Dog Breeds That Are Timid

When you think of dogs, the image of a happy Labrador playing side-by-side with children may come to mind, since dogs are social and pack-oriented animals. However, there are some breeds that are prone to timid behavior or having aloof, independent personalities that cause them to seem shy. These dogs take extra effort with confidence-building, training and patience to become good family pets, but some may always be timid or reserved. Researching breed characteristics and behavior is the best way to determine if a breed is appropriate for your family.

  1. The Shiba Inu

    • The shiba inu is an ancient Japanese breed with a fox-like appearance and cat-like behavior. According to the American Kennel Club breed standard for the shiba inu, these dogs are reserved with strangers and this can be perceived as timidness. If properly socialized as puppies, shibas are not timid and behave confidently when with their owners, but they will always have the tendency to shy away from and purposefully avoid strangers. This is an example of the cat-like behavior of a shiba. This breed will trot around and examine you while staying just out of your reach, just as cats generally do not clamber all over visitors right away, but prefer to watch from a distance. Extreme shyness or aggressiveness is considered a major fault in the AKC breed standard, but it is quite normal for a shiba to make your earn its respect and trust before accepting you.

    The Basenji

    • The basenji is a primitive breed from Africa with unique behaviors and instincts. These dogs do not bark, do not enjoy overly affectionate attention and prefer to be an only pet. The American Kennel Club breed standard for the basenji describes a dog that was bred to hunt on its own and therefore has an independent personality. This leads the basenji to make its own judgements on new people, rather than looking to you for guidance on who to trust. If this dog decides you are not trustworthy, it will avoid you, making it seem timid. And if your basenji finds you bothersome or overly affectionate, it will shy away from you too.

    The Greyhound

    • The greyhound has a reputation for being a fast and energetic dog, but in reality, it is calm in a home and content to relax with its family if given daily exercise. This breed has sensitive emotions, and becomes timid and upset if scolded or if a family argument is taking place. Due to this sensitivity, if not properly socialized, greyhounds tend to be fearful, anxious and shy. Many retired racing greyhounds have had sub-standard emotional care, so among the breed, these ex-racers especially are prone to timidity and delicate temperaments. According to GreyhoundSavvy.com, training and praise is needed at a young age to help these dogs build confidence, to reduce future timid behavior.

    The Saluki

    • The rare saluki is another timid breed, and according to Dog-Adoption-and-Training.com, these dogs are submissive, sensitive and aloof. This breed generally only bonds deeply with one person, and prefers only its immediate family. A saluki will avoid strangers and never make an attempt to investigate or befriend them. Training and socialization at a young age can build your saluki's confidence, but by nature it will remain alert but hesitant toward strangers, loud noises and commotion.