Rather, it’s because many people associate German Shepherds with confrontational behavior because they’ve seen these dogs as “attack dogs” in fake police shows on TV. Below are the four best breeds of dogs for emotional support. I don’t blame you. In fact, recently these dogs have begun to shine as hearing assistance dogs, and are especially known for being steadfast companions. They are also great for those with disabilities or who live in nursing homes because they are small and don’t require a ton of grooming or work to care for. Here are the breeds that make for great therapy dogs – I think you’ll be surprised by some of them! Corgis may be seen as a royal favorite, but these dogs tend to be lighthearted and silly creatures. Empathetic by nature, poodles become attuned to their ownersâ feelings and can sense negative emotions as they arise, making them the perfect emotional support dog. The ten dog breeds below, in no particular order, are great choices if you are looking for an emotional support dog. Best Emotional Support Dogs. Labrador Retriever http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/10-best-small-dog-breeds-for-therapy-work/, (1) Yorkie[easyazon_image align=”right” cart=”n” cloak=”y” height=”250″ identifier=”B072Z7NZ4C” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://SimplyForDogs.com/public_html/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/516Up6dqlPL.jpg” tag=”natur0da-20″ width=”250″], (2) German Shepherd[easyazon_image align=”right” cart=”n” cloak=”y” height=”250″ identifier=”B01DJ0N1KS” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://SimplyForDogs.com/public_html/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/51cxgxE0CVL.jpg” tag=”natur0da-20″ width=”250″], (4) Collie[easyazon_image align=”right” cart=”n” cloak=”y” height=”250″ identifier=”B01N9KSITZ” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://SimplyForDogs.com/public_html/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/51ZZy6g65mL.jpg” tag=”natur0da-20″ width=”250″], Top 7 Breeds to Convert the Cat Lover in Your Life, Breed of the Week: The Scottish Terrier (Video). While any size dog can be a therapy pet, small dogs in particular are well-suited for the job because they can be lifted into beds if a person is immobile. These dogs are very gentle and also protective especially if you are suffering from a mental health condition. Another small dog, the Bichon Frise is a classic choice for elderly owners. These dogs are renown for working in all sorts of service positions, from being police dogs to sniffing out cancer. The one thing you’ll need with a German Shepherd is a good, [easyazon_link identifier=”B01DJ0N1KS” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”natur0da-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”n”]sturdy leash[/easyazon_link], but it’s not because the dog is difficult. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is on almost every best emotional support dogs list. What happens when a person who is allergic to dogs actually needs a service dog? Both of these hypoallergenic dog breeds are shed-free, making them hypoallergenic, and both of these breeds are highly intelligent and eager to please, which puts them in prime service dog real estate. Their intelligence, friendliness, and size make them as capable of doing the work that any other Lab or Golden would do. When it comes to being loving, the Brussels has it in spades â there is no such thing as âpersonal spaceâ to this pup. Hypoallergenic service dogs are in high demand these days. These little guys are absolute characters, with funny personalities that make them easy to smile at. Complete List of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds. According to studies, the levels of oxytocin and cortisol in dogs and owners are closely associated. Due to their larger size, the Poodle and Labradoodle are the most common hypoallergenic service dogs, doing the same work that Labs and Retrievers do. The Brussels Griffon is a small, sturdy dog that is cheerful, affectionate, and can get along with other pets. They picked these breeds for two major reasons. If frou-frou isn’t your type, but you need a smaller dog that can be carried if necessary, the pug is your answer. What makes Chihuahuas one of the best emotional support dogs is the fact that theyâre tiny, intelligent and capable of forming strong bonds with their owners. Some of the best emotional support dogs can even be trained to recognize when their owner is experiencing a panic attack or traumatic episode, and intervene with extra love. Lucy, the dog I met that prompted this article, is a great testament to why Retrievers make excellent therapy dogs. There are plenty of dog breeds that are more than happy to live in small spaces. The same goes for the number of personalities people and dogs come in. Pit Bull Pixabay. That doesn’t mean they can’t be trained – on the contrary, Corgis are brilliant dogs that can be trained to do therapeutic tasks if you have a lot of patience. The Poodle and the Labradoodle are the two major players in the