What dog breeds are calm and independent, okay being home alone?

More important than breed is the personality of the dog. Since you're gone during he day so much a puppy is not a good choice. I'd go with a shelter dog who is an adult already and seems to have a very calm personality type. Stay away from border collies, dalmations, many retrievers, and other innately-hyper working breeds as they require alot of attention and activity.

Yes, the companionship of your current dog should be enough for a new dog. I have two dog and leave them at home together when I'm working, and they are fine having each other for company. If you would post again with more detail about the specific parameters would like in another dog (i.e. large, medium, small breed, etc), then I or another expert would be glad to make breed suggestions for you :-)

It sounds like you have done a good amount of research on getting a dog, which is great. In terms of separation anxiety, that isn't something you can determine by breed necessarily. Some breeds do tend to be more high strung than others, particularly if they are dogs that are high energy and a working breed (such as a border collie or aussie that is stuck in a house with no activity). Personallly for families with children I am a large fan of retrievers and retriever mixes if you are wanting a large dog. Meeting the dogs and the dog's parents will give you a better idea of temperment and if they are a calm, relaxed dog. You can also look at the AKC website to help decide the breeds good for you based on your lifestyle. You can read about separation anxiety at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951949 and on how to help prevent it at https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/developing-separation-anxiety-will-the-learn-to-earn-program/ . I highly recommend the book by Dr. Sophia Yin The Perfect Puppy in 7 Days.

Hi. Given your requirements I would recommend that you search for an adult dog to adopt. A puppy would require frequent trips outside to become housebroken and typically may bark more. Young pups also require visits to vetfrequently for vaccines. Many breeds or mixes fit your other requirements. It's best to evaluate the animal by individual personality and temperament. You will want a dog that is fairly laid back and not high energy as it will be left alone for long periods. I'm unsure if there are shelters or places to adopt adult dogs in your area. If so many are usually very willing to help educate you and help find the dog best suited to your needs.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. Leaving a dog alone for a period time is fine for most dogs. It is a normal fact of life that we cannot be with our dogs 24/7. This is only a problem when the dog has an underlying anxiety disorder. In this case, the dog will be frantic being alone and can become destructive and even harm itself. I hope this information helps!

Great question and kudos to you for doing your homework before adopting a new puppy! :-) Some of my favorite smaller dogs breeds that bark a bit less include a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Welsh terrier, or a miniature Australian Shepherd. Any dog will bark from time to time, but these breeds typically are quieter and have gentle temperaments. Another breed, a Shiba Inu, practically never barks but generally speaking, they tend not to be as agreeable. The AKC website has a tool that can help with "breed selection" based upon your lifestyle and needs, if you are exclusively looking for purebred dogs. Otherwise, there are plenty of rescues and shelters (even breed-specific rescues) that may be able to help you find a puppy if you are also open to mixed-breed dogs.

My favorite breed is a Golden Retriever. They are truly the best family dogs ever, great with kids. They do need exercise daily, but don't tend to have chewing tendencies. I had a Golden Retriever for 12 years, best dog ever, and she was protective as needed.