The Least Destructive Dog Breeds — Claiming Back Your Home (and Your Shoes)
Which are the least destructive dog breeds is a question many potential dog owners ask when choosing their next pup. Although the playful antics of a puppy can be adorable, they can also wreak havoc in your home. Chewed-up sneakers and scratched furniture can become tiresome very quickly.
Thankfully, there are pups who grow out of it. But, which breeds can you leave home alone without worrying you may not have a home to return to?
Which Puppies Grow Up to Be Non-Destructive Dog Breeds?
Chewing is a normal and natural behavior for a dog, and when confined to appropriate outlets such as doggy toys, it isn’t an issue. In puppies, it may be a reaction to teething.
However, as a dog grows older, destructive behavior in the home or garden is an unhealthy problem. But how do we know which dogs will grow up to be less destructive? And what causes some canines to be more destructive than others.
Boredom
The number one reason a dog develops destructive behavior.
Dogs that were originally bred as hunting or working dogs typically need more mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. In contrast, the least destructive dog breeds are typically calm, quiet and are happy to chill by themselves. Hence, less likely to cause a whirlwind of devastation in your home.
Although certain breeds can be left home alone, others will get bored after a couple of hours of solitude and start looking for things to gnaw or scratch. Leaving your pooch a chewable toy or bone and possibly interactive dog toys can help keep your best pal occupied even while you are at work.
Lack of Exercise
Highly-active dogs, such as Terriers or hunting dogs, need more exercise to burn off that pent-up energy, which can quickly be used for chewing or digging. For these breeds, exercise is super essential if you want to ensure your pup doesn’t become destructive when left to their own devices.
Although exercise is important for all dogs, lower energy breeds are satisfied with moderate exercise. Taking your buddy for a walk in the morning before you head off for the day can drain the fuel of less active dog breeds.
If a pup has excess energy, they will look for an outlet for expending that pent-up power. This can often manifest itself as digging in the yard, chewing on clothes or shoes, and sometimes even ‘eating’ or attempting to gnaw the furniture.
Anxiety
We humans often bite our nails or have a drink to relieve tension when we’re anxious — canines chew, lick, scratch, or soil in the house.
Separation anxiety is experienced by many dogs when left alone. Studies show it leads to unwanted behavior, such as the destruction of property and excessive barking or vocalization. This is simply your pup's way of satisfying their frustration. However, it can be addressed through training and comforting your pup.
Genetics
Some dog breeds, especially working dogs with higher levels of intelligence crave a ‘job’ to keep them amused. If denied this, it can lead to destructive behavior. Likewise, earthdogs, like many Terriers, are natural-born diggers and can’t resist excavating in the yard, to the detriment of your plants or your lawn.
Non Destructive Dog Breeds for a Calmer Home
Although no dog breed can be called truly non-destructive, the dogs we look at below are known to be the calmest, laziest, or lowest energy dog breeds going. Hence, they’re less likely to create havoc when you’re not home.
1.Miniature Schnauzer
The sturdy Mini Schnauzer makes a great non-shedding watchdog and family pet. With only moderate exercise needs due to their smaller size, the Miniature Schnauzer is one of the ideal lower energy dogs for first time owners.
Not only are Miniature Schnauzers playful and loveable pets, but they’re also smart dogs who are easy to train and eager to please. Their constant enjoyment of doggy toys or balls means you can leave this pooch at home without them getting into mischief.
These small dogs aren’t inclined to chew and won’t break vases while you’re gone. However, the Schnauzer breed hunting heritage means they can have a high prey drive, so take care if you have cats.
2. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are one of the breeds that rarely suffer separation anxiety. With their cute tuxedo markings, they’re intelligent little ‘gentlemen.’ Although they love the company of people, Bostons are also independent pooches who can be left home alone without too much worry about what awaits you upon your return.
As a companion for families who live in apartments, this breed doesn’t possess destructive tendencies in the home. Boston Terriers are calm and chilled couch potato dogs. They love curling up on the sofa with you, sometimes without you even knowing they have snuck in.
3. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff would rather spend the day lazing on the sofa than chewing shoes or digging up your flower beds. And, as they get older, they tend to get lazier and lazier.
Although they need moderate exercise for a healthy lifestyle, you may have trouble motivating them to move far. When trained correctly, they make extremely loyal companions and get on amazingly well with children — just don’t expect them to play for long.
As pups who don’t crave too much attention, the Bull Mastiff is one of the big lazy dog breeds that you can leave home alone for longer periods. And, while you may not return to scenes of devastation, the drool this breed leaves behind can require a great deal of cleanup.
4. Greyhound
The king of the fastest dogs on the planet, surprisingly, the Greyhound is also one of the couch potato dog breeds when at home. These dogs are sprinters, not marathon runners, and will happily sleep on the sofa for up to 18 hours a day, so there’s little time to be destructive.
However, as the cheetah of the canine world, the Greyhound does need a regular exercise routine to ‘stretch’ their legs. And as sighthounds, Greyhounds will quite happily chase after small animals, so walking off-leash in an open area isn't the wisest idea.
