What Dog Breed Should I Get if I Work Full Time

Question

Can I have a dog if I work 8+ hours a day? Which breeds handle being alone best?

Short answer

Basset Hounds, Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, and Shiba Inus tend to handle alone time better than most breeds. However, no dog should be left alone for more than 8 hours regularly. Consider dog walkers, daycare, or working from home part-time if you have a full-time schedule.

Breeds That Tolerate Alone Time

Basset Hound

• Low energy, happy to sleep during the day
• Independent nature
• Not prone to separation anxiety
• Content with morning and evening walks

Greyhound

• Surprisingly calm indoors despite racing heritage
• Sleep 16–18 hours daily
• Independent and quiet
• Happy with a comfortable bed

French Bulldog

• Low exercise needs
• Calm, adaptable temperament
• Content to nap while you're away
• Small bladder is the main concern

Shiba Inu

• Cat-like independence
• Self-entertaining
• Clean and quiet
• Not clingy or needy

Chihuahua

• Tiny bladder but very portable
• Can be left with puppy pads
• Bond strongly but can learn independence
• Low exercise requirements

Breeds That Struggle Alone

• Labrador Retriever — prone to boredom destructiveness
• Australian Shepherd — needs constant mental engagement
• Vizsla — extreme separation anxiety tendencies
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — bred to be lap dogs
• Border Collie — will destroy house if bored

Making Full-Time Work Compatible with Dog Ownership

Before Getting a Dog

1. Calculate realistic daily available time
2. Budget for dog walker or daycare (€10–€30/day)
3. Consider adopting an adult dog (calmer, trained)
4. Talk to your employer about flexible hours

Daily Strategies

• Morning routine: 30-minute walk + breakfast + puzzle toy
• Midday: Dog walker visit or come home for lunch
• Evening: Quality time, training, exercise
• Weekends: Make up for weekday limitations

Products That Help

• Puzzle feeders and Kong toys
• Automatic treat dispensers
• Pet cameras to monitor behavior
• Calming music or TV (background noise)
• Snuffle mats for meal enrichment

The Honest Truth

Working full-time doesn't disqualify you from dog ownership, but it does require:

• Financial investment in support (walkers/daycare)
• Willingness to build your schedule around the dog
• An appropriate breed choice
• Realistic expectations about the dog's happiness