10 Dog Breeds Prone to Anxiety
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Like humans, dogs can experience anxiety, often manifesting as pacing, loss of appetite, or excessive barking.
While no dog is immune to anxiety, some breeds may be more predisposed to it than others. Here’s what to know about dogs with anxiety and how to help ease their worries.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can experience anxiety just like humans, with symptoms including pacing, appetite changes, and destructive behavior.
- Some dog breeds are more prone to anxiety due to genetics.
- Talk to your veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of anxiety.
What Is Anxiety in Dogs?
“Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension in anticipation of something potentially harmful,” says Kate Anderson, DVM, DACVB, assistant clinical professor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
According to Dr. Anderson, common anxiety triggers include:
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Sudden movements
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New environments
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Meeting new people or animals
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Changes in routine
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Veterinary visits
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Having something taken away
However, anxiety can sometimes happen even without an obvious trigger. Pet parents should learn to read their dog’s body language to better understand when they may be fearful or anxious.
“Dogs experience anxiety much like we do, but they express it in ways that can be easy to miss unless we know what to look for,” says Rory Lubold, DVM, MBA, CCRT, head of veterinary services at Yourgi, a pet care services company.
Common behaviors anxious dogs may exhibit include:
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Hypervigilance or constant scanning of their environment
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Changes in usual motor activity (such as freezing, pacing, circling, jumping, digging, escape attempts, or destructive behavior)
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Changes in vocalization (such as barking or whining)
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Displacement behaviors (lip licking, scratching, yawning, grooming)
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Changes in social behavior
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Physiologic signs of arousal (dilated pupils, trembling, excessive salivation not related to food, panting, urination, defecation, vomiting, diarrhea)
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Changes in appetite
What Are the Most Anxious Dog Breeds?
Some breeds may be more likely to exhibit anxious behaviors. That said, anxiety can affect dogs of any breed, and its severity depends on many factors beyond genetics.
“While genetics certainly influence behavior, we see anxiety and fear in all breeds because it is an adaptive mechanism that evolved to keep dogs safe,” Dr. Anderson says.
1. American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers are loyal, loving, and affectionate with their family, but they can be prone to separation anxiety.
Ensuring that your AmStaff gets enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and quality time with their people can help reduce anxiety-related behaviors.
2. Border Collie
Originally bred for herding, Border Collies are energetic and friendly dogs. But when boredom strikes, they may exhibit anxious behaviors, such as excessive barking.
“Herding breeds were designed for constant vigilance, problem-solving, protection, and environmental sensitivity,” says Dr. Lubold. “They were bred to be constantly outdoors, alert, and run for days at a time. In a home without the same demands, these strengths can manifest as anxiety.”
One way to help Border Collies manage their anxiety is by providing structured exercise or puzzle toys to keep them busy.
3. Chihuahua
Despite their bold personalities, Chihuahuas are prone to social and separation anxiety. They may be shy and timid around new people and bark excessively when nervous. Providing a predictable routine, engaging toys, and a safe space can help ease their stress.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are high-energy herding dogs who love having a job that lets them use their brain and body. They thrive on consistency, so being thrown off their routine may result in anxious behaviors such as pacing and door-scratching.
Help reduce anxiety by sticking to an activity routine and letting them use their skills in hiking, agility, nose work, and dock diving.
5. Greyhound
Greyhounds are predisposed to anxiety. They often become shy around new people and in places, leading them to feel reluctant to engage and to withdraw in unfamiliar environments, Dr. Lubold says.
Early socialization and slow introductions to new animals, people, and places is key to building a Greyhound’s confidence.
6. Parson Russell
Also known as the Jack Russell Terrier, this high-energy breed may display anxious behaviors such as excessive barking and digging.
It’s extremely important to keep your Jack Russell active and engaged—they need at least an hour of exercise every day. Make sure their activities are within a fenced-in space or on a leash to keep them safe (and stop them from running after neighborhood squirrels).
7. Shiba Inu
An easy way to spot rising anxiety in a Shiba Inu is to look for hyperalertness (restlessness, constant scanning of their environment). Shibas are also very vocal, emitting a “Shiba scream” to signal stress or frustration.
Triggers may include separation from their family; new people, pets, or places; or loud, unfamiliar noises.
8. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are also prone to anxiety, which can manifest as barking, destructive chewing, digging, escape attempts, or fixation on movement.
To help an anxious Husky, give them daily mental stimulation, structured physical exercise, puzzle toys, and positive reinforcement training that channels their working instinct into purposeful tasks.
9. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles may develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. And if they’re bored, they’re likely to bark, jump, and be destructive.
Toy Poodles are also very sensitive to new environments and changes in their routine, which may contribute to stress-related gastrointestinal upset. Because they’re highly intelligent dogs, keeping them entertained with interactive toys and puzzles is a great way to help them manage stress.
10. Vizsla
Cheerful and energetic Vizslas love spending time with loved ones. They’re often called “Velcro dogs” because of how closely attached they are to the people they love.
Because of this, separation anxiety is a common problem for Vizslas. But with plenty of attention, exercise, and enrichment, they can thrive.
How To Help Your High-Anxiety Dog
“Chronic anxiety affects not only behavior but also a dog’s overall well-being, from sleep patterns to their ability to learn and feel safe,” Dr. Lubold says. “Chronic stress also affects physical health, so reducing anxiety meaningfully improves both emotional well-being and overall quality of life.”
To help dogs with their anxiety, it’s crucial to create a safe environment for them, Dr. Anderson says, by removing, avoiding, or blocking whatever triggers their anxiety whenever possible.
“Pet parents can also provide a secure base for their pet by calmly comforting them and providing predictable and positive interactions and routines,” Dr. Anderson says.
Some ways pet parents can help manage their dog’s anxiety include:
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Build consistent daily routines
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Use positive reinforcement training to instill confidence in your pup
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Give your dog puzzle feeders or scent-based games for mental enrichment
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Incorporate regular physical exercise
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Create a quiet, safe space where your dog can retreat
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Seek professional help for persistent anxiety
In some cases, anxiety medications can help dogs, Dr. Lubold says. However, medication should only be considered if you’ve done everything you can at home to help reduce their stress.
Medication is most effective when combined with behavior modification, Dr. Lubold says, since it helps reduce the dog’s baseline stress.
“[Anxiety medication] is not a shortcut, but a supportive tool and sometimes can be removed entirely,” Dr. Lubold says. Always consult your veterinarian to determine whether medication is right for your dog.
Dr. Anderson also recommends veterinary evaluation to rule out medical conditions that may contribute to anxiety. If needed, your veterinarian may prescribe treatment or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist (a veterinarian who specializes in the treatment of emotional disorders in dogs).
