Which Breed of Dog is Best for Emotional Support?

For a very long time, humans and dogs have had a special relationship. Dogs have looked to humans for food and shelter. In turn, dogs have helped protect humans. We also kept dogs to work on farms or do other tasks.

Today, only very few dogs do work for their human companions. Farms are nowhere near as common as they were thousands of years ago. But some dogs still provide a very important service for their companions.

Emotional support dogs are much more common today, but it is important that a person looking for an emotional support dog pick a breed that will mesh with their lifestyle and their needs.

Today, we look at which dog breeds are the best choice as an emotional support dog. Of course, any “good dog” can be a great emotional support dog, but these are the most common breeds.

Why Use Emotional Support Dogs?

An emotional Support dog is used to offer support and companionship in everyday life. They are often used by people who suffer from severe anxiety, or they can be used simply to give someone a purpose. Whatever the reason a person uses and emotional support dog for, they are much different from service dogs.

A service dog is a specially trained dog that helps their owner in everyday tasks. Service dogs are often assigned to someone who is disabled and has difficulty completing tasks on their own.

An emotional support dog does not have the same level of special training. Instead, emotional support dogs do what comes naturally to them. They are gentile, intelligent, and tolerant to new situations and people.

Below, you’ll find of list of dogs that are often used as emotional support dogs.

Best Emotional Support Breeds

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier is an obvious choice for an emotional support dog. They were originally bred to be lap dogs, so they fit the bill perfectly. They’ll love nothing more than a lap to cuddle and a constant stream of affection.

But these dogs aren’t lazy. While you’ll find them napping in your lap often enough, they also have bouts of energetic play. Their infectious smile will be sure to get you on your feet and playing in no time.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers make great companions. They love being around people and are a great choice for a family dog. They are gentle enough to nap with young children, but they are sturdy enough to serve as service dogs, as well.

Labrador Retrievers are often used as service dogs because they are smart, strong, and affectionate. This also makes them a great choice for emotional support dogs.

Poodle

The Standard Poodle makes a perfect emotional support dog. They are extremely smart and very friendly toward everyone. Of course, they have a special affinity for their handler though.

Another wonderful trait about the Standard Poodle is that they are hypoallergenic. This means that their coat doesn’t produce as much dander as other dog breeds. So, people who are allergic to dogs can still feel free to cuddle up with this breed.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever may seem somewhat like the Labrador, so it makes sense that they would also make great emotional support dogs.

Many Golden Retriever owners say that the companionship they offer can hardly be beat. This is probably why the Golden has been such a popular dog to breed. The Goldendoodle (Poodle), Gordie (Corgi) and Goldendoxie (Dachshund) are all breeds based off the Golden Retriever. The Golden’s intelligent and calm demeanor are traits that many people are looking for in their dog.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie loves to be with their handlers. They have been known to bond strongly with their owner and can often be seen trailing them whenever possible.

But don’t let them live in the shadows, they are happiest when giving and receiving affection. The Yorkie love the companionship of their owner and will reciprocate in kind.

Pug

The Pug is kind of an acquired taste, so they certainly are not for everyone. But the Pug can offer so much love to their lucky handler. They are easy to bond with, and love to play and snuggle.

It doesn’t hurt that perfectly lap sized, too.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is often described as a majestic mountain dog. Looking at one, it’s obvious why. They have a beautiful, lush coat of white. This makes them a great dog to snuggle up with.

The male Pyrenees can grow to be over 100 pounds, so they might make a better pillow than lap dog. But their Zen-like calmness makes them an excellent emotional support dog.

Greyhound

Greyhounds have been known to do a fantastic job of reading emotions. Obviously, this is a desirable trait for an emotional support dog. Being able to sense when their handler is feeling anxiety is something that would be invaluable.

These dogs love snuggling too. If you’re calmed by being near your dog, this is the one to choose. Just remember that greyhounds are often put up for adoption after a career racing. These dogs might not be the best choice as an emotional support dog because they may have been mishandled as racers. Many families may love these dogs, but they might not be best as emotional support dogs.

Pomeranian

Probably the smallest dog on the list, the Pomeranian has a huge heart. They are loving companions who always prefer to be around their handler. The great news is that their small size makes them easily mobile! Invest in a nice carrier and you’ll be able to take your Pomeranian pretty much anywhere.

Do Emotional Support Dogs Really Work?

Well, do they work? A study published in Frontiers of Psychology showed that human-animal interactions can activate oxytocin in the brain. This goes for both humans and dogs. So, the simple act of showing affection can make both human and dog feel better.

It’s also important to remember that just having a dog is not going to be a magic bullet against anxiety. An overall healthy lifestyle is going to be one of your best bets, but an emotional support dog can be a very rewarding part of anxiety management.