world of service dogs for people with allergies. Prefer a bigger dog? Very active, obedient and energetic and with a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig heart. See Also: 11 Best Dog Breeds For Nurses Whoâve Always Wanted Pet Dogs First, they love to cuddle, and their coats are silky soft. And the two breeds that are being used the most are the Poodle and Labradoodle. Labrador Retriever is an all-rounder: A therapy Dog, an emotional support Dog, and a service Dog. You may also like: 10 ways nature and animals predict the weather Some of these dogs do similar work to their larger counterparts while others are more in the companion category. They are one of the best emotional support dog breeds because of their lovable, well-mannered, friendly, and graceful nature. But there are some best emotional support dogs that make excellent therapy dogs. They love learning new tricks and they are protective when it comes to their family. Not all dogs have the right temperament for the task, however, and it takes careful training for manâs best friend to pass the test for those who especially need it. Even studies show that dogs can help us fight depression. Therapy dogs neednât be certified, but paperwork documenting a therapy dogâs training will likely improve the odds that businesses, schools, and other locations will invite your dog inside. By that, I mean that they tend to be very good at convincing someone to smile, play, or brighten up just a bit. Labradoodles are cross breeds of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. With our Service Dog Training you donât have to buy what are considered by most trainers as the best emotional support animal dog breeds: Labrador and Golden Retriever, German Shepherd or Standard Poodle. Her name was Lucy, and she was a total sweetheart. We can train most any dog breed to be an ESA. Large ESAâs can wear padded vests with larger buckles while smaller dogs require a more comfortable, lightweight, less restrictive vest. They are also very charismatic, if a dog can be such a thing. These super devoted animals are faithful companions, quick to learn, and keen to please. They are great with kids, and they tend to be very healthy dogs with long lives. Sometimes I meet sporting dogs, like Cadence the Whippet. Making a call on which of our canine counterparts are the best emotional support dog breeds is a tricky one. If frou-frou isnât your type, but you need a smaller dog that can be carried if necessary, the pug is your answer. Small Dogs French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frises and King Charles Spaniel are all types of ESA dogs that are great for small apartment dwellers. They can be trained to do all sorts of actions, and they have the right personality to go along with it. Some people need a more sensitive dog that can truly pick up on their emotions and react appropriately. Any breed and size of dog can make a great emotional support dog, but some dog breeds with good predisposition tend to be more obedient and trainable. But more than that, Corgis are alert, even-tempered dogs that like giving and receiving affection. ESA â Emotional Support Dog Training Choose the Best Emotional Support Dog Breed For You. But more importantly, Yorkies have ahigh aptitude for the kind of training an emotional support dog needs. So what is a person with dog allergies to do? Renowned for human companionship and is very athletic. Pugs are also very devoted. These dogs are going to wake up every day and stick by your side no matter what. 4. Basically, she goes into the hospital to cheer up kids who are stuck there. They also tend to have big personalities, which makes them a lot of fun – perfect for cheering someone up and getting some laughs. In addition to their impressive intelligence, they are extremely friendly, eager to please, and a quite hardy breed. These dogs do need their long coats brushed regularly, but this can actually become a very meditative act for people, which can help with anxiety and panic attacks. The Labradoodle is another top pick for hypoallergenic service dogs. They should be friendly, gentle and have a calm demeanor. Golden retrievers know how to bond with their owners. Poodles are a lot like Bichon Frise, with the added factor of having very dignified personalities. Golden retrievers make one of the finest family dogs, especially in homes with many family members. They were bred as companion dogs, and are typically considered great for elderly owners who suffer from loneliness and depression. It really is all about finding the perfect human-canine match. When it comes to therapy dogs, temperament is most important. They tend to be very laidback couch potatoes, perfect for someone who needs the reminder to relax, and they are very affectionate with their owners. [/su_table] Lucy’s job is pretty simple, but also kind of complex. Going back to the small breeds for a moment, the pug is a great choice for an emotional support dog if you donât want a lot of floofy hair everywhere. Get yourself a brush that makes you feel like you