Sick and tired of going home with chewed shoes, and shredded couches and a dog who treats you like you have been away years? You are not alone. Anxiety of separation strikes. According to the data of ASPCA, up to 14 million dogs in the US are affected by it. This makes owners spend 1,000+ every year in damages and vet bills. Others breeds are on the wires so that they crumble in your absence. We roasted the top vets, trainers, and behaviorists to give the 10 worst away in 2026. Read this before you adopt. Otherwise, you may be in regret.
Unless you are a busy American that drives 9-to-5s, in the glitch of remote work, or through interminable errands, get the wrong breed and your home might become a battlefield. These pups are not “bad.” They are merely mingled stingy as hell, by their breeding, their history, and their genetics. Supported by AKC requirements and breed standards of AKC 2026, peer-reviewed research, such as a 2023 Journal of Veterinary Behavior analysis, and actual reports of trainers, the no-BS list is given below. Laid out according to the level of anxiety, with suggestions of stiffening them up.
Golden Retriever: The Velcro Dog of All Velcro Dogs.
These goofballs were made in gold so that they would always be in the company of humans during hunts. Solo time is nightmare fuel. A study conducted in Tufts University ranked Goldens highest in top dog separation anxiety tests, with 40 percent of the dogs exhibiting destructive behavior. Fix it. Crate train early. Puzzle toys such as Kongs with peanut butter will purchase you 2-3 hours.
Labrador Retriever: the most desired Clingy Family Pet in America.
The top breed in America, according to AKC 2026 data, but a disaster of a velcro dog. The meaning of pack mentality in laboratories is that, single hand is panic. According to trainers at CCPDT, there is 35-percent howl non-stop. Pro tip. Gradualize with brief breaks with the progression of 4 hours. Whining is reduced by 60% with anti-anxiety vests such as ThunderShirts.
Vizsla: The Hungarian Shadow Stalker.
As the name Velcro Vizsla is not without a reason. Such Hungarian hunters follow you day and night. According to Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Chris Pinto, they have excessive prey drive that causes abandonment fears which result in escape behaviors. Hack. 30-minute runs and frozen treat dispensers make them sane on a daily basis.
Italian Greyhound: Frail and Freaking Out.
Delicate speed fiends who chill or corrupt upon dumping. A Cornell Veteran Survey of 2024 estimated them at 50& per cent anxiety rate, on account of the fact that they are thin-skinned and needy. Solution. Fuzzy blankets that replicate your smell. Begin with 5-minute outs to regain confidence.
Border Collie: Not to Smart to Play Alone.
Workaholic shepherds fatigued to madness. Their intelligence backfires on AKC. Single investor herding causes 30 percent-plus destruction rates. Boss move. Treat cams or herding balls to play remotely. One should strive to have jobs such as fetch during the time spent alone.
German Shepherd: Guard Dog Runaway.
Diligent watchers that dissolved in watching a house with no owners. Breeding is cited by 45% PTSD-like symptoms used by police K9 trainers. Train smart. Slow yet steady alone-time measures and relaxing chews containing L-theanine, veterinarian authority approved and 70 per cent effective according to research.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Lap Dog Meltdown.
Elf-dog courtly, who doth frown and pout. Even without heart problems, according to ASPCA, their companion breeding entails 55% endless barking on their own. Easy win. White noise machines and heartbeat toys make it seem as though you are there.
Chihuahua: Tin Dog, Huge Tantrums.
Little monarchs with enormous indifference. Although large, a study in 2023 of the Behavior Journal indicates 65 percent experience extreme vocalization and trembling. Quick fix. Chew-proof toys in portable pens. Combine with independent games in puppyhood.
The Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie): mini Collie Madness.
A Collie in mini form. Hyper-vigilant nettlers of the pacing. According to Pet Partners data on trainers, stress self-injury is 40 percent. Level up. Obedience classes and very long lasting chews such as bully sticks as a mental exhaustion.
Bichon Frise: Panic Machine Fluffy.
Fluffy clowns that are bred to run round and not to be leashed. Vets complain of 50+ pacing and drooling, which is supported by social dependency. Pro hack. Fragrant blankets and progression door exercises. Doggy daycare at work.
