Which dog breeds can be left alone for 8.5 hours a day?

Excuse me, I've had rabbits my entire life so you don't need to lecture me. Rabbits are absolutely fine to be left on their own. I didn't say anything about sticking them in a tiny hutch.

We would walk it for longer than that, ignore my first post. The main problem is just about it being alone.

The above comments are absolutely ridiculous. As I expected tbh.

How many people have dogs, and how many people work full time? OP, most people who have dogs also work full time. Just don't get a dog which requires a lot of stimulation (often the more intelligent ones), and be prepared to walk him/her before and after work. As long as they go on nice walks, and are given lots of attention when you are home (I.e, not locked away in the utility room), most are fine. But don't get a highly energetic dog, which requires a lot of stimulation, as I said.

Everyone has said this is not a good environment for a dog. Maybe you should listen.

Everyone has said this is not a good environment for a dog. Maybe you should listen.

Surely it's better than being in a shelter, if they are given loads of love, comfort and attention for the mornings, evenings, weekends and other 4 days of the week constantly?

Do you know which breeds tend to be less intelligent/need less stimulation?

Surely it's better than being in a shelter, if they are given loads of love, comfort and attention for the mornings, evenings, weekends and other 4 days of the week constantly?

Get a cat.


FFS do not get a puppy.

You need to do a lot of research on breeds. It's so easy to buy the wrong breed for your needs! High energy dogs I can think of besides the obvious ones (Collies, Huskies etc) are probably the likes of springer spaniels, beagels, setters. One of the laziest dogs we used to own were whippets (despite what people think!), they would go for a crazy run on their walk, and then literally sleep all day and all night. Honestly, they'd just curl up by the fire and sleep whenever they were at home.

What kind of dog are you interested in?

Also, I think it's a really good idea to get a dog from a rescue centre if you can. There's lots of rescue charities for specific breeds.

We're thinking of shih tzu, lhasa apso, terrier etc. What do you think of these dogs temperments?

You may find a rescue dog is even less likely to handle being left alone if it has been neglected or abandoned.

There's no such thing as a dog breed that is okay to leave alone for that long. Dog's are incredibly social pack animals, they NEED socialisation to function. They need love and affection and attention and they need to be around their family. When you buy a dog and leave it alone for that long you are causing it great emotional harm, increasing the risk of destructive behaviour and being incredibly selfish. What exercise is that dog going to get in that 8.5 hours stuck alone? Is it going to be walked and socialised? What do you think it will be doing by itself for 8.5 hours with no contact with anyone? If you don't understand how messed up and selfish you and your family are being for considering it then just replace the word 'dog' with 'baby' and re-read your entire post. Dog's have been proven to have the same mental development of 2 year old human toddlers, they have emotions and are able to feel severe distress, loneliness and depression. You think just because your dog runs up to you tail wagging and excited when you come home that no harm has been done?

I'm in medical school and I live by myself in a house and I have a large dog. The responsibility is the same as having a small kid, I wouldn't have him if I knew I wouldnt be able to take care of him and have time for him, he's literally a family member to me and dogs deserve the same consideration you would give a human child. he's never by himself for more than 3-4 hours (the maximum time to leave a dog by itself). I plan my time and my activities around him because that's what you're supposed to do when you decide to have a dog, not the other way around. We're together 90% of the time. When i'm lectures and during long days he's always at dog daycare where he gets to play and socialise with other dogs. At weekends I take him on long hikes, he gets loads of exercise and our bond is great.

Having your mum in the house 4 days a week does not make up for the 3 days a week it would be spending with over 7-8 hours on its own. You want something "fluffy" and medium 'not requiring' exercise? A nice little decoration to "coo" over, take pictures with and pet when it's convenient for you?

If your feelings for wanting a dog were legitimate I would have said to have your dog in dog daycare for those 8 hours. My daycare charges £12 a day and £6 for 5 hours. Alas, your reasons for wanting a dog are entirely superficial and you honestly shouldn't have one.

Get a pet fish.