are petting your dog, such as a [easyazon_link identifier=”B01N9KSITZ” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”natur0da-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”y” localize=”y” popups=”n”]brush glove[/easyazon_link], and you’ll have a great way to calm yourself down that the Collie will love. THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. Dogs are a great way to combat many disabilities, which is why weâve created this list of the 11 best emotional support dog breeds for anxiety, since anxiety is something dogs ⦠If you're considering getting a new canine to act as your ESA, there are 10 breeds best suited for ESA work in the whole doggo world. If you plan to be going for a daily walk with your therapy dog, a Chihuahua may not be the right fit for you. They love cuddling, snuggling, and squirming to their handlers. It’s no secret on this blog that I’m a big fan of full-sized dogs, the bigger the better. This means that a young child with emotional issues will have a better chance of being with their therapy friend for many years to come. A poodle will definitely remind you that you can be fabulous no matter what! They were actually used to help deliver supplies and messages during the World Wars, if that helps you understand just how heroic these little pups can be. Sometimes I meet lovable family pets, working dogs who live on farms, and even bomb-sniffing dogs. But above all, a Corgi is always going to want to ham it up as often as he can. One of the things I love about having dog loving friends is that I get to be introduced to all sorts of dogs – and I’m not just talking about the breeds! She knows that that kid needs some extra love just then.”. That makes these dogs great for when you need a calming hug – and also makes them very good for people who have sensory issues and are calmed by smooth textures. Furthermore, they generally require lots of exercise, which means youâll be getting exercise, too. They are frequently trained to provide support to those with severe, detrimental emotional issues, and they are also great for kids due to their gentle natures. That should tell you right away that these dogs are smart and easy to train. They are also brilliant and trainable dogs and can encourage an owner to get out for some exercise on a regular basis. This can be both amusing and inspiring for those who suffer from anxiety. First, these are the most commonly trained dogs for other types of therapy, such as guide dogs and helpers for those with physical disabilities. They picked these breeds for two major reasons. Some do so by simply hanging out with their person, soliciting scritches, and generally being a dog, while others will intervene during acute attacks of anxiety or fear. Luckily, this has become more and more at the forefront of animal service thinking, and hypoallergenic service dogs are becoming more and more common. [su_button url=”http://amzn.to/2zM2WLo” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#FF6600″ size=”14″ center=”yes” radius=”5″ class=”muz_amazon_buy_button”]BUY IT NOW ON AMAZON[/su_button]. Dogs come in as many shapes and sizes as people do. But if you walk into a room where the kid is obviously broken-hearted – just really depressed or anxious – Lucy will immediately go cuddle with them, and you couldn’t get her to chase a ball if you tried. Golden retrievers have long reigned as one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., both as emotional support animals and general family pets. There are people out there who need a service dog but don’t have one because of their allergies. They are friendly, they love people, and they are smart enough to be trained to pick up on specific cues regarding emotions. Of course, not all dog breeds are created equal when it comes to acting as emotional support animals. Their shy-yet-lovable natures can make an anxious owner feel as though they’ve found a kindred spirit, and that connection can often be just the thing for helping with general anxiety. There are several traits that make the golden retriever an excellent emotional support dog. It makes sense when you think about it. A yappy and royal lapdog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a perfect company for both adults and kids who need an emotional support and service dog. My Boxers, Janice and Leroy, could never fit in a pet purse – and neither could a German Shepherd. You can find a dog that has already been trained, or train a dog yourself to provide support for anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues. Thatâs why they may be considered an Emotional Support Animal dog or a Service dog or even a therapy dog! They are incredibly smart, and they are incredibly friendly. The Bichon Frise is a surprisingly smart and trainable dog. Thereâs a lot of confusion around what exactly a service dog is, and the differences between service dogs and emotional support dogs. In order to make the people around you comfortable, a German Shepherd should be kept on a good leash. 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