What are the most nervous dog breeds?

Some dog breeds are naturally more energetic, active, and nervous than others. These dogs may require more exercise, mental stimulation, and attention to stay happy and balanced. Below are some of the most nervous dog breeds, along with the characteristics that contribute to their temperament.

1. Jack Russell Terrier

Characteristics:

• Inexhaustible Energy: Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy and need plenty of daily exercise.
• Curiosity and Intelligence: They are extremely intelligent and curious dogs, which means they can easily get bored if not mentally stimulated.
• Temperament: They can be quite nervous if they don’t get enough exercise or stimulation, which can lead to destructive behaviors.

2. Chihuahua

Characteristics:

• Small Size, Big Power: Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are very active and alert dogs.
• Propensity to Anxiety: This breed can be nervous and develop anxiety, especially if it is not properly socialized from a young age.
• Sensitivity: Chihuahuas are very sensitive to their surroundings and may react nervously to loud noises or strangers.

3. Border Collie

Characteristics:

• High Intelligence: Border Collies are one of the most intelligent breeds, which means they need a lot of mental stimulation.
• Exercise Needs: They require a great deal of physical and mental exercise to stay balanced.
• Tendency to Anxiety: They can become nervous and anxious if not given the opportunity to exercise and work, as they are working dogs by nature.

4. Miniature Pinscher

Characteristics:

• Strong Personality: Despite their size, Miniature Pinschers have a great personality and can be very active and nervous.
• Vigilance: They are very alert dogs, which can make them prone to anxiety and hyperactivity.
• Require Socialization: Without proper socialization, they can become nervous and overreact to new stimuli.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Characteristics:

• High Energy: Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with a lot of energy.
• Territorial: They can be protective and nervous in new or unfamiliar situations.
• Prone to Anxiety: This breed can be quite nervous, especially if it feels threatened or if it is not well socialized.

6. Miniature Schnauzer

Characteristics:

• Vigilant Nature: Miniature Schnauzers are very vigilant dogs and can be prone to anxiety if not provided with enough exercise and stimulation.
• High Intelligence: They are intelligent dogs that need to be busy, otherwise, they can become nervous and destructive.
• Socialization Required: They require proper socialization to avoid nervousness around strangers or in new environments.

7. Pomerania

Characteristics:

• Energy and Enthusiasm: Pomeranians are small dogs but very energetic and enthusiastic.
• Surveillance and Alert: They can be very nervous and alert, which often makes them prone to excessive barking.
• Prone to Separation Anxiety: This breed can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

8. Cocker Spaniel

Characteristics:

• Emotional Sensitivity: Cocker Spaniels are known for their sensitive nature and can be nervous if not provided with a stable environment.
• Separation Anxiety: They are prone to separation anxiety and can become nervous if left alone frequently.
• Need for Exercise: They require regular exercise to release their energy and avoid nervousness.

9. Dachshund (Dachshund)

Characteristics:

• Energy and Curiosity: Dachshunds are energetic and curious dogs that can become nervous if not properly stimulated.
• Propensity to Anxiety: This breed can be nervous, especially in new or unfamiliar situations.
• Strong Hunting Instinct: Their strong hunting instinct can make them prone to hyperactivity and nervousness if they are not given the opportunity to exercise and hunt.

10. Beagle

Characteristics:

• Energetic Nature: Beagles are very energetic dogs that need plenty of daily exercise.
• Curiosity and Strong Smell: Their curious nature and strong sense of smell can cause them to be easily distracted and nervous if they are not busy.
• Prone to Separation Anxiety: This breed is also prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to nervous behaviors.

We have put together a guide to calm nervous dogs and thus improve their quality of life.

Bibliography and Sources

• Fogle, Bruce. (1995). The Encyclopedia of the Dog. London. Dorling Kindersley.
• Jmes Serpell. The domestic Dog: Its evolution, behaviour and interactions with people.