The 10 Best Dog Breeds for People who Work all Day!

A word of caution before you read on.

Any dog, whatever the breed, needs time EVERY DAY for walks, company, love, and attention, so no person should have a dog if you don’t have the time for each and every one of these things.

And if you get a puppy, even one of the following breeds, you WILL need to be home in those first weeks especially, to make sure that your puppy gets used to your home, settles in well, and is properly socialized and trained.

Even at 4 months of age, a puppy needs to pee every few hours, so even leaving them in a crate shouldn’t be for longer than this. And a new, or young puppy should never be left alone for more than a few hours as it can cause behavioral problems down the road.

One more warning before we get started – never suddenly start leaving your dog alone. Take it step by step, and steadily lengthen the time.

The biggest reason why this topic is extra important is that many, many people are still choosing the wrong breed when they work all day, and their home is empty. High energy dog breeds, that crave company and activity, like the Labrador, Golden Retriever, and Border Collie should not be locked up in the home all day long waiting for you to come back. At the minimum they need a garden, really they need someone around most of the day.

So knowing what breeds can be more suited to a quiet day at home is ever more important.

Any dog can get separation anxiety, no matter the breed, so be prepared for the individual needs of your particular puppy. But the following breeds are especially suited if you really want a dog and will love and care for it, but like most of us, you have to work all day and have to leave the furball at home.

Chihuahua

Many smaller dog breeds are prone to being hyperactive and mischievous, but often this is due to bad training, which happens often to the Chihuahua. But they are normally, and with proper care, a laid-back breed, and have less energy than most dogs of their size. They can tolerate being left at home during the day, but a Chihuahua would be happier with another canine for company, so 2 Chihuahua’s would be better than 1!

French Bulldog

Frenchies are famous as bundles of love with humans, so it may seem surprising to see them on this list. But they are also big, big nappers. So while this breed does thrive on being around people, they don’t crave a lot of activity, and will often just sleep when you are out. However they are prone to the 5-minute zoomies, so expect a lot of bounciness when you get back at the end of the day.

Basset Hound

One of the most chilled out of dog breeds, a Basset Hound will be perfectly happy to lay back and sleep while you’re out earning, and probably carry on snoozing when you return! Like all breeds though they need walks, and with the Basset prone to obesity, make sure you have time for a good walk, both in the morning and the evening.

Bullmastiff

Big, strong, and formidable, the Bullmastiff was originally bred purely for guarding. Bullmastiffs still require the company to be happy, so prepare to spend lots of time with them when you are home. The Bullmastiff is a relatively low energy breed but would be best suited to having a secure garden to stay out in during the day

Maltese

The Maltese is one of the few fairly suitable smaller breeds for busy people. They are usually okay to be left during the day, but 10 hours may be pushing it a little, as some dogs that have not been well socialized are prone to separation anxiety. So a gradual introduction to being left during the day is a good idea. You can certainly expect a hyper-excited dog when you get back from work.

Shar-Pei 

Another of the laid back breeds, the Shar-Pei, with its unique looks, is well suited for chilling out in your home, while you are away. They are an even-tempered breed, and loyal too, so with a little training, they can often learn very well to be well behaved and relaxed while on their own.

Chow Chow

The fluffiest and most bearlike breed of them all, they look seriously like cuddly buddies right! But actually the Chow Chow is a very independent pooch, not particularly affectionate or clingy with their owners, but laid back and even-tempered. They will be very much relaxed if left alone for the day, but would especially like a garden to roam about in.

Dachshund

A unique breed, and one that while people-loving are quite suited to a chilled time on their own. And with those little legs, it isn’t a surprise that Dachshunds aren’t really high maintenance in terms of exercise. A short walk in the morning and evening is enough for them. But like the Chihuahua, having a couple of Dachshunds together is ideal.

Greyhound

You probably know Greyhounds for being long, athletic, fast and energetic, and they are! But in the home, they are serious couch potatoes. You can count on your Greyhound being right where you left them when you get back home. But be prepared for a nice long walk, and ideally an off the lead run, in the evening.

Caucasian Mountain Dog

A loyal breed, famous for its size. They are not, or at least should not be, aggressive dogs, if they are from good breeders, and get thorough training. Calm, relaxed, and smart, they will stolidly guard your home while you are away. But they would definitely prefer to be out in the yard while they are alone.

Now you can decide easier on a well-suited breed for your home while you work those hours to earn the keep. But beware, that while these breeds are far better choices than others, they all do have special needs each day, and as long as you can accommodate this, you should have a successful life with your furry friend.