Which Dog Breeds Are the Most Anxious?

Dogs, like humans, experience anxiety, which affects their behavior and well-being. Some breeds are more prone to anxious tendencies due to genetics, upbringing, and environment. Understanding which breeds are more susceptible helps owners provide better care and support.

Several factors contribute to canine anxiety, from inherited traits to external stressors. Recognizing these influences is essential in managing and reducing anxiety-related behaviors.

Common Behavioral Signs

Anxious dogs often display behaviors that signal distress, sometimes mistaken for disobedience or hyperactivity. Excessive vocalization—barking, whining, or howling, especially when left alone—is a common sign, often linked to separation anxiety. Studies in Applied Animal Behaviour Science indicate that anxiety-prone breeds vocalize excessively as a coping mechanism triggered by environmental changes or perceived threats.

Destructive behavior is another hallmark, including chewing furniture, scratching doors, or excessive licking and biting at their own skin. Research from the Journal of Veterinary Behavior suggests that dogs with generalized anxiety engage in repetitive behaviors, sometimes leading to physical injuries like acral lick dermatitis. This condition, marked by chronic licking of a specific area, worsens with stressors such as loud noises or unfamiliar environments.

Physical symptoms also accompany behavioral signs, including trembling, panting, and pacing. A study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that anxious dogs exhibit elevated cortisol levels, a physiological marker of stress. They may also hide or avoid normal activities. In severe cases, anxiety leads to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or loss of appetite, underscoring the connection between psychological stress and physical health.

Biological Factors That Influence Anxiety

Genetics play a significant role in predisposing certain breeds to anxiety. A 2020 genome-wide association study in Translational Psychiatry identified genetic variants linked to heightened anxiety, particularly in Border Collies and German Shepherds. These variations occur in genes affecting neurotransmitter regulation, including monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), which influence mood stability and stress responses. Dogs with these mutations exhibit increased reactivity to novel stimuli.

Neurochemical imbalances also contribute, with serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol playing key roles in emotional regulation. Research in Frontiers in Neuroscience shows that anxious dogs often have lower serotonin levels, similar to findings in human anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for canine anxiety, increase serotonin availability, helping mitigate symptoms like excessive vocalization and compulsive behaviors. Elevated cortisol, a stress hormone, is consistently observed in anxiety-prone breeds. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that chronically anxious dogs exhibit dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, leading to prolonged stress responses even in non-threatening situations.

Brain structure and function further influence anxiety susceptibility, particularly in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Functional MRI studies, including one in Scientific Reports, show that anxious dogs display hyperactivity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear-processing center, resulting in exaggerated responses to perceived threats. Concurrently, reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation, impairs a dog’s ability to moderate fear responses. This imbalance explains why breeds like Shetland Sheepdogs and Italian Greyhounds remain prone to anxiety despite training and environmental enrichment.

Environmental Influences

A dog’s upbringing and surroundings significantly shape its anxiety levels, often amplifying genetic predispositions. Early life experiences play a crucial role, as puppies lacking proper socialization during key developmental periods are more likely to develop heightened fear responses. Research in Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice highlights that puppies exposed to varied environments between three and sixteen weeks of age exhibit greater resilience to stress, while those deprived of such experiences show increased nervousness and avoidance behaviors.

Household dynamics also contribute, particularly in multi-pet households or those with inconsistent human interactions. Dogs experiencing frequent disruptions—such as changes in ownership, inconsistent training, or unpredictable schedules—may develop chronic stress responses. A study in Animals found that dogs in unstable living conditions exhibit increased signs of generalized anxiety, including excessive vigilance and compulsive behaviors. Additionally, owner behavior and emotional states influence a dog’s stress levels, as dogs are highly attuned to human emotions. A 2019 study in Scientific Reports demonstrated that dogs mirror their owners’ cortisol fluctuations, suggesting that anxious or stressed owners may unintentionally reinforce anxiety in their pets.

Living environments with excessive noise or unpredictable stimuli, such as urban settings with frequent sirens, fireworks, or construction, can exacerbate anxiety. Dogs with noise sensitivities often exhibit symptoms similar to panic disorders, including trembling, escape attempts, and destructive behavior. Research in Applied Animal Behaviour Science indicates that exposure to loud noises without proper desensitization can lead to long-term phobias, particularly in breeds predisposed to heightened auditory sensitivity. Shelter environments present another challenge, as dogs that have experienced abandonment or prolonged confinement often develop post-traumatic stress-like behaviors. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that former shelter dogs are more likely to display hyperattachment and separation-related distress, even after being placed in stable homes.

Ranking Of High-Anxiety Breeds

Some breeds are particularly prone to anxiety due to their temperament, selective breeding history, and sensitivity to their surroundings. Border Collies frequently top the list due to their intelligence and intense work drive. Bred for herding, they are highly attuned to movement and environmental changes, making them susceptible to overstimulation and nervous tendencies. Without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, they often develop compulsive behaviors like tail chasing or excessive licking.

Italian Greyhounds also rank among the most anxious breeds due to their strong attachment to owners. They form deep bonds and struggle with solitude, leading to pronounced separation anxiety. Their delicate nature makes them sensitive to sudden changes, such as new environments or loud noises, which can trigger tremors and avoidance behaviors.

Chihuahuas exhibit high levels of nervous energy, often reacting defensively to unfamiliar people or dogs. Their small size and fragile build contribute to a heightened sense of vulnerability, leading to excessive barking and trembling.