If you want a dog, but you’re not able to stay home all day to keep it company, you want to choose a breed that will be the least affected by your absence. While dogs are pack animals and do thrive on companionship, there are low maintenance breeds that will be content when left alone. Here are five recommendations for easy-going dog breeds that can be left alone in the home.
Basset Hound
Whether you’re at home or not, chances are your basset hound will be lazing around the house. They are a particularly low energy breed, and their fondness for naps means basset hounds rank very highly in the list of dog breeds that can be left alone. Sleeping throughout the day makes them the perfect companion for pet owners that work full time. Don’t be offended if they don’t make a fuss when you’re home either, that’s just how chilled out basset hounds are! They are prone to health issues stemming from obesity, so despite their love of lounging, you will need to get them out of the house daily for exercise to avoid health issues further down the line. Our Superior Maintenance – Freshly Prepared Lamb & Rice is a great food for dogs like the Basset Hound who struggle with their weight.
Maltese
A Maltese is generally a docile, sweet-tempered dog. They have a playful nature and make a great companion when you’re at home, but they don’t require huge amounts of exercise, so they’re happy to wait around the house while you’re out at work. Unlike the basset hound, they’ll be very excitable upon your return and won’t leave your side for most of the evening.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are a great companion dog, and they are very affectionate towards their owners. That’s not to say that they need lots of attention though — a chihuahua will happily entertain itself when home alone. Lots of small dogs are prone to hyperactivity, but a chihuahua’s energy level is mid-range, so providing they get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily they’ll be happy to curl up on the sofa whilst home alone. Their temperament does mean they’ll be excitable upon your return, so if you’re looking for a warm welcome when you get in from a hard day’s work, then a chihuahua is a great choice. They are more comfortable and less prone to aggression when in pairs, so if you can’t resist the cuteness, consider buying or adopting two chihuahuas! It’s a lot of commitment to give a home to two dogs though, so give it plenty of thought before you go ahead with it.
Greyhound
A large dog like a greyhound doesn’t seem the obvious choice for a dog you can leave home alone during the day, but being big doesn’t equate to being high energy. It’s important that a greyhound gets a daily walk and they need the chance to run, but they love to nap and lounge on the sofa during the day.
Chow Chow
They might look very cuddly, but a chow chow tends to be quite aloof and independent. This makes them ideal as a dog that can be left alone because they don’t crave physical attention as much as other breeds. Chow chows also don’t need a huge amount of exercise, so a walk when you’re home from work will be plenty. They’re a quiet dog too, so they won’t bother the neighbours whilst you’re at work.
