the window, or entertain himself with a toy. After many hours he’ll tire of his independence, and in perfect timing, be ready to adore you the moment you get home!
MALTESE
The Maltese originated in Italy and the Mediterranean Basin. This small size breed is a toy dog with a mantle of long, silky, white hair from head to foot. It is gentle-mannered, affectionate, and perky in action. Despite its small size, Maltese puppies possess enough vigor to keep up with their owners and be affectionate companions. Maltese are not fearful dogs, even though they’re quite small. And the Maltese is among the gentlest-mannered of all little dogs, yet it is lively and playful as well as vigorous.
As an affectionate, gentle, and intelligent purebred dog breed, the Maltese is a loving companion dog for busy owners. When your Maltese shares your company, he will sit on your lap, snuggle in your arms, and otherwise enjoy the quality time with you. Don’t be surprised if your Maltese isn’t willing to give up the prime real estate of your lap when you’re eating or trying to work on your computer. As long as your home, your Maltese will stick to you like velcro!
MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
Thoughtful and distinguished, the Miniature Schnauzer resembles the kind of wise, pipe-puffing intellectuals you might find in a Charles Dickens novel. The longer hair around its face creates a square-jowl jaw, giving this breed a mature look. The double coat of fur is wiry and medium-length. Like their Standard Schnauzer cousins, Miniature Schnauzers can be black, black and silver, or salt and pepper for those of you who want your furry companion to look like a wise old man.
Intelligent, hardy, and alert, Miniature Schnauzers are curious, precocious, and will investigate new people and places thoroughly. This adaptable dog breed will feel just as comfortable and at home in a big city as it will in the rural countryside or quaint suburbs. This dog breed is independent to a degree and will tolerate being left at home while you’re at work, which is why it made it onto our list. But when you do get home, be mindful that the only thing that will matter to your Miniature Schnauzer is that he’s with you, his favorite person. Be prepared to bond, play, and go for walks together!
Those are our favorite dog breeds that can be left at home while you’re at work. Which breed do you think is best for you? Petland Kansas City carries all of the dog breeds on this list. Check out our full assortment of purebred and hypoallergenic breeds by visiting our website or stopping by our Overland Park pet store in Kansas City.