Yet, with a calm and independent demeanor, Greyhounds exhibit very little separation anxiety and can be left at home alone for up to 8 hours at a time.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cav Spaniel boasts a long history as a companion canine dating back to the royal courts of Britain. With a mellow nature, the Cavalier is just as happy lounging on your lap as they are playing fetch in the local park — they’ll follow your lead.
A smart breed, Cavaliers are easy to train and affectionate with everybody, especially children. Although they’re low on the destructive scale, CKC Spaniels like company and thrive best in homes where they won’t be left home alone for extended periods too often.
As a breed that gets on well with other animals, a fellow playmate in the house can also provide some stimulation and minimize the chance of your little King Charles becoming lonely.
6. Great Dane
Another gentle giant of a dog, at 32 inches in height, Great Danes are tall dogs that tower over most other canines and even their owners.
With such a huge dog comes a huge commitment. Although they may seem sedate the majority of the time, the Dane does require a daily exercise regime. A few brisk walks a day should be enough to keep this canine happy though. Yet, the rest of the time, Great Danes are consummate couch potato dogs.
Friendly and affectionate with the whole family, this breed can be aloof with strangers. And, while intimidating to any potential intruders, they’re more likely to bowl them over with their sheer size than attack. The same goes for your furnishings, they won’t chew or destroy, but they may unintentionally knock things over.
7. Pug
Pugs are less active dog breeds and ideal house dogs. These toy-sized canines just love human company and to please their owners, so they don’t cope too well when left alone for longer periods.
That said, the Pug is also an extremely quiet dog who can’t be bothered to move from the sofa too often to chew things. But, they can be food-obsessed, thus susceptible to weight gain, so daily walks or playtime in the backyard are a must.
Pugs are not destructive dogs, it's too much effort. Plus, as they’re people pleasers, they wouldn’t want to upset you — they will hardly ever chew anything of yours they shouldn’t.
8. Chihuahua
If you’re looking for a teeny weeny dog, they don’t come much smaller than the Chihuahua. So, how much destruction could such a pocket-sized pup cause? Thankfully, very little.
High-spirited, the Chihuahua is active, but given their size, they don’t require too much exercise. However, they do have a sassy big-dog character, so you’ll need to make sure they know who’s boss.
Chihuahuas can be independently left alone and are ideal apartment dogs, but they may prefer some other four-legged company if you’re away from home a lot.
Final Thoughts
No one cherishes the thought of half-eaten shoes or a yard that looks like a bomb site. Choosing a dog that can fit in with your lifestyle when combined with proper care, training, and socialization can significantly reduce the levels of destruction a new pooch may bring to your home.
The Least Destructive Dog Breeds FAQs
Which Dog Breeds Are the Most Destructive?
Although Labradors can be among the most responsive breeds for obedience training, they’re also notorious for chewing. High energy levels contribute to their levels of destruction.
Other furry destroyers include breeds such as Collies, Beagles, and German Shepherds.
What Dog Breed Is the Least Violent?
The Bichon Frise, Basset Hound, and Bernese Mountain Dog make for gentle pets. Likewise, less active dog breeds like the lapdog King Charles Spaniel or the Pug simply don’t have the inclination or the energy to be violent or destructive.
What’s the Easiest Dog To Take Care Of?
The easier a dog is to take care of normally translates to a much happier pup who is less likely to be bored or anxious and respond with destructive streaks.
The Chihuahua, Greyhound, or Boston Terrier are easy to groom, have manageable exercise levels, and are independent enough to be left home alone.
What Dog Has the Least Amount of Problems?
Destructive behavior can be a sign a pup is suffering from health issues.
The Chihuahua is one of the longest-living dog breeds with the least health concerns. With a healthy lifestyle, Chihuahuas can live up to 16 years. Likewise, the Australian Cattle Dog has a pretty good health record, although they’re far from couch potato dogs.
Which Dog Breed Can Be Left Alone All Day?
The Greyhound is a good canine candidate. Happy to lounge, and their independent nature means they’re content with their own company.
For other pups who won’t suffer separation anxiety and possible destructive tendencies, check out our guide on Dogs That Can Be Left Alone.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Being Destructive?
There are several steps you can take to ensure your dog doesn’t become destructive:
Exercise — start the day with walkies to expel some of your pup’s surplus energy.
Play with your dog — mentally stimulating games avoid boredom.
Leave your dog with a doggy toy they can chew on whenever you go out. Indestructible balls, such as those made by Nerf Dog Toys, will both physically and mentally keep your pooch occupied.
Training — using positive reinforcement when your pup has behaved well if left alone can be great encouragement.
Consider taking your doggy to daycare.
In worst-case scenarios, it may be necessary for crate training.
What Is the Lowest Maintenance Dog?
Smaller pups include the Chihuahua or King Charles Spaniel. For large couch potato dog breeds, consider the Great Dane or Bullmastiff.
If you’re thinking about welcoming a dog into your home, check out our list of low maintenance dogs for first time owners for a look at dogs that can also be non-destructive dog breeds.