As pet owners, we want our furry companions to have the best possible quality of life. But unfortunately, some of our canine companions may be more prone to anxiety. Different dog breeds have different temperaments, and this can be an important factor in determining which breeds are most likely to suffer from anxiety. In this blog post, we will explore the various factors that may contribute to this condition and discuss whether certain dog breeds are more prone to anxiety. We will also provide advice for pet owners on how to help their pup cope with anxiety. With the right care and support, all dogs can enjoy a happy and healthy life!
Which Dog Breeds Are Most Prone To Anxiety?
While anxiety can occur in any dog breed, it can occur more frequently in some breeds, such as lagotto romagnolos, wheaten terriers, and Spanish water dogs. 1 When they learn that dogs can experience anxiety, many people are shocked. Dogs, like people, have complex emotional lives, and they may respond to situations differently than people do. And dogs can become uneasy in the same situations that humans do.
Anxiety in dogs is brought on by a number of environmental factors rather than just one.
Your dog may display anxious behavior if they come from a particular breed or if anxiety runs in the family.
Age, trauma, lack of socialization, genetics, breed predisposition, and genetics are just a few of the variables that can contribute to dog anxiety. Finding a solution to whatever is making your dog anxious is crucial if you want them to live a happy and healthy life. It’s crucial to know if your dog is of a high-risk breed because the first step in finding effective treatment is learning how to recognize the symptoms of anxiety.
Although all dogs can experience anxiety in stressful situations, the prevalence of anxiety in different breeds can vary significantly. The following list includes some breeds that are more prone to anxiety, along with details on how symptoms are most likely to manifest in them.
A fluffy poodle-like breed of dog called a lagotto romagnolo is among the most anxious canines. For instance, they frequently experience a high rate of fear of thunder2, which is typically a common anxiety trigger for many dogs of all breeds. Additionally, other noises like loud vehicles, gunshots, or even loud music may cause them anxiety.
Among the dogs at the greatest risk of experiencing noise sensitivity anxiety were wheaten terriers2. It’s a good idea to make accommodations for the dog to ensure that they are properly socialized with noises from a young age if you are thinking about adopting a wheaten terrier or you already have one, as recommended by a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist. They may exhibit symptoms like barking and panting if they are exposed to loud noises on a regular basis.
The loyal and diligent Spanish water dogs are susceptible to anxiety-related symptoms. Spanish water dogs are more susceptible to experiencing fear or anxiety in response to environmental stimuli. Strangers are frequently that stimulus; the study previously mentioned discovered that Spanish water dogs were the breed in Finland most likely to display a fear of strangers. Tail chasing and fly-snapping, less common signs of anxiety in this breed, are also possible.
Shetland sheepdogs experience stranger phobia in a manner similar to Spanish water dogs. This can be reduced with the right training and medication, but if you’re thinking about getting a Shetland sheepdog and you know you’ll see strangers frequently or have visitors frequently, it’s important to be aware of this tendency so you can socialize them early on and treat this fear appropriately with your veterinarian for the best long-term outcome.
Miniature schnauzers are among the most aggressive dog breeds. 3 Compared to other breeds, miniature schnauzers are more likely to become aggressive toward strangers when exposed to anxiety-inducing stimuli like loud noises, unfamiliar dogs, or strangers. Compared to other breeds, they may also be at a higher risk of experiencing separation anxiety.
While mixed-breed dogs are frequently praised for having fewer health issues overall than purebreds, they are the breed that is most frequently identified as anxious in studies4. This might not be the case since mixed breeds are more likely than pure breeds to experience anxiety It might simply be that mixed breeds are represented in these studies at a higher rate than pure breeds.
It’s critical to understand whether your dog is prone to anxiety. It’s crucial to understand, however, that just because your dog belongs to one of the aforementioned anxiety dog breeds, doesn’t mean it will necessarily experience anxiety issues. Additionally, it doesn’t imply that your dog won’t experience anxiety because it isn’t one of the breeds mentioned above. The same study found that as many as 72. 5% of dogs suffer from anxiety due to some stimulus. 1.
Some of the most common causes included:
The lesson is that while it’s wise to consider whether your dog is prone to anxious reactions, it’s equally crucial that you watch out for anxious behavior no matter what breed of dog you adopt. It’s important to keep in mind that probabilities are just that: probabilities. Things still happen 1 in 20 times when they have a 5% chance of happening. This means that symptoms may still be present in dogs with lower levels of anxiety.
We’ll then look at some of the most typical warning signs and symptoms that your dog may exhibit if they have an anxiety disorder.
Before you can treat your dog’s anxiety, you must first be able to identify the symptoms and signs of anxiety in your dog. Knowing what to look for is essential because there are many ways that anxiety in dogs can manifest itself. The following are some of the more typical symptoms to watch out for:
These symptoms may indicate anxiety, but they may also be symptoms of other illnesses or disorders. Prior to identifying and treating your dog’s anxiety, it’s critical to watch for additional symptoms in your dog.
Above all, speak with a vet to properly identify and handle your dog’s anxiety symptoms. Finding a treatment strategy that works for your particular dog because every breed and every dog is different is crucial because these are disorders that can be treated.
Key takeaway While all dogs are prone to anxiety, especially around strangers and loud noises, some dog breeds have a higher prevalence. Lagotto romagnolos, wheaten terriers, and mixed breed dogs all may have heightened chances of anxious responses. With the right training and medication, however, dog anxiety is treatable, helping your dog lead an enjoyable life.
Regardless of breed or age, a lot of dogs struggle with anxiety. However, research suggests that some dog breeds may be more prone than others to certain types of anxiety. It’s a good idea to be aware of the genetic factors that contribute to the susceptibility of particular dog breeds to anxiety if you’re looking for the ideal dog for your lifestyle or if you’re unsure whether your furry friend is more prone to anxiety.
Find out which dog breeds are more prone to anxiety in the following paragraphs, as well as what you can do to help your dog if they start to exhibit symptoms.
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We’ll start by exploring the top anxiety dog breeds.
Note: For the sake of simplicity, the term “anxiety” is used here as a catch-all. Fear, anxiety, and stress are terms used by veterinary behaviorists to describe related behavioral issues in dogs. See our article on dog anxiety for more details on stress, anxiety, and fear.
About the author:
Fiona Appleton is a Labrador owner. She is the manager of UltimateHomeLife that has been developed to help people solve the troubles of pet ownership. She is an active advocate of animal protection campaigns. She wants people to understand that dog-behavior is reflective of our behavior. Share this Article
FAQ
What dog breeds are more prone to anxiety?
The German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer are the dog breeds most likely to experience this issue.
Are some dogs prone to anxiety?
The breeds of dogs with the highest prevalence of fearfulness were mixed breed dogs, Spanish water dogs, and Shetland sheepdogs. More specifically, rough collie and mixed breed dogs were more likely to experience fear of surfaces and fear of heights. Small and large breeds of dogs exhibit different anxiety-like behaviors.
What dog breed has the least anxiety?
Consider the traditional Greyhound, Basset hound, French bulldog, or Maltese if you’re looking for dog breeds with little separation anxiety. These breeds are less likely to experience distress when you have to leave them alone, even though there are no dogs without separation anxiety.
Why are some dogs more anxious than others?
Dogs may develop fear or anxiety problems for a variety of reasons, such as poor socialization as puppies, age-related health conditions like dementia, traumatic events, or genetics.