15 Dog Breeds Prone to Anxiety – Is Yours on the List?

June 23, 2026 · Dogs

A watercolor illustration of house keys on a table and a stormy window, representing common anxiety triggers for dogs. — A golden dog watches a thunderstorm through the window, surrounded by everyday triggers like keys and shoes.

Comparing the Triggers: Which Anxiety Affects Which Breed?

While dogs are individuals, their breed group often dictates the type of anxiety they are most likely to experience. Understanding this helps you tailor your training and support strategies effectively.

Breed Category	Common Breeds	Primary Anxiety Trigger	Best Support Strategy
Herding Dogs	Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Sheltie	Boredom, under-stimulation, noise sensitivity	Mental puzzles, agility training, sound desensitization
Companion Dogs	Bichon Frise, Cavalier, Maltese	Separation, disruption of routine, household tension	Predictable routines, gradual independence training
Terriers	Jack Russell, AmStaff, Schnauzer	Frustration from lack of physical outlet, hypervigilance	Vigorous physical exercise, “quiet” cues, impulse control
Sporting Dogs	Labrador Retriever, Vizsla, Cocker Spaniel	Isolation distress, lack of human contact	Place training, robust morning exercise, heavy chew toys