Dog Breeds Prone to Anxiety: 10 Breeds and How to Help Them Stay Calm

Any dog can feel anxious, but some breeds are more likely to struggle when they’re left alone, bored or startled by loud noises. Most of these dogs were bred to work closely with people all day, so a quiet house can feel wrong to them. Knowing your breed’s tendencies helps you spot stress early and build a routine that keeps your dog settled.

Breed is only part of the picture. Early socialization, exercise, routine and your dog’s own personality matter just as much, so treat this list as a guide, not a prediction.

Signs your dog is feeling anxious

• Barking, whining or howling after you leave
• Chewing doors, frames or furniture near exits
• Pacing, panting or drooling when nothing is going on
• Accidents in the house from a dog that’s normally house-trained
• Hiding, trembling or clinging to you during storms or fireworks
• Following you from room to room and getting upset when you pick up your keys

10 dog breeds prone to anxiety

1. Havanese

Bred as a companion dog, the Havanese wants to be wherever you are. Long stretches alone are hard for them, and separation anxiety is one of the most common issues owners report. Read our Havanese guide.

2. Boxer

Boxers are playful, people-focused and full of energy. Without enough exercise and company they can turn that energy into restless, destructive behavior. Read our Boxer guide.

3. Rat Terrier

Smart, quick and very attached to their families, Rat Terriers get bored fast. A bored terrier left alone often digs, chews or barks. Read our Rat Terrier guide.

4. Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan Terriers bond closely with their people and can be sensitive to noise and changes in routine. Read our Tibetan Terrier guide.

5. West Highland White Terrier

Westies are confident little dogs, but many don’t like being left behind and will let the whole street know about it. Read our Westie guide.

6. English Setter

Gentle and affectionate, English Setters are sensitive dogs that do best with plenty of company and a calm household. Read our English Setter guide.

7. Alaskan Husky

Huskies were bred to run for hours in a team. Under-exercised or left alone, they often howl, dig and look for a way out. Read our Alaskan Husky guide.

8. Dutch Shepherd

A working dog through and through, the Dutch Shepherd needs a job. Without daily training and activity, boredom quickly becomes stress. Read our Dutch Shepherd guide.

9. Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are loyal guardians that bond tightly with their family. They need structure, early socialization and time with their people. Read our Cane Corso guide.

10. American Akita

Akitas are devoted to their family and reserved with strangers. They can find long absences and busy, unfamiliar places stressful. Read our American Akita guide.

How to help an anxious dog

• Exercise before you leave. A walk or play session before alone time helps a dog settle.
• Practice short absences. Start with a few minutes and build up slowly, so leaving becomes boring, not scary.
• Keep departures low-key. Skip the long goodbye and the big hello.
• Give them a job. Puzzle feeders, lick mats and chews keep busy minds occupied. Try these brain games and puzzles for dogs.
• Create a safe spot. A crate or quiet corner with their bed helps during storms and fireworks.
• Talk to your vet. If anxiety is severe or new, your vet or a certified behaviorist can rule out other causes and build a plan.

Where CBD oil fits

Many owners add CBD oil to their dog’s routine to support calm during the moments that are hardest for them, like being home alone, car rides, vet visits or fireworks. It works best alongside the steps above, not instead of them.

Our CBD Oil for Dogs is made with organic full-spectrum hemp extract in four strengths matched to your dog’s weight, and it’s tested by an independent lab (see our lab reports). For how much to give, use our CBD dosage chart, and for a full routine, read CBD oil for anxious dogs.

This article is for general information and isn’t veterinary advice. Check with your vet before starting any supplement, especially if your dog takes medication.