My husband and I work full time. Stomper is left alone Mon-Fri for about 10 hours. I have a dog walker twice a week for him. He does just fine. I have tons of toys and music on for him to enjoy. I have heard that this breed does not do good left alone - I think he just sleeps all day like most dogs do even when you are home! I really think a lot of it depends on how the dog is raised in your home. For example, if someone is usually home all day long, of course the dog is going to be sad when you leave him. My Stomper has always been left alone for that amount of time since we got him at 8 weeks old. He is used to it and now knows we will return home to see him! Plus, he is so excited when he sees me (then again, if I leave for 5 minutes and come back home I get that same response!).
Just a week ago, someone on Yorkie Talk sent an email from a professional stating that dogs have no concept of time so they don't know if you were gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours. I would have to agree with my experience thus far.
Most married couples in the Bay Area CA are both forced to work. Does that mean we shouldn't get a dog? I think not...we spend all of our other time with him and he seems very happy (no signs of depression).
I will say, that it is more work than I thought having a needy puppy and working full-time. It is a lot of work. Really! They needs lots of attention, lots of time to train how to go potty, etc. Just realize that you are going to get up 3 times a night with a puppy to go potty and you will still need to to to work the next day! I was so tired and cried the first 2 weeks I had Stomper because of my lack of sleep. By no means is it easy. Thinking back now...I wouldn't have gotten a puppy. I would have gotten a dog over 1 years of age. Trust me...I wouldn't trade my Stomper for the world, I'm just honest to say if I knew how much work it would be working full time and having a puppy - I would have gotten a mature dog instead. Just realize that. If you have kids, you'll already be used to it. I don't so this whole experience is new to me!
My suggestion, if you are not set on a puppy, is to get a dog at least 1 years of age. Less needy, probably already trained to sleep in a crate, goes potty outside, knows commands (sit, don't touch, etc.) which will make your working life easier!
Good luck. I hope I have helped you with your decision!!!!
__________________  Kimberly & Stomper |