The Most And Least Anxious Dog Breeds

Many dogs can experience anxiety, but some breeds are more prone to it than others which can lead to stress and worry for owners, too.

To help potential dog owners determine which breeds are more susceptible to anxiety, Forbes Advisor surveyed 200 dog owners of each of the top 25 most popular breeds.

We asked dog owners to assess how anxious or at ease their dog is on a typical day and in 10 potentially anxiety-inducing situations as follows:

• loud noises, such as fireworks or construction
• being left home alone
• visiting to the vet
• new environments
• car journeys
• water features, such as rivers and lakes
• walking or exercising
• being around other dogs
• being around visitors
• being in public.

Our research then helped us identify the most and least anxious dog breeds, which we’ve listed below. Find out more at our methodology section.

Our pick of most anxious dog breeds

1. Havanese

Havanese score: 100 out of 100

They’re small, cheerful, and well-suited to city living, but Havanese owners reported their dogs to be anxious in seven of the 10 situations outlined above. The Havenese (pictured above) therefore ranks as the most anxious dog breed.

2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh corgi score: 77 out of 100

The second of six small breeds to make the list of most anxious dog breeds, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is a small dog that can experience anxiety on a daily basis.

3. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd score: 77 out of 100

The Australian shepherd is most likely to be anxious around people other than their owner, according to our survey and is ranked third as the most anxious breed.

4. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher score: 74 out of 100

Well-known for their sleek and powerful build, the Doberman pinscher is considered one of the best guard dogs. Unfortunately, they are also among the most anxious dogs in new places, on car journeys and around other dogs.

5. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature schnauzer score: 74 out of 100

Iconic for their bushy beard and eyebrows, the miniature schnauzer is highly likely to exhibit anxiety around other dogs and while at the vet, according to our survey.

6. Beagle

Beagle score: 73 out of 100

Bred to excel as hunting dogs, the beagle is a highly curious and clever dog, but also reportedly the most likely to be nervous on a typical day. More than half (51%) of Beagle owners said their dog would be anxious if left alone in the house.

7. German Shorthaired Pointer

German shorthaired pointer score: 68 out of 100

The German shorthaired pointer (GSP) is always eager to please its owner, but requires exercise and positive training to help manage their considerable anxiety.

8. Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese mountain dog score: 67 out of 100

The gentle giant Bernese mountain dog is known to be emotionally attached to its family, but is likely to be hesitant around new people and new places. This breed ranks as the most anxious in new environments, according to our survey.

9. Dachshund

Dachshund score: 66 out of 100

The low-slung dachshund has a fun, lively personality and makes a great watchdog. But owners should take particular care around other dogs and avoid leaving their dog home alone.

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles spaniel score: 56 out of 100

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel, while adaptable to its owner’s lifestyle, is also highly likely to be anxious when left home alone and while at the vet. It ranked among the 10 most anxious breeds in seven of 10 of our survey situations.

Our pick of the least anxious dog breeds

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador retriever score: 0 out of 100

Labrador retrievers are happy-go-lucky dogs and the least anxious dog breed on our list. Retrievers rank as the most likely to be at ease on a typical day, as reported by almost 60% of owners we surveyed.

2. Rottweiler

Rottweiler score: 4 out of 100

Despite their fierce appearance, the playful rottweiler is least likely to be anxious around loud noises and at the vet. It’s the second most likely breed to be at ease on a typical day (as reported by 54% of rottweiler owners) and the second least likely breed to be anxious on a typical day.

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherd score: 13 out of 100

Intelligent, loyal and brave, the German shepherd is hard working and one of the least anxious dog breeds, according to our survey. For example, it’s the third least likely breed to be anxious on car journeys with just13% of owners saying their German shepherd becomes anxious in the car.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden retriever score: 19 out of 100

Golden retrievers, which emerged as the second friendliest dog breed in another recent Forbes Advisor survey, ranked as the least likely dog breed to be anxious around visitors and the fourth least anxious overall.

5. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu score: 21 out of 100

The only small dog breed to make the list of least anxious dogs, the easygoing shih tzu doesn’t typically become anxious in new places.

Shih tzus rank as the fifth most likely breed to be at ease on a typical day, with 51% of owners responding in the survey that their shih tzu is typically at ease, tying with German shepherd owners.

How to calm an anxious dog

Understanding why your dog is anxious is the first step in treating its anxiety. According to experts, anxiety can manifest in dogs in a number of behavioural problems. These include the following:

• separation anxiety: Dogs show discomfort and express distress when their owners prepare to leave the house. Once the owner is gone, the dog may howl, bark, or even inflict damage on the property
• resource guarding: Dogs will growl or threaten anyone who tries to get close to or approach something they consider valuable, such as a treat, food, or toy
• territorial aggression: Dogs will lunge, bark, snap or growl at anyone or thing that approaches their territory
• sound sensitivity: Dogs will show signs of distress in reaction to painful, uncomfortable, or loud and sudden noises
• cognitive dysfunction syndrome: Older dogs especially will pace, pant or appear restless. This is the canine equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease.

The most common signs of anxiety in dogs include:

• destructive behaviours
• drooling
• ears pulled down or back
• excessive barking
• licking lips
• panting, shaking, or whining
• showing the whites of their eyes.

If your dog suffers from anxiety, book an appointment with the vet. They may be able to diagnose the cause and also determine the best treatment.

There are many options to treating anxiety in dogs, including some medications which may or may not be covered under a pet insurance plan (see below). However, any medication can only be prescribed by a qualified vet.

Among the 200 dog owners we surveyed, petting and cuddles were the most common methods used to ease their dog’s anxiety. Although a quarter of (25%) said they have tried anxiety medication, while a further 26% said they have tried alternative medications, such as CBD oil or calming treats.

Tips for easing anxiety in dogs

• socialise the dog early on in their life.
• don’t ignore early signs of anxiety, such as lip licking or pulled-back ears
• work on your dogs’ confidence by ensuring you have a daily routine, teaching them to follow commands and keeping them active
• teach your dog to “lie down” and “settle” in calm situations so you can rely on them to follow this command when anxiety occurs
• ensure your home provides a safe, calm place for your dog
• provide enrichment toys, background noise/music and treats while you’re away so your dog can keep busy
• do not punish your dog after it exhibits unwanted behaviour as it may induce anxiety
• contact your vet for advice on treating your dog’s anxiety.

Can pet insurance help?

In addition to cover for accident, injury and illness, some pet insurance policies will help towards the cost of behavioural therapy for issues including aggression, destructive chewing and excessive barking. Some plans may also cover vet-prescribed medications for problems such as separation anxiety and phobias. In other cases, this cover can be added to a policy for additional cost.

In any case however, these problems cannot have been pre-existing conditions which means occurring prior to the policy being taken out.

If you are still trying to decide whether to get pet insurance, consider whether you would be able to cover a major vet's bill and, if you can, what effect it might have on your longer-term finances.

To find the best pet insurance for your dog, shop around and compare pet insurance quotes from a few different providers.

Methodology

To uncover the most and least anxious dog breeds, Forbes Advisor commissioned a survey conducted by Talker Research of 5,000 dog owners, including 200 dog owners of each of the top 25 most popular breeds (according to the American Kennel Club).

We analysed data for each dog breed across the following 12 metrics:

• The percentage of dogs that are ‘very’ and ‘somewhat’ anxious on a typical day: 25% of the total score
• The percentage of dogs that are ‘very’ and ‘somewhat’ at ease on a typical day: 25% of the total score
• The percentage of dogs that get anxious in the following potentially anxiety-inducing situations (each situation accounted for 5% of the total score):
  • Being exposed to loud noises, such as fireworks or construction
  • Being left at home without their owner
  • Visiting the vet
  • Having visitors around and/or meeting new people
  • Being in new environments
  • Interacting with other dogs
  • Going on car rides
  • Being in public
  • Walking and/or exercising
  • Being around water, such as rivers, lakes or streams