The Lagotto Romagnolo is one of the dog breeds most strongly associated with anxiety-related behavior, especially noise sensitivity and fear of unfamiliar people. No breed has the highest anxiety in every situation.
A 2020 Finnish study of 13,715 dogs from 264 breeds found noise sensitivity in 32% of the sample. For separation-related behavior, mixed-breed dogs and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers had the highest reported rates.
These findings come from owner questionnaires and behavior studies, not a universal clinical ranking of every breed. Breed can affect anxiety risk, but an individual dog's genetics, early socialization, training, environment and past experiences also matter.
Anxiety-Prone Dog Breeds at a Glance
| Type of anxiety | Breed or group most associated with it |
|---|---|
| Noise anxiety, including fireworks and thunderstorms | Lagotto Romagnolo, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Norwegian Buhund |
| Separation-related behavior | Mixed-breed dogs and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers |
| Fear of unfamiliar people | Spanish Water Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs |
| Broad anxiety-related traits | Lagotto Romagnolo, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and some mixed-breed dogs |
The same research also found breed-specific patterns. Border Collies were more associated with certain compulsive behaviors than with every form of anxiety. Spanish Water Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs showed higher reported fear of unfamiliar people, while Norwegian Buhunds showed high noise sensitivity in breed comparisons.
Why the Lagotto Romagnolo Is Often Considered Highly Anxious
The Lagotto Romagnolo has appeared near the high end of studies examining canine anxiety traits. Researchers have reported relatively high levels of:
- Fear of loud noises
- Fear of unfamiliar people
- General social sensitivity
- Other anxiety-related behaviors
Noise sensitivity is particularly common in dogs. In the Finnish study of 13,715 dogs, 32% showed noise sensitivity, making it more common than separation-related behavior in that sample.
A separate study covering 17 breeds also identified the Lagotto Romagnolo, Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Norwegian Buhund as breeds with some of the highest reported noise sensitivity.
These results describe breed tendencies, not individual diagnoses. A Lagotto Romagnolo can be confident and adaptable, while a dog from a breed with lower average anxiety risk can still develop serious fear or distress.
Which Breed Has the Worst Separation Anxiety?
Mixed-breed dogs and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers had the highest reported rates of separation-related behavior in the large Finnish study. Mixed-breed dogs were more likely to show destructive behavior or indoor accidents when left alone. Wheaten Terriers were more likely to vocalize, salivate or pant.
Separation anxiety can involve:
- Barking, whining or howling after the owner leaves
- Pacing, panting or drooling
- Scratching doors or destroying furniture
- Urinating or defecating indoors
- Escape attempts or self-injury
Dogs with separation anxiety may also become distressed before their owner leaves or follow the owner from room to room. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine distinguishes these signs from ordinary boredom or a dog that simply prefers company.
What Matters More Than the Breed Name?
When choosing a dog, the individual dog and its background may tell you more than a breed ranking. Consider:
- Parent temperament: Nervous or fearful parent dogs may increase the chance of similar behavior in puppies.
- Early socialization: Limited exposure to people, sounds, handling and new environments can increase fearfulness.
- Daily lifestyle: High-energy working breeds may struggle when they lack exercise, training and mental stimulation.
- Health: Pain, illness, aging-related cognitive changes and sensory loss can cause or worsen anxious behavior.
- Previous experiences: Rehoming, neglect, traumatic events and repeated frightening situations can contribute to anxiety.
A breed label can help you research possible tendencies, but it cannot predict how one dog will behave in your home.
How to Help an Anxious Dog
Arrange a veterinary examination if the anxiety is severe, appears suddenly or is getting worse. Treatment commonly combines:
- Gradual desensitization to the trigger
- Positive-reinforcement training
- A predictable daily routine
- Exercise and suitable mental enrichment
- A quiet, safe resting area
- Medication when a veterinarian considers it appropriate
Punishment can intensify fear and does not treat the cause of anxiety. Cornell recommends gradual behavior modification and support from a qualified, reward-based trainer or veterinary behavior professional.