If you spend all day in the office, you might be wondering about the best dogs to have if you work all day.
You want to choose a dog that can tolerate being left alone, so pups with major separation anxiety tendencies are out.
If you live in an apartment or townhouse complex, you’ll also need a dog that doesn’t bark like mad while you’re gone.
I know how hard it is to choose a dog for when you live in an apartment and have to consider your neighbors’ comfort.
So, today we’re going to talk about 9 dogs that don’t mind being left alone.
Related: Best dogs for single working female
Best Dogs to Have if You Work All Day
To compose this list, I looked at dogs that have low energy levels and those who wouldn’t mind entertaining themselves while you’re at work.
I also took into account how likely it was for these breeds to suffer from separation anxiety.
Keep in mind that, like people, dogs have their own personalities. There is no guarantee that every dog in these breeds can tolerate being alone.
However, they are more likely to be mellow and relaxed while you’re gone than some other breeds.
RELATED: Best dog breeds with low separation anxiety
#1 Basset Hound
If you know anything about Basset Hounds and their strong hunting and chasing instinct, it might come as a surprise that they make excellent dogs for busy people.
That’s because the Basset Hound is perfectly happy to be a couch potato, and it could sleep all day until you come home.
Some are so lazy that you might actually have to encourage them to move more to avoid obesity.
#2 Bullmastiff
I would say that the Bullmastiff tops my list for the best dog for single working females.
On the one hand, despite its large size, it’s a pretty laid-back dog that will spend the day napping and making sure that the house is secure.
On the other hand, any unwanted visitors will quickly find out how fiercely this dog can protect its owner and its home.
What’s more, the Bullmastiff is not prone to much barking, so your neighbors won’t be complaining.
#3 Chihuahua
While Chihuahuas can be quite the energetic fellows, they don’t require as much exercise as other breeds.
What’s more, due to their small size they make excellent apartment dogs if you don’t mind the yapping. And they are so tiny that you can take them with you when you travel.
Here’s the rub: they don’t like being alone.
So why are they on this list?
Basically, if you get them a buddy (another chihuahua, for example), they’ll be fine when you go to the office.
#4 French Bulldog
Another dog breed that doesn’t mind being left alone is the French bulldog.
This small fellow will happily nap while you’re working full-time, and he doesn’t like long exercise sessions.
What’s more, the French bulldog doesn’t need much grooming, and it’s a healthy breed.
However, since they have short muzzles, you’d have to watch out for Brachycephalic Syndrome.
#5 Miniature Dachshund
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vagawi/8723959005/
If you’re looking for a couch buddy, you will get along pretty well with a miniature Dachshund.
This small fellow is an excellent choice for busy people because it doesn’t mind being left alone.
What’s more, since the Dachshund has long bodies and short legs you’ll have to be careful not to overtire them.
#6 Greyhound
Some people think that big dogs are out of the question when they live in an apartment or work all day (or both). However, the Greyhound is the proof that exception exists.
Greyhounds do well in apartments, and they don’t require as much exercise as other large dogs. They are very fast once they are off the leash, but they also love to occupy your couch.
However, they have a strong preying instinct, so you should leave them off the leash in enclosed areas.
Now is a great time to adopt a Greyhound. Since Florida outlawed dog races (about time), thousands of these wonderful sight hounds are up for adoption.
Sites like The Greyhound Project and National Greyhound Adoption Program are a great place to start.
#7 Maltese
If you’re looking for a dog breed that you can leave home alone for long hours, the Maltese might fit you perfectly.
This adorable guy has a low energy level and would sleep while waiting for you to come home.
What’s more, it’s very unlikely that the Maltese will make a mess by tearing up the couch or the cushion, and it’s a great choice if you want somebody to keep your cat company.
However, you’ll have to take care of that magnificent fur every day or it’s going to mat. You might take your dog to the groomer for a “haircut” once in a while.
#8 Shar Pei
One of the cutest dog breeds that I’ve ever encountered is the Shar Pei.
These wrinkled dogs make one of the best dogs to be left alone at home because, despite their looks, they don’t need much exercise and prefer to cuddle with their owners.
However, since the Shar Pei has strong guarding traits, it should be well-socialized and very well-trained.
#9 Chow Chow
Every time I see a picture of a Chow Chow, my heart starts melting.
If you’re in love with this breed as much as me, you’d be happy to hear that it’s one of the best dog breeds for full-time workers.
The Chow Chow doesn’t mind if you leave him alone for hours and it has low energy levels, so it won’t destroy your house in your absence.
However, this fluffy fellow can be very stubborn and requires a good deal of training.
By nature, he’s also not the most affectionate of the bunch. Of course, there are exceptions!
When it’s time to make your choice, you should keep in mind that no dog can live happily if you don’t pay him enough attention. These dog breed will tolerate your absence as long as you make up for it in the evening.
