12 Small Dogs That Can Be Left Alone (With Pictures)

Do you love small dogs and have always wanted to have one, but you are unsure whether they would be able to handle being left alone because of your busy schedule?

Small dogs are often the preferred choice for many individuals who live alone and spend a significant portion of their day away from home. Below I’ve listed 12 small dogs that can be left alone while you are out.

List Of 12 Small Dogs That Can Be Left Alone

1. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the most popular small dogs amongst individuals who live alone and spend quite a bit of time away from home. Despite staying alone for quite some time, Chihuahuas are relatively active.

They require daily physical activity. I would recommend taking your Chihuahua out on walks before or after leaving the house. If you have a yard, you could also allow your Chihuahua to spend some time in the yard and occupy themselves while you are gone.

2. French Bulldog

French Bulldog

If you are looking for a calm and mellow small dog, then the French Bulldog is the correct breed for you. The French bulldog is renowned for its ability to nap its days away, and its lethargic nature makes them prone to being overweight.

You should encourage your French Bulldog to partake in physical activity when you can to ensure that they do not become overweight and suffer from health issues associated with weight.

3. Maltese

Maltese

These gentle yet outgoing dogs are known for their friendly nature. If you spend a lot of time away from home and tend to have frequent guests, then the Maltese would be a great addition to your family.

Maltese are great with children, strangers, and other pets. However, they tend to be rather vocal, which can be an issue unless you train them not to bark excessively. Despite their fluffy nature, Maltese are considered to be hypoallergenic.

4. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer

If you are looking for a dog that is not shy about showing affection, then the miniature schnauzer is the breed for you. Miniature Schnauzers are social and friendly dogs, and they can get along well with other dogs and cats.

If you lack patience when it comes to grooming your dog, the miniature schnauzer may not be the ideal breed for you. Their fluffy fur coats require frequent grooming to maintain their health.

5. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso is a highly intelligent dog who also happens to be quite playful. They are easy to train, with the right amount of patience, and their trainability is a factor worth noting in terms of training them to remain alone for a large portion of the day.

Their energetic and playful character means that you would have to ensure that you find the time to play with your Lhasa Apso or at least take them out on a walk.

6. Pug

cute pug

These energetic toy-sized dogs are known for their appealing characters. Despite how loved they are, Pugs are susceptible to several health issues associated with the shape of their faces.

Pugs are ideal for a busy individual who also lives in an apartment. They require frequent physical activity even though they love snuggling next to their owners and spending their day like that.

7. Poodle

poodle

Poodles are highly adaptive and affectionate dogs. They are easy to train and can quickly adapt to spending time alone. Their playfulness and intelligence mean that they can entertain themselves in some way or another while you are gone.

However, you should ensure that your Poodle has toys to play with so that they do not destructively cure their boredom. Poodles also make great playmates for children.

8. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

Aside from being undeniably lovable, the Boston Terrier can stay alone for several hours. However, these amicable dogs love having company around. The trick to leaving them alone for several hours is to ensure that you spend sufficient time with them when you are around.

You should ensure that you give your Boston Terrier enough affection so that they do not develop separation anxiety or loneliness. Such emotions can have negative physical consequences for your dog.

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is among the most liked breeds globally. Their silky and elegant appearance draws in several owners. They do not only look friendly, but they are friendly too; they are able to get along with other pets and people.

This breed is highly adaptable to various circumstances and has the overall disciplined to be trusted alone. However, their social nature requires them to have lengthy and wholesome interactions with other people and pets not to feel isolated.

10. Dachshund

Dachshund

These go-lucky and duty-driven dogs are ideal for someone who loves intelligent dogs. The Dachshund is intelligent and playful. They love playing games and being challenged mentally and physically. They typically enjoy activities such as scent-tracking events,

Their confidence allows them to stand up to even larger dogs if need be. If you do not have infants and other pets, they will be the ideal breed. The Dachshund does tend to bark quite a lot which can be an issue unless you train them accordingly. 

11. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is one of the oldest dog breeds. They are not only wise by nature, but they are also tenacious and live life with a whole lot of passion. They would be the ideal companion for easy-going but also enjoy engaging in various physical activities such as hikes and walks.

The Scottish Terrier’s independence and confidence may be challenging to deal with when you are training them; however, you and your Scottish Terrier could have an excellent relationship with some willpower and patience.

12. Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Danish Swedish Farmdog

As their name suggests, the Danish Swedish Farmdog originates from Denmark and Sweden, where they lived on farms as working dogs. Their history as working dogs means that they are accustomed and have the discipline to be left alone for several hours.

Although they can be left alone for several hours, they also love spending time with their family and playing with children. They are easy to train and tend to be quite stubborn at times. 

Tips When You Leave A Small Dog Home Alone

  • Train your dog to become accustomed to spending time alone from an early age.
  • Train your dog to recognize words such as ‘bye’ so that they know that you are leaving and can adjust.
  • Ensure that your dog gets some physical activity before you leave so that they do not feel restless.
  • Ensure that your dog has some form of entertainment, such as toys to play with when you are gone.

FAQ

Can Maltese Be Left Alone?

Yes, you can leave your Maltese alone but only for a maximum of 8 hours at a time. If you leave your Maltese alone for too long, they may struggle with socialization which can be rather bothersome. 

Can A Small Dog Be Left Alone For 8 Hours?

Yes, a small dog can be left alone. But then you should ensure that you leave sufficient food and water for your dog and ensure that they relieve themselves before you leave. 

Can Cavapoo Be Left Alone?

Cavapoo cannot be left alone. They were initially bred to be companions, so they thrive while in the company of others. If they are left alone for too long, they will suffer intense abandonment. If you spent most of your day away from home, a Cavapoo is not the ideal breed for you. 

Can Cockapoo Be Left Alone?

Yes, Cockapoo can be left alone, and however, they cannot be left alone for an entire working day of 8 hours. You should only leave your Cockapoo alone for a maximum of 5 hours, or else they may suffer from separation anxiety and develop some behavior issues. 

Conclusion

Small dogs are popular among individuals who live alone, especially those in smaller apartments. Most small dogs can adjust to the apartment lifestyle, and they do not require as much space. 

However, when you get a small dog as an individual who lives alone, you should consider that your small dog would be alone for a significant portion of the day while you are at work. To ensure that your small dog does not suffer from depression, you should research and get a breed that can spend quite a bit of time alone